Top 124 Hidden Gem Road Trips in the U.S. Include 3 from Delaware – Have You Driven Them?

Discovering Hidden Gem Road Trips in Delaware

Road trips can be an exciting way to explore the country, offering a mix of scenic views, opportunities for breaks, and unique experiences. While many people think they need to travel far from their hometowns to find these adventures, some hidden gem road trips are actually right in their own backyard. In fact, Delaware has three routes that made it onto the list of the top 124 hidden gem road trips in the United States.

These routes might seem ordinary to locals who commute daily, but they offer a chance to experience the beauty of the state in a new way. The list was compiled by Gunther Kia after surveying 3,011 road trippers to identify the best lesser-known drives across the country. Here are three of Delaware’s standout routes:

Northern Forest and Farm Loop

Number 80 on the list, the Northern Forest and Farm Loop is a four-hour drive that starts in Newark and takes travelers through White Clay Creek, Smyrna, Blackbird State Forest, and back to Newark. This route offers a peaceful journey through shaded trails, open fields where horses graze and hawks soar, and rural barns. The drive provides a refreshing change of scenery, swapping the coast for quiet, wooded roads and plenty of picnic spots.

Coastal Backroads and Bays Loop

The Coastal Backroads and Bays Loop, ranked number 109, is a four-and-a-half-hour trip starting in Lewes. It winds through Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island, Trap Pond State Park, Milton, and back to Lewes. Along the way, drivers can enjoy dunes, boardwalk towns, salt marshes, and a bald cypress swamp. The coastal area also boasts numerous seafood restaurants, roadside farm stands, and the relaxing breeze of the bay.

Brandywine Valley and Countryside Circuit

Number 117 on the list, the Brandywine Valley and Countryside Circuit begins in Wilmington and travels through Greenville, Hockessin, Odessa, and Port Penn before returning to Wilmington. This four-hour drive showcases rolling estate country, covered bridges, and colonial hamlets with views of the Delaware River. Travelers can also take in old mansions and gardens, backroads through farmland, and sleepy riverfront villages.

Other Notable Hidden Gem Road Trips in the U.S.

While Delaware has its own hidden gems, other states also offer incredible road trips. Some of the top ones include:

• Olympic Peninsula Rainforest Circuit (Washington) – A five-and-a-half-hour drive through lush rainforests.
• Big Island South Loop (Hawaii) – A five-and-a-half-hour journey showcasing volcanic landscapes.
• Blue Ridge Parkway Mountain Loop (North Carolina) – A five-and-a-half-hour scenic drive through mountainous terrain.
• San Juan Skyway Scenic Loop (Colorado) – A six-and-a-half-hour route featuring dramatic mountain vistas.
• Black Hills Scenic Loop (South Dakota) – A five-and-a-half-hour drive through rugged landscapes.
• Pennsylvania Dutch Country Circuit (Pennsylvania) – A four-hour trip through historic countryside.
• Shenandoah Valley Scenic Loop (Virginia) – A five-and-a-half-hour drive through beautiful valleys.
• Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Oregon) – A six-hour journey through one of the deepest river gorges in North America.
• Maui Upcountry and North Coast Drive (Hawaii) – A six-hour drive exploring the island’s natural beauty.
• Central Nevada Loneliest Road Loop (Nevada) – A six-hour trip through remote desert landscapes.

Whether you're looking for a short weekend getaway or a longer adventure, these hidden gem road trips offer something for every traveler. From the peaceful countryside of Delaware to the dramatic landscapes of Hawaii and Oregon, there's no shortage of breathtaking routes to explore.