Enjoy mountains, canyons, the Rio Grande, hoodoos weathered volcanic ash formations, mesas, desert, creeks, and a narrow rock fissure.
El Camino del Rio, the River Road, leads through canyons and mountains as it follows the Rio Grande. The 1.5-hour, 51-mile travel goes from Lajitas to Presidio on Route 170. If you make the trip in the summer, be warned that it is extremely hot. The highway is steep and has poor shoulders. Begin the journey east of Lajitas at the Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center. Here, you can get information on the 420 sq. mile Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area that surrounds the River Road.
Lajitas was established in 1915 as an Army post to safeguard settlers from Pancho Villa. Drive west on Route 170 out of Lajitas. Several miles out, the road swings Read more . . .
Drive south out of Fort Stockton via U.S. 385 to get a long stare at the real Texas. West Texas armadillos and tumbleweeds crossing the highway for a couple of hours will get you warmed up for the amazing scenery ahead. There is natural beauty unlike any other in the somewhat barren landmass that lies between Big Bend and Fort Stockton National Park, but Big Bend country is the best.
Tennessee’s Newfound Gap Road is a 40-mile trip from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Oconaluftee Visitor Center located in North Carolina. The2-hour trek through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was built in the 1930s. 
Starting in Nashville, head out U.S. 41 for 32 miles to Murfeesboro, then 24 miles south on U.S. 231 to Shelbyville, southeast on Route 82 for 14 miles to Route 55, and 3 miles southwest to Lynchburg. This looks like a short drive, but there is enough to see and do to take up at least a whole day. 
This route is a mountain-lovers ultimate dream. It features beautiful scenic overlooks, an abundance of deep blue streams, and densely forested hills. It will take you through the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Make sure to pack plenty of film, perhaps a fishing pole or two, and your hiking boots.