Welcome to Take Back Roads, where you will discover the most:

authentic experiences

beautiful travel destinations

scenic back roads to explore

excellent road trip plans

experienced travel advice

for traveling on the back roads of America!

The intent of Take Back Roads is to create a forum where people can read, write, share, and learn about each others’ adventures while driving the back roads of our great country.

What is a Back Road?

This is such a great question!  I could lie to you and say I get asked this question all the time.  The reality is, virtually everyone comes in with their own preconceived notions about what back roads are.  Heck, you might’ve even heard the song!

Which leaves me to define what I consider a back road.  To put it plainly, a back road is not the interstate!  When putting together road trip plans, or when chatting with people about travel, I try really hard not to limit myself to unnecessarily complicated definitions.  For the sake of simplicity, if it’s not the interstate, it can qualify as a back road!

Beyond that, though, the most important characteristic of back roads travel is the ability to easily experience the unique characteristics that make up and define a region.  Whether it’s

• roadside attractions
• local shopping and food
• panoramic vistas
• National or State Parks
• cultural or historical locations

or any of the other interesting things people seek out when traveling, taking back roads is the easiest and most enjoyable way to have the best trip possible!

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Traveling:  

More than ever before, American travelers are seeking out the serenity and authenticity of back roads, small towns, and rural America.  Take Back Roads is here to help you on this quest!  With extensive experience traveling the back roads of America and Europe (and even a little bit in Costa Rica!) since 2013, we have a significant database of resources to dive into to find road trip ideas, travel resources, and detailed how-to posts to help you navigate the wonderful world of back road driving!  Heck, we even put together an extensive road trip playlist!

Planning Road Trips

If you would rather have us do the work for you, we are happy to plan your next road trip!  We will work one-on-one with you, plotting out maps and finding highly rated activities along the way!  Click the link to find out more details.  

Stay Safe and Travel Well!

Please take a little bit of time learning about the history & motivation of our website, and how you can become a contributor.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Curious about what are the best backroads in the USA?  Start here. In addition, if you see a picture on any of these pages that strikes a chord with you, please know that you can find a format to have it to hang on your wall.

Looking for travel content?  Click HERE

Want us to help plan your next road trip?  Click HERE

Looking for help with travel photography?  Click HERE

We want to help local businesses, attractions, historical sites, and communities to thrive.  If you would like us to come visit your business, please contact me.

Please let us know about your favorite things to see and do … where should we go next?

USEFUL LINKS FOR:

Road Trips – the best back road by state

Road Trips – my personal favorite back roads in America

Road Trips – how to drive cross country cheaply

Gear – essential gear for wild camping

Gear – essential gear for motorcycle camping

Gear – essential gear for Milky Way / night sky photography

 

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.  This means that I receive a commission – at no cost to you – if you purchase one of the products I’ve linked to on this page.