Finding Scenic Routes

[swordds]

Here is a GPS method I have been using with good success for finding scenic routes. Here is how I am finding some amazing scenic routes. I am using Google Maps on my iPhone with the "Route Options" set to "Avoid Highways."  Next I select a destination about 100 - 150 miles away (I will explain why in a minute). The destination can be a large town or a very small town, or a coffee shop, or anyplace with an identifier in Google Maps.  Google Maps then generally gives me two or three route options. I almost always select the longest and slowest option because that is generally also the most scenic option. Once I select the route I pinch the screen with my fingers to make the scale smaller (which is why I limit my route sections to about 150 miles or less) so that the entire route from where I am to my destination fits on the screen (after doing this just ignore the "Re-Center" prompt on the screen).  This scale loses the details of where to turn but the turn-by-turn directions, including the distance to the next turn, are shown in the upper left corner of the screen so a larger scale is not needed. Using this small scale gives me a better feel for where I am in comparison to my destination, and while riding the route alternative route options generally show up. Again, whenever a slower/longer route option appears I generally take that option. Whenever a faster route option appears I dismiss it. I have had some amazing rides doing this on roads I otherwise never would have known existed. Also, because there are often several route options that appear during a ride I can ride to the same destination many times without taking the same route. Because many of the roads I end up on are narrow country lanes I am often traveling at 35 - 45 mph so I can spend most of a day traveling within 200 - 300 miles from my home. Not the fastest way to get somewhere but I have found it to be the most interesting and scenic and you don't have to plan anything in advance, just pick a destination, avoid highways, and take the longer and slower route options provided. Republicans

[twowings]

Ever tried Rever?

[Guzzistajohn]

I have found some good back roads by riding to a cemetery out in the country (I use them for stopping places) and then find another one 15 or 20 miles away on the GPS then set the GPS on shortest distance and see where the thing takes me. I've gone to some REALLY remote places this way in Missouri and Arkansas

[twowings]

'Where you goin', city boy???"   

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Look at (paper) map, see grey squiggly line with tiny dots along the way. Go there. Simple. 

[twowings]

Butler Maps FTW

[chuck peterson]

 

"Can I take this road to Jackson MO?..."

"Nope, it needs to stay right there..."

 

[oldbike54]

 Will this road take me to Last Chance ?

 Yeah .

 So how far away is it ?

 About 600 miles .

 Are you sure , it looks like it's only about 30 miles on my GPS .

 Well why did you ask me then , never been there .

 Dusty

[fotoguzzi]

GPS? no thanks..

[Daniel Kalal]

some good notes here.  My approach?  Always take the road you've never ridden (without being compulsive about it).  In time, you'll get them all.

[oldbike54]

 When you come to a fork in the road , take it . Correct Deke ?

 Dusty

[chuck peterson]

some good notes here.  My approach?  Always take the road you've never ridden (without being compulsive about it).  In time, you'll get them all.

Lololololololol!

[Scud]

I have Garmin's BaseCamp software with topographic maps loaded. Sometimes, today for example, I'll load a track into the GPS and follow it. Today, I loaded a bunch of backroads that follow the San Andreas Fault.