Trace the footsteps of pioneers along America’s first federally funded highway, stretching 824 miles from the iconic Eads Bridge in East St. Louis to the cobblestones of Baltimore’s Lombard Street. This All-American Road crosses six states—Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland—weaving through the heartland’s rolling farmlands, Appalachian ridges, and charming Main Street towns that time nearly forgot.

Along the way, discover roadside treasures: giant fiberglass statues, vintage diners, and S-bridge stone spans built by hand in the 1800s. Stop at the National Road &038; Zane Grey Museum in Ohio, explore Wheeling’s Victorian architecture, and climb the Casselman River Bridge in Maryland—an engineering marvel of its era. The route passes through vibrant cities like Indianapolis and Columbus while revealing quieter pleasures: antique shops, local bakeries, and scenic overlooks across the Allegheny Mountains.

Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall offers ideal driving conditions and full access to attractions. Autumn transforms the Appalachian stretches into corridors of blazing color.

Allow: Five to seven days to truly appreciate the journey, though weekend segments work beautifully for shorter escapes.

This isn’t just a drive—it’s a rolling museum of American ambition and westward expansion.

Explore Nearby

• Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area — State Park in Maryland
• Sang Run State Park — State Park in Maryland
• Lower Humbert Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• King’s Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• South Hills — Public Land