History: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: a mysterious island lurking just off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork, called Plum Island. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. This place is seriously off-limits. We're talking Fort Knox levels of security.
Why the big deal? Well, beneath the surface of this small island lies a network of paved roads, a relic of its past as a military fort. But these roads aren't for leisurely drives. They're exclusively for accessing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a top-secret research facility. Think high-containment labs studying scary animal diseases.
Getting anywhere near these roads is a no-go. No public access, no private vehicles, nada. We're talking federal law enforcement and serious security. The reason isn’t treacherous terrain or hidden dangers, but a bio-containment and national security protocol. Every move is monitored, every person decontaminated.
This isn’t your average scenic route. It's a network of roads existing solely within a high-security quarantine zone. The primary danger isn't a sharp turn or a steep drop, but something microscopic. So, while the scenery might be intriguing, this is one road trip you'll only experience in your imagination.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow long is the road to Elbow Lake in UT?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Elbow Lake in Utah is calling, perched high in the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, specifically on the Aquarius Plateau (aka Boulder Mountain). This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Utah, topping out at a whopping 11,141 feet above sea level. Getting there? Tricky! You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 for Forest Road 178. Forget pavement – this is a 21.6-mile (34.76 km) stretch of pure, unadulterated, rocky challenge. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure trail that's open roughly from mid-June to the end of October. The reward? Jaw-dropping scenery, killer hiking, and the chance to cast a line in some epic fishing spots. But a word of warning: this area is known for some intense summer thunderstorms, so if you see one brewing, get yourself to cover, pronto! And even though it’s summer, always be prepared for winter weather, because at this elevation, Mother Nature plays by her own rules. Trust me, the views are worth it, but respect the mountain!
extremeA wild road to Pipestone Pass in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! I just tackled Pipestone Pass in Montana, and let me tell you, it's a stunner. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 6,469 feet. The whole thing's paved, winding its way through the eastern foothills of the Rockies. But don't think it's a Sunday drive! This baby's got curves and some seriously steep sections to keep you on your toes. Plus, Mother Nature can throw some curveballs, especially in winter – think black ice, blizzards, and winds that'll try to blow you off the road. Located in southern Montana's Pioneer Mountains, inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, it's about 29 miles of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of white-knuckle action). It connects Butte to Whitehall. Budget around 40-50 minutes to soak it all in – and maybe grab a photo or two! Oh, and keep an eye out for the Mount Patterson radio site. Happy trails!
hardHow long is Bella Coola Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for the Bella Coola Road (Highway 20) in British Columbia – a 454-kilometer adventure from Williams Lake to Bella Coola! Forget your average Sunday drive, this route throws you into the heart of BC's wilderness, from the arid canyons near the Fraser River to seriously stunning glaciated peaks. Think of it as two road trips in one: for the first 319 km, you're cruising on pavement to Anahim Lake. Then, BAM! Gravel time! The rest is an all-season gravel road, not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep grades, and the kind of scenery that will leave you speechless (or maybe muttering a little prayer). But the real kicker is "The Hill" – 11 km of switchbacks climbing to 1,524 m (5,000 ft). Hold tight for the descent; a 43-kilometer stretch of narrow road with those hairpin turns, including a nail-biting 9 km at an 18% grade – supposedly the steepest in BC! First gear is your friend here, and remember, uphill traffic has the right of way. Some sections are single-lane. Believe it or not, they completed this thing in 1953 with just two bulldozers and a whole lot of determination. It's officially Highway 20, but locals still call it the "Freedom Road," a tribute to the valley's long history of isolation. Speaking of remote, facilities are scarce along the way, so fill up that gas tank before you go. While you could technically do it in a day, especially in summer, factor in time to stop and actually soak in the incredible surroundings. Oh, and did I mention Bella Coola was a filming location for The Incredible Hulk? Talk about a scenic hideaway!
easyMirror Lake Highway: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Mirror Lake Highway! This beauty stretches from Kamas, Utah, all the way to Evanston, Wyoming, and it's a local and tourist hotspot for good reason. Yep, you guessed it, it’s named after the stunning Mirror Lake that you'll cruise right past. Officially known as State Route 150, this paved road rolls on for 77.2 miles (124.24km). The Utah section clocks in at about 56 miles, and then you'll cruise through Wyoming for the last 18 miles. Built back in 1933, this route meanders through the western Uinta Mountains, peaking at 10,734ft (3.272m) at Bald Mountain Pass - reportedly the highest paved road in Utah! Heads up, though: this road is usually open from Memorial Day weekend to early November. Outside of those dates, the highway is closed from the Soapstone Campground (15 miles past Kamas) to the East Fork Campground (33 miles from Evanston). Nestled in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, it's one of the most popular mountain drives around. Set aside about two hours for the drive if you're planning a no-stop sprint, but honestly, you'll want to budget extra time! You'll wind through farmland, climb into dense forests, and be surrounded by meadows and rugged mountain peaks. Plus, there are tons of spots to jump off into the High Uinta Wilderness. Trust me, the scenery is worth the pit stops!