How long is the Needles Highway?
Usa, north-america
22.53 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Black Hills of South Dakota, smack-dab in Custer State Park. You're on Needles Highway (aka South Dakota Highway 87), and "spectacular" doesn't even begin to cover it.
This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Clocking in at just over 14 miles, this paved beauty, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, is a wild ride of twists and turns. Seriously, forget about hitting third gear – you'll be too busy navigating hairpin turns and marveling at the scenery.
What's the highlight? The three narrow tunnels! The most famous one is barely over 8 feet wide and 12 feet tall. It’s tight, but totally photo-worthy! Make sure you know your vehicle's dimensions before you go for it. (RVs and big trailers might want to sit this one out.) Other tunnels along the way are Hood Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel.
When to go? Aim for spring through fall. Winter’s a no-go due to snow.
This road isn't just about the drive itself; it's about the views! Think granite spires that look like they're piercing the sky, lush pine and spruce forests, meadows bursting with birch and aspen, and rugged granite mountains. You'll want to make time to snap a few photos.
Plus, it's super convenient – only 30 miles from Rapid City and a quick 35-minute jaunt from Mount Rushmore.
Why "Needles Highway"? The name comes from those crazy cool needle-like granite formations. Former South Dakota Governor Peter Norbeck literally walked and rode horseback to plan this road before it was built in 1922!
Keep in mind, there's an entrance fee for Custer State Park, so factor that in. As for how long the drive takes, plan for about 45 to 60 minutes – but honestly, take your time! Stop at Sylvan Lake and the Needle’s Eye, and keep an eye out for mountain goats, deer, and chipmunks!
Trust me, if you're anywhere near the Black Hills, Needles Highway needs to be on your list. Especially in the fall! Just remember to breathe (through those tunnels!), and enjoy the ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 22.53 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Idaho Peak?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near southeastern British Columbia, you HAVE to check out Idaho Peak. We're talking about a 7.3-mile unpaved climb to 6,958 feet above sea level. The road winds up, up, up, offering killer views of the Selkirk Mountain Range. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is gravel and while usually maintained, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle. Leave the low riders at home, trust me! Also, keep an eye out for other drivers. Passing spots are scarce. The trail has multiple switchbacks to help you get up the mountain, and please remember to stop partway to cool your brakes! This beauty is only accessible from mid-July to mid-August, so plan accordingly. You'll find a lookout at the top, perfect for snapping some envy-inducing photos. Seriously, the vistas are worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive. Just remember to respect the mountain and drive safely!
extremeTop 10 Most Haunted Bridges of Illinois
🇺🇸 Usa
## Illinois's Haunted Bridges: A Spooky Road Trip **Phantom Train Bridge, Schuyler County:** Head out to this super isolated wooden bridge, if you dare. Legend says that if you stand on the bridge at night, it'll shake and you'll hear a train whistle... but a train never arrives. Or, maybe you'll spot the ghosts of children from a school bus that supposedly crashed here long ago. Spooky! **400th Avenue Bridge, Schuyler County:** Just north of Pool Hill Cemetery lies this bridge, allegedly a hotspot for paranormal activity. Whispers, rattling chains, and screams echoing lynchings of the past are said to be heard. A local legend tells of laying your hand on the hangman's tree to witness past events. **Anderson Cemetery Bridge, Schuyler County:** Once upon a time, a creepy stone cabin stood near this bridge, guarded by a zombie dog! Rumor had it that a murdering family lived there, or maybe a witch was hanged from the bridge. People have even reported seeing strange "spook lights" floating around the creek. **Love Ford Bridge, Coles County:** This area is home to some notorious spots, including Happy Holler. Across the road is Higgins Cemetery. Strange lights and sounds have been encountered, and it is rumored to be the site of animal sacrifice and Devil worship. As for the bridge? They say it's haunted by the ghost of a drunk young man who drowned in the river. **Lakey's Creek Bridge, McLeansboro:** Prepare for a chilling tale of the headless horseman! Legend says that a frontiersman named Lakey was murdered here, his head chopped off. For years, travelers reported being chased by a headless horseman riding out of the woods along Lakey's Creek. **Airtight Bridge, Coles County:** Known as a hangout spot, this bridge has a dark history. In 1980, a headless, handless, and footless body of an unidentified woman was found near the bridge. Locals say the bridge earned its name because of an unnatural stillness, or because old cars would stall on the steep hill leading to it. **Crybaby Bridge, Warren County:** Like many "Crybaby Bridges" of the Midwest, this one has some creepy tales. Hear the cries of a baby drowned by its mother, or the ghosts of children from a bus crash. Feeling brave? Put your car in neutral on the bridge and see if invisible hands push you to safety. Or, perhaps you'll encounter the ghost of a fisherman killed by reckless drivers. **Plum Creek Bridge, Brown County:** This once steel bridge has collapsed, making it even spookier. Legend has it that an axe murderer killed kids trespassing on his property, or maybe it was a man who murdered his family and the cops investigating. The woods are said to still house remains of a house! **Blood's Point Road Bridges, Boone County:** Get ready for some serious chills on this road! Phantom vehicles, a glowing-eyed dog, and a deadly school bus accident at the railroad bridge are just the start. A clown driver and ghostly children claw their way out. A cursed cemetery and tales of hangings on the old wooden bridge near Sweeny Road make this a seriously spooky destination. **Lebanon Road Bridges, St. Clair County:** Drive through the "Seven Gates to Hell" – a series of graffiti-covered railroad bridges. Legend says that if you enter the last one at midnight, you'll be transported to Hell! Plus, there are rumors of a "death house" nearby and stories of Satanic rituals.
moderateWhere is the Cathedral Valley Driving Loop Tour?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an epic off-road adventure? Let's talk about the Cathedral Valley Driving Loop in Utah's Capitol Reef National Park. This 57.6-mile loop dives right into the heart of Cathedral Valley, promising seriously stunning views. The loop kicks off on Hartnet Road, winding its way to Hartnet Junction before hooking onto Cathedral Road back to Highway 24. Expect a full day – around 6-8 hours – to soak it all in, especially with photo stops and maybe a little exploring. Now, here's the real talk: This is a dirt road, and mother nature calls the shots. After even a little rain, things can get dicey. High clearance is generally recommended, but 4x4 could be your best friend. Heads up, the south end of Hartnet Road throws a river crossing into the mix – the Fremont River, to be exact. There's no bridge, so you'll be fording it. Always check the depth before you commit. If the river's angry, don't risk it! Also, you're out there. Seriously out there. Cell service is a myth, and help is a long way off. Come prepared, both for the terrain and for being blissfully alone with nature's masterpieces. Think panoramic views, dramatic landscapes, and a feeling of being completely disconnected from the world.
moderateWhy is Maligne Lake Famous?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: You're in Alberta, Canada, smack-dab in Jasper National Park, ready for an epic drive! You're headed to Maligne Lake, a high-altitude beauty sitting at 1,710m (5,610ft). What makes this lake so famous? Well, for starters, it's HUGE – a whopping 22 kilometers long, making it the second-largest glacier-fed lake on the planet! The water is an unreal color, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Plus, you can spot three glaciers from the shore and the iconic Spirit Island, a tiny islet that’s a photographer's dream. The road there? It's called Maligne Lake Road, and it's fully paved, so no need for a monster truck. This 43.6 km (27.09 miles) stretch winds its way north from Jasper, and trust me, it's a stunner. Expect some climbs, some curves, and views that will leave you speechless. Keep your eyes peeled, especially near Medicine Lake, because you might just spot some bighorn sheep hanging out. It's challenging, scenic, and unforgettable – everything a good road trip should be!