
How long is the W Road?
Usa, north-america
5.14 km
7 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Just north of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lies the legendary W Road, a 3.2-mile paved ribbon of fun that twists between East Brow Road and Mountain Creek Road.
Why "W"? Because this baby’s got switchbacks galore! After a gentle start, things get wild near the top with turns bending back on themselves almost 180 degrees. Seriously, you might catch a glimpse of your own taillights!
Built way back in 1892, this road has seen some upgrades over the years, but the design? Still the same challenging curves it always was.
Speaking of challenges, this isn’t a Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep sections (up to 17.6% grade!), so you need your wits about you. Cut those corners too tight, and you'll be scraping your undercarriage, too wide, and you'll be in the opposite lane.
Heads up, big rig drivers: this one's not for you. Vehicles over 22 feet and trailers are a no-go. Trust me, you do not want to get stuck up there!
So, if you're looking for a thrilling (and slightly intimidating) drive with some amazing views, buckle up and take on the W Road!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 5.14 km
- Max Elevation
- 7 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeForest Road 227
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Forest Road 227 in Utah's Duchesne County! We're talking high altitude here – the entire road sits above 3,000 meters! Tucked away in the Ashley National Forest, this 14.16km (8.8 miles) stretch is no Sunday drive. Think gravel, think rocks, and be prepared for some seriously tricky sections. A 4x4 is your best friend on this one, and only tackle it when the weather's dry. Remember, you're high up, so be ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way, any time of year. Speaking of weather, this road's usually a no-go from October to June. It tops out at a whopping 3,165m (10,383ft), so winter is brutal. Even in summer, you might still hit some snow. Bottom line? Pack layers, keep an eye on the forecast, and get ready for some epic views!
hardMustang Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Mustang Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.097m (10,160ft) above the sea level, located in Esmeralda County, in Nevada, USA. It’s one of the highest roads of Nevada. Located in Inyo National Forest, this infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. The route is snow free from June to October. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. At the summit is a communication tower. Sacramento Peak: Driving the Forest 64 Road in New Mexico Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
easyWhat is the Dempster Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Cruising through the wild Canadian Arctic, the Dempster Highway is your ticket to crossing the Arctic Circle in any season. What's the Dempster Highway? It's a road trip you won't soon forget – stunning, a little wild, and maybe a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If escaping the crowds is your thing, this is your road. Where does it run? Starting east of Dawson City in the Yukon and winding up in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, on the Mackenzie River delta, it covers 736 km (457 mi). And the adventure doesn't stop there! As of late 2017, you can tack on another 147 km (91 miles) on NWT Highway 10 to Tuktoyaktuk – the "first all-weather road to Canada's Arctic Coast," taking you from Inuvik, through the tundra, and right to the Arctic Ocean. Note that seasonal ferry service and ice bridges are necessary to cross the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. What's the road like? This isn't your average highway. Known as Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories Highway 8, it's a well-kept gravel and crushed stone road. Conditions can be unpredictable as you carve your way through the Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, cross the Continental Divide three times, and venture into the Arctic Circle, tracing old dog-sled routes. Expect dust in the summer, and make sure you're in a vehicle with good clearance and a spare tire. When did they build it? Construction started way back in 1959, wrapping up in 1978, and it officially opened in 1979. It follows a path used by Indigenous people for millennia and is named after Inspector William John Duncan Dempster. Is it safe? A great trip requires some planning. Pack those spare tires, do some basic vehicle checks, and bring jackets, water, and an emergency kit. Check road conditions in Dawson City or at the Klondike River Lodge before you head out. Services are sparse: you'll find gas, diesel, and repairs at Eagle Plains, Ft. McPherson, and Inuvik. Give those big trucks plenty of space, especially when it's dusty. Drive smart, stick to the 90 km/hour speed limit when you can, and be prepared for limited facilities. A full-size spare tire, extra water, and gas are a must. Traffic is light, so come prepared. In winter, add a shovel, sleeping bag, stove, matches, emergency snacks, and cold-weather gear. A satellite phone is a good idea since cell service can be spotty. When is it open? This mountain road peaks at North Fork Pass Summit, 1.328m (4,356ft) above sea level. The road is generally open from June 10 to October 14 in the summer, and December 15 to April 30 in the winter. How long does it take? You'll need at least two days for this adventure. Plan on 12 to 16 hours each way, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to soak it all in. When is the best time to go? This is an out-of-this-world experience. For summer vibes, aim for late June to early August, when you can enjoy 24-hour sunlight. For an autumn adventure, early August to early September is your window. Get ready to explore one of northern Canada's best-kept secrets: incredible scenery, vast open spaces, and untouched beauty. This remote route takes you through the Yukon, the rugged Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, stunted spruce and alder "forests" in the Eagle Plains region, high tundra, and the Mackenzie River delta.
moderateWhere is Onion Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled in California's Inyo County, Onion Valley Road is a must-drive for those seeking a thrilling ascent! Picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Owens Valley, right between the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and the vast Nevada landscape. This 13-mile stretch, formerly known as California State Route 180, kicks off from Independence on US 395 and winds its way westward to Onion Valley Campground. Typically open from May to November, Mother Nature dictates the schedule with snow conditions. Prepare for a climb! They say this is one of the toughest cycling routes in California, and it's no joke. The road gains serious altitude as you go, hitting an average grade of almost 8% over the last ten miles. Starting at around 3,937ft, you'll climb over 5,200 feet in elevation to reach a staggering 9,219ft near the top. The fully paved road features nine switchbacks, offering killer views of the Owens Valley. Keep an eye out for bears, as they're known to frequent the area! The scenery is simply breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the Owens Valley and the Sierras.