Needles Highway is a scenic curvy road in South Dakota
Usa, north-america
22.53 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through South Dakota's Black Hills in Custer State Park? You HAVE to check out Needles Highway (SD 87)!
This paved byway is part of the larger Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and it's a 14-mile (22.53km) rollercoaster of twists and turns. Get ready for hairpin corners, skinny tunnels, and those iconic granite spires jutting from the landscape. Think pine and spruce forests, shimmering birch and aspen meadows, and rugged granite peaks. Seriously, you won't need any gear higher than second on this road!
The highlight? Those tunnels! The Needles Eye Tunnel is legendary, barely wide enough at 8' 4" and just 12' high. It's an awesome photo op! There are two other tunnels along the way: Hood Tunnel and Iron Creek Tunnel.
Best time to visit is spring through fall, as winter snows close the road. Aim for early April to mid-October, but always check ahead. This is tourist central so be prepared for some other traffic.
RVs and big trailers? Probably best to skip this one. The narrow lanes and tight turns make enjoying the views a real challenge. The granite "needles" themselves give the road its name and the whole thing was designed by Governor Peter Norbeck back in the day, who apparently walked the entire route himself!
There's an entrance fee for Custer State Park, so factor that in.
My tip? Go early. Like, sunrise early. The drive itself takes about 45-60 minutes, but you'll want to stop a million times for photos. Seriously, go slow and savor it – you'll probably find yourself cruising at 20 mph. Don't miss Sylvan Lake and Needle's Eye. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, deer, and cute little chipmunks, too!
Where is it?
Needles Highway is a scenic curvy road in South Dakota is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.3276, -94.8434
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 22.53 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.3276, -94.8434
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Lytle Creek Road in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Lytle Creek Road in sunny Southern California is calling your name! Found nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, inside the San Bernardino National Forest, this little gem is a feast for the eyes. Think stunning views! This 21-mile stretch of road is your gateway between the Ontario Freeway and Lone Pine Canyon Road. Now, fair warning, Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva here, and storms can sometimes cause a bit of a ruckus. The road is paved up until the Lytle Creek Firing Range, then it gets a little wild, turning into a gravel trail that practically begs for a 4WD beast. Get ready for some serious hairpin action, folks! This road is all about the twists and turns as it climbs to a whopping 6,299 feet near Gobblers Knob. Just be mindful: it can get pretty narrow in spots, so keep your eyes peeled.
moderateTraveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Joshua Tree National Park? Head to Covington Flat Road, a hidden gem in Southern California! This unpaved road winds through stunning desert scenery and is your gateway to some of the park’s most impressive Joshua trees (the area was named after a local rancher), junipers, and pinyon pines. You'll find both Upper and Lower Covington Flat Roads. At around 9.6 miles long, this backcountry route starts on La Contenta Road near Yucca Valley and takes you to a parking lot that’s the trailhead for Covington Crest. Make a quick 5-minute hike to the top of Eureka Peak! Keep in mind cell service is spotty, so grab a map before you go. Plus, a side trip off Covington Flat Road will get you to Nolina Peak, at about 4,908 feet high. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4WD is highly recommended, especially after rain or snow. The road can get pretty rutted. The drive climbs to a peak of 5,173 feet, so expect some steep sections towards the end. You'll be rewarded with incredible views of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the Morongo Basin.
moderateA drive through Glenwood Canyon is a feast for the eyes
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a ride through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado! This 12.5-mile stretch of I-70, straddling Garfield and Eagle counties, is an absolute engineering masterpiece. Think 40 bridges and viaducts, plus 3 tunnels, all woven together! This isn't just a drive, it's an experience. The road's open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. Seriously, the views are epic. You're cruising alongside the mighty Colorado River, which carved this canyon over, like, three million years. The canyon walls tower up to 2,000 feet above you, and you're surrounded by the White River National Forest – wilderness vibes are strong here. Just a heads up, though: this area is known for occasional rockslides, so keep an eye out. Completed in 1992, this route has a history dating back to the pioneer days, but the modern construction is a must do.
moderateKancamagus Highway is a scenic drive in New Hampshire during the fall foliage season
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Kancamagus Highway, a seriously stunning drive in New Hampshire's Grafton County! Locals just call it "The Kanc,” and trust me, it lives up to the hype, especially when those fall colors start popping. Named after Chief Kancamagus from way back in the 1600s, this 35-mile stretch of Route 112 winds its way through the White Mountain National Forest between Lincoln and Conway. It's an easy shot off I-93 or Route 16, making it super accessible. The road can get a bit steep in places, with gradients hitting 7% as you navigate some hairpin turns on your way to Kancamagus Pass – the highest point on the drive. It’s tempting to gawk at the incredible scenery, but keep your eyes on the road! Also, watch out for wildlife – deer and moose love to hang out nearby. Allow about an hour to drive it straight through, but realistically, you'll want at least three to soak it all in. You’ll be climbing to 2,867 feet above sea level, and the views are insane. Pull over to check out the spot where the watersheds divide, with rivers flowing east to the Saco and west to the Pemigewasset. There are no services, just pure, unadulterated nature. Be prepared for some serious traffic during peak leaf-peeping season! While the Kanc is generally open year-round, winter brings heavy snow, so check conditions before you go. Closures are possible, but the road is well-maintained, offering tons of winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing.