Route du Nord is a very remote road with little traffic in Quebec

Route du Nord is a very remote road with little traffic in Quebec

Canada, north-america

Length

405 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a serious off-the-beaten-path experience, head to central Quebec, Canada, and find Route du Nord (North Road) in the James Bay area. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks.

This 405km (251 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated sand and gravel runs east-west, connecting Chibougamau to the James Bay Road. Think smooth curves and rolling hills, but keep an eye out for those pesky, larger stones scattered about.

Built back in '93 to service the Eastmain-1 hydroelectric project and lumber transport, this road is all about that true north feel. Open year-round, but be warned: winter here is NO joke. We're talking potential closures and temps plummeting to -40 degrees C! Even fall or spring can throw extreme weather your way, so pack accordingly.

This is isolated wilderness at its finest. Gas up beforehand because there's only ONE gas station along the entire route! And get ready for solitude because you'll mostly be sharing the road with logging trucks, so stay alert – they move FAST. There are no towns, except for Nemaska, which requires a slight detour (10km north at km 300). Oh, and forget about cell service. Time to disconnect and embrace the wild!

Where is it?

Route du Nord is a very remote road with little traffic in Quebec is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 59.3852, -107.1819

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
405 km
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
59.3852, -107.1819

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Sheep Pass?extreme

Where is Sheep Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're in southern Nevada, about to tackle Sheep Pass, nestled in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge at over 5,000 feet. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about Alamo Road, clinging to the west side of the Sheep Range on its way to Highway 93. The beginning is pretty chill, occasionally graded, but don't get too comfy. Past Hidden Forest Road, things get real. Think sneaky rocky spots and washouts that could mess with your ride. Trust me, stick to the 25 mph speed limit to avoid axle-breaking surprises. Heads up: you might get stuck! The dirt turns into this crazy "poof dirt" that's not playing around. A high-clearance vehicle is your best bet, though a 2WD can handle some parts if you're careful. But here's the biggest thing: this route is REMOTE. Zero cell service, maybe days before another soul passes by, and a long hike back if things go south. We're talking truly wild, undeveloped country. Cell service is spotty at best. Pack water, food, a spare, a shovel, tools, tow rope – everything you need to survive a desert night or two. Seriously, this place is beautiful, but respect the risks!

Where is Hidalgo State Route 53?extreme

Where is Hidalgo State Route 53?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, buckle up for Hidalgo State Route 53, a seriously epic mountain road trip through the Sierra Madre Oriental in Hidalgo, Mexico! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking extreme elevation changes and some seriously technical driving. You'll find this gem snaking through the southeastern part of Hidalgo, carving its way across the rugged mountains. It's a crucial connection between the high plateau and the deep canyons below, but it’s not for the faint of heart! Is it dangerous? Let's just say it demands your full attention. Prepare for ridiculously steep inclines and a never-ending series of hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Road conditions can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season when landslides are a risk. The views, though, are SO worth it. You'll start in high-altitude pine forests above 2,200m and rapidly descend into lush, tropical landscapes as you drop towards the canyon floor. It's like experiencing multiple climates in one drive! The most intense part of the route kicks off from La Victoria. The road plummets into the town of Tenango de Doria and keeps winding down until you finally hit San Clemente. Pro Tip: When you roll into Tenango de Doria, pay close attention! The original highway route gets a little confusing as you go through town. Just follow the signs and trust your GPS to pick the road back up on the way down to the canyon.

Windy Ridgeextreme

Windy Ridge

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Windy Ridge in Utah's Iron County is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't no Sunday drive. We're talking about a 9,557-foot peak accessed via Forest Service Road 281, a rugged gravel and rocky path that's a no-go in winter. Now, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it: if unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a MUST, and if you're afraid of heights, seriously reconsider. This trail is STEEP! The views? Absolutely epic. But the road? Let's just say it's an adventure. The summit itself is home to some communication towers, so don't expect total wilderness vibes at the very top. Still, if you're up for a challenge and crave jaw-dropping scenery, Windy Ridge is waiting.

Hawk's Nest Road is a twisting and rolling breathtaking ride in New Yorkhard

Hawk's Nest Road is a twisting and rolling breathtaking ride in New York

🇺🇸 Usa

Get ready for an epic ride on Hawk's Nest Road in New York State! Just a hop, skip, and a jump (okay, maybe a two-hour drive) from Manhattan, this curvy cliffside route snakes along the Delaware River near Port Jervis, practically kissing the Pennsylvania border. They call it Hawk's Nest for a reason—keep your eyes peeled for majestic birds of prey soaring overhead as you cruise along this part of the Scenic Upper Delaware Byway. The road itself? Pure, paved perfection, a winding ribbon that stretches for about 70 miles from Port Jervis to Hancock. Most of the time, you're hugging the riverbank, enjoying those smooth waters. But the real thrill? That famous, short section with nine hairpin turns known as the Hawk's Nest. Trust me, this drive is Instagram gold, especially in summer and autumn. Sure, it gets a little crowded on weekends and holidays, but those breathtaking views are totally worth it. And keep an eye out for the scenic lookouts dotting the Delaware River valley. Fun fact: Hawk's Nest is a star! It's been featured in tons of commercials for luxury cars like Porsche and BMW, and even made a cameo in Dr. Strange! Originally a one-lane dirt track built way back in 1859, it got its glow-up with pavement in the 30s. Now, a word to the wise: if your passengers get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. After the initial twisty bits, it's a pretty relaxing ride with long corners and some seriously steep hills. But don't get *too* relaxed! This road can be a bit sneaky, so stay alert, even with that 55 mph speed limit.