If you're an adventure-seeker looking to explore the great outdoors, overlanding is the perfect activity for you. Overlanding involves traveling to remote destinations by off-road vehicle, often carrying camping gear and supplies to be self-sufficient for an extended period. With so many stunning landscapes and diverse terrains across the United States, there's no shortage of incredible overlanding destinations to discover. Join us as we embark on a virtual journey through all 50 states, highlighting some of the best places for your next overlanding adventure.
Alabama: Little River Canyon National Preserve
With its rugged terrain, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife, Little River Canyon National Preserve is a gem for overlanders in Alabama. Explore the park's vast network of off-road trails and camp along the stunning Little River.
Alaska: Denali Highway
The Denali Highway is a 135-mile gravel road that cuts through the heart of Alaska's wilderness. This remote and challenging route offers breathtaking views of the Alaska Range and abundant opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Arizona: Sedona's Red Rock Country
Sedona's iconic red rock formations and endless off-road trails make it an overlanding paradise. Challenge yourself on the famous Broken Arrow Trail or explore the back roads of the Coconino National Forest.
Arkansas: Ouachita National Forest
Spanning over 1.8 million acres, the Ouachita National Forest is a playground for overlanders in Arkansas. Traverse the scenic Talimena Scenic Byway and explore the countless off-road trails winding through the lush forests and mountains.
California: Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park's vast expanse of desert landscapes, rugged canyons, and towering sand dunes make it an unforgettable overlanding destination. Challenge yourself on the infamous Racetrack Playa and camp under the starriest skies you've ever seen.
Colorado: Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway is a 65-mile off-road adventure that takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. This challenging route offers stunning vistas, ghost towns, and opportunities for camping and exploring the great outdoors.
Connecticut: Natchaug State Forest
While Connecticut may not be the first state that comes to mind for overlanding, the Natchaug State Forest offers a surprising array of off-road trails and camping opportunities. Explore the forest's diverse ecosystems and scenic rivers on this overlooked adventure.
Delaware: Trap Pond State Park
Situated in the heart of Delaware's Cypress Swamp, Trap Pond State Park is a hidden gem for overlanders. Navigate the park's off-road trails, camp by the serene pond, and immerse yourself in the unique natural beauty of this wetland ecosystem.
Florida: Big Cypress National Preserve
Venture into the heart of the Everglades ecosystem at Big Cypress National Preserve. This vast wilderness area offers a network of off-road trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and primitive camping amidst the swamps and prairies.
Georgia: Chattahoochee National Forest
The Chattahoochee National Forest, spanning across northern Georgia, is a paradise for overlanders. Explore the forest's countless off-road trails, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountain vistas, all while camping under the stars.
Hawaii: Saddle Road (Hawaii Island)
While Hawaii may not be the first place that comes to mind for overlanding, the Big Island's Saddle Road offers a unique adventure. This scenic route traverses the island between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, with opportunities for camping and exploring the diverse landscapes.
Idaho: Magruder Corridor Road
The Magruder Corridor Road is a 101-mile off-road route that winds through the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests in northern Idaho. This challenging trail offers stunning vistas of the Bitterroot Mountains and chances to spot wildlife.
Illinois: Shawnee National Forest
Located in southern Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest provides a surprising overlanding destination with its rolling hills, sandstone formations, and dense woodlands. Explore the forest's network of off-road trails and camp along the scenic Garden of the Gods Recreation Area.
Indiana: Hoosier National Forest
While Indiana may not be renowned for overlanding, the Hoosier National Forest offers a delightful option for adventure-seekers. Navigate the forest's off-road trails, camp in secluded campsites, and take in the beauty of the rolling hills and hardwood forests.
Iowa: Loess Hills Scenic Byway
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway is a 220-mile route that winds through the unique Loess Hills, a formation of wind-blown soil deposits. This byway offers opportunities for off-road exploration, camping, and taking in the natural beauty of this geological wonder.
Kansas: Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway
While Kansas may be known for its vast prairies, the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway in the western part of the state offers a unique overlanding experience. This byway takes you through the rugged red hills and canyons of the Gypsum Hills, with opportunities for off-road excursions and camping.
Kentucky: Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest is a mecca for overlanders in Kentucky. Explore the area's vast network of off-road trails, sandstone arches and rock formations, and camp along the scenic Red River.
Louisiana: Kisatchie National Forest
Encompassing over 600,000 acres in central Louisiana, the Kisatchie National Forest is a haven for overlanders. Navigate the forest's off-road trails, camp in secluded wilderness areas, and immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of this southern gem.
Maine: Mahoosuc Mountains
The Mahoosuc Mountains in western Maine offer a rugged and remote overlanding experience. This challenging region features several off-road trails, including the famous Mahoosuc Notch, a treacherous boulder cave that tests the skills of even the most experienced overlanders.
Maryland: Green Ridge State Forest
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Green Ridge State Forest provides overlanders with a network of off-road trails winding through dense forests and scenic vistas. Camp in remote sites and explore the area's rich history and natural wonders.
Massachusetts: Berkshires
While Massachusetts may not be renowned for overlanding, the Berkshire Mountains offer a delightful option for adventure-seekers. Navigate the region's off-road trails, camp in secluded campsites, and take in the beauty of the rolling hills, forests, and quaint New England towns.
Michigan: Upper Peninsula
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is an overlanding paradise, with vast stretches of wilderness, countless off-road trails, and opportunities for camping and exploring. Venture into the Ottawa National Forest or follow the Lake Superior shoreline for stunning vistas.
Minnesota: Superior National Forest
Spanning over 3 million acres in northern Minnesota, the Superior National Forest is a mecca for overlanders. Traverse the iconic Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, navigate off-road trails, and camp along pristine lakes and rivers.
Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway
While not a traditional overlanding destination, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers a unique experience for those seeking adventure. This 444-mile scenic drive winds through Mississippi's rich cultural landscapes, with opportunities for off-road excursions and camping along the way.
Missouri: Mark Twain National Forest
The Mark Twain National Forest, spanning across southern Missouri, is a playground for overlanders. Explore the forest's vast network of off-road trails, scenic rivers, and rolling hills, all while camping in remote sites under starry skies.
Montana: Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway, a section of the renowned All-American Road, is a must-visit destination for overlanders in Montana. This 68-mile stretch of winding roads offers jaw-dropping vistas of the Rocky Mountains and ample opportunities for off-road adventures and camping.
Nebraska: Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway
While Nebraska may not be the first state that comes to mind for overlanding, the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway offers a unique and breathtaking experience. This 195-mile route takes you through the vast and undulating Sandhills region, with opportunities for off-road exploration, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park, located just an hour from Las Vegas, is a striking destination for overlanders in Nevada. Explore the park's vibrant red sandstone formations, navigate off-road trails, and camp amidst the otherworldly landscapes.
New Hampshire: White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is an overlanding paradise, with its rugged peaks, scenic byways, and countless off-road trails. Challenge yourself on the iconic Mount Washington Auto Road or explore the lesser-known backcountry routes.
New Jersey: Pine Barrens
While not a traditional overlanding hotspot, the Pine Barrens region in southern New Jersey offers a unique and secluded adventure. Navigate the area's sandy off-road trails, camp in remote sites, and discover the beauty of this diverse ecosystem.
New Mexico: Gila National Forest
The Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico is a mecca for overlanders, with its vast wilderness, challenging off-road trails, and opportunities for primitive camping. Explore the scenic Gila Cliff Dwellings or venture deep into the Black Range for an unforgettable experience.
New York: Adirondack Park
Spanning over 6 million acres, the Adirondack Park in upstate New York is a haven for overlanders. Navigate the park's extensive network of off-road trails, camp in remote sites, and take in the breathtaking vistas of the Adirondack Mountains.
North Carolina: Pisgah National Forest
The Pisgah National Forest, located in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, is a top destination for overlanders. Explore the forest's countless off-road trails, scenic waterfalls, and opportunities for camping in the heart of nature.
North Dakota: Maah Daah Hey Trail
The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 144-mile off-road route that winds through the rugged badlands of western North Dakota. This challenging trail offers breathtaking vistas, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and remote camping experiences.
Ohio: Wayne National Forest
While not a renowned overlanding destination, the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio offers a surprising array of off-road trails and camping opportunities. Explore the forest's diverse ecosystems, scenic rivers, and rolling hills on this overlooked adventure.
Oklahoma: Ouachita National Forest
Straddling the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas, the Ouachita National Forest is a paradise for overlanders. Navigate the countless off-road trails, camp in remote sites, and take in the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains.
Oregon: Steens Mountain Loop Road
The Steens Mountain Loop Road in southeastern Oregon is a must-visit destination for overlanders. This 66-mile route takes you through the stunning Steens Mountain wilderness, offering unparalleled vistas, challenging off-road sections, and opportunities for remote camping.
Pennsylvania: Allegheny National Forest
The Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania is a hidden gem for overlanders. Explore the forest's network of off-road trails, camp along scenic rivers and streams, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Appalachian region.
Rhode Island: George Washington Management Area
While Rhode Island may not be known for overlanding, the George Washington Management Area offers a surprising adventure. Navigate the area's off-road trails, camp in secluded sites, and explore the diverse ecosystems of this coastal region.
South Carolina: Francis Marion National Forest
The Francis Marion National Forest, located in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, is a delightful overlanding destination. Traverse the forest's off-road trails, camp along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, and discover the unique beauty of this coastal wilderness.
South Dakota: Black Hills National Forest
The Black Hills National Forest in western South Dakota is an overlanding mecca, with its rugged terrain, scenic byways, and countless off-road trails. Explore the iconic Mount Rushmore, navigate the challenging Norbeck Scenic Byway, and camp under starry skies.
Tennessee: Cherokee National Forest
The Cherokee National Forest, spanning across eastern Tennessee, is a paradise for overlanders. Navigate the forest's vast network of off-road trails, camp in remote sites, and take in the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
Texas: Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas is an overlanding paradise, with its vast desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and endless off-road opportunities. Explore the park's backcountry trails, navigate the iconic Old Ore Road, and camp under the starriest skies you've ever seen.
Utah: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah is a mecca for overlanders, with its vast and rugged wilderness, towering cliffs, and endless off-road trails. Explore the area's remote canyons, navigate challenging routes like Hole-in-the-Rock Road, and camp amidst the otherworldly landscapes.
Vermont: Green Mountain National Forest
The Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont offers a delightful overlanding experience, with its rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic byways. Navigate the forest's network of off-road trails, camp along pristine lakes and streams, and take in the natural beauty of the Green Mountains.
Virginia: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, spanning across western Virginia, are a playground for overlanders. Explore the forests' countless off-road trails, scenic vistas, and opportunities for camping in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
Washington: Olympic Peninsula
The Olympic Peninsula in western Washington is a true overlanding paradise, with its diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines to towering rainforests. Navigate the region's challenging off-road trails, camp in remote sites, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Olympic National Park.
West Virginia: Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is a hidden gem for overlanders, with its vast wilderness, scenic byways, and endless off-road opportunities. Explore the forest's backcountry trails, navigate the challenging Dolly Sods Scenic Area, and camp amidst the rolling hills and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains.
Wisconsin: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin is a delightful overlanding destination, with its diverse ecosystems, scenic lakes, and off-road trails. Navigate the forest's backcountry routes, camp along pristine waterways, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Northwoods.
Wyoming: Wind River Range
The Wind River Range in western Wyoming is an overlanding mecca, with its towering peaks, vast wilderness areas, and challenging off-road trails. Explore the region's backcountry routes, navigate the iconic Scenic Loops Trail, and camp in remote sites amidst the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
By exploring all 50 states, this guide has highlighted the boundless overlanding potential across the diverse landscapes of America. From towering mountain ranges and rugged desert canyons - adventure awaits the intrepid overlander in every corner of this nation. With careful planning, necessary permits, respect for the environment, and a thirst for exploration, overlanding allows you to forge unforgettable memories and connect with nature's majesty. So, pack your gear, grab your off-road vehicle, and start planning your next epic overlanding journey across this beautiful country we call home.
