The Road Less Traveled

By David Sweet

Over the years I've had many occasions to indulge my passion for driving the back roads. I've lost track of how many times I've traversed the continent going back and forth from my home in Kentucky to my favorite outdoor playgrounds in Arizona and California. I feel fortunate to live in such a beautiful country, and what better way to view its scenery than along the back roads.

Why the back roads?

You might want to plan a different route for your next camping trip and take in some new scenery along the way. Taking a less traveled road will relax you and enhance your enjoyment of the trip. You'll arrive at the campground with your mind at ease and already nerved down from the routines of daily life. Hey, you can't beat that, arriving at the campground already acclimated.

Now when you plan your new vacation route you can include a visit to that state park you've always avoided because it was so far off the Interstate, or to other outdoor destinations and scenic spots that were previously left out of consideration because they were off the beaten path.

New routes open up new possibilities.

How to find the road less traveled:

• Maps and Trip Planners
  To help you plan a route along the less traveled highways and back roads, you may want to try out some of the popular online mapping services. Many of them allow you to customize a route between two destinations and the option to choose whether to take the major highways and Interstates or the scenic routes and back roads. Some online services will also locate campgrounds and National Parks along the route.
  
  
• Roadside America
  To get an idea of the offbeat attractions you may be missing while traveling the Interstates, check out this online guide.
  
  
• National Scenic Byways
  
  
• Out West Newspaper Online
  Or get some ideas from Chuck Woodbury, who spends his time roaming the two-lane highways of the American West.
  
  
• Two-Lane Roads
  Then follow along the paths of Loren Eyrich, as he hunts down nostalgic road signs and other offbeat stuff along America's two-lane highways.

Next camping trip take a little extra time getting to the campground. Explore a new route and see new scenery as you follow the road less traveled. Remember, getting there is half the fun.