Gravel Glory: Three of the Nation’s Best Gravel Drives Wind Through Illinois, Reveals Survey of Drivers.

• Survey of 3,001 roadtrippers.
• Mississippi River Levee Roads near Quincy; Sand Ridge State Forest Roads near Forest City + Shawnee National Forest Backroads near Harrisburg included.
• Infographic showing the best gravel drives in the country.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a gravel drive – the crunch of tires on loose stone, the sense of freedom as pavement gives way to open skies, and the way these roads often lead to places most travelers never see. It’s the kind of adventure that feels tailor-made for SUVs like the Tucson or Santa Fe, built for comfort but ready for the unbeaten path.

Potamkin Hyundai, based in Miami Lakes, Florida, carried out a survey of 3,001 regular roadtrippers, asking their opinion on the best gravel drives in the country. 

The top 10 were as follows:

#1. Gila National Forest Backroads, Near Silver City, New Mexico
Gravel tracks in Gila National Forest meander deep into rugged country filled with canyons and wilderness. Hot springs and abundant wildlife along the way make these roads both scenic and full of character, rewarding slow exploration. 

#2. Mauna Kea Access Road (Gravel Section), Big Island, Hawai‘i
A steep gravel section of the Mauna Kea Access Road climbs toward the summit of the mountain. Here, stark volcanic landscapes and clear stargazing skies combine to create a driving experience that feels almost otherworldly.

#3. Pi‘ilani Highway (Gravel Portions), Maui, Hawai‘i
Beyond the town of Hana, pavement fades and gravel stretches of the Pi‘ilani Highway take over. These sections hug coastal cliffs and lava fields, delivering raw beauty that few tourists ever make the effort to reach..

#4. C-1W / Black Creek Gravel Trail, Miami-Dade County, Florida
A rough gravel track winding through rural Miami-Dade County, affording uninterrupted gravel terrain and a broad palate of natural backdrops. Its remote feeling is ideal for showcasing vehicles handling endurance and solitude in a varied landscape.

#5. Catskill Forest Preserve Backroads, Near Phoenicia, New York
Gravel tracks in the Catskills wind between mountain ridges and along trout streams. The secluded trailheads they reach offer quiet alternatives to the region’s busier parkways, making the drive a peaceful counterpoint to crowds.

#6. Moosehead Lake Backroads, Near Greenville, Maine
Gravel tracks run along the edges of Moosehead Lake, circling coves and reaching remote campsites. Travelers find themselves in places where evenings are punctuated by the haunting calls of loons at dusk, adding an unforgettable sense of atmosphere to the lakeside journey.

#7. Arcadia Management Area Roads, Near Exeter, Rhode Island
Arcadia, Rhode Island’s largest recreation area, is crossed by gravel lanes that cut through its expansive woods. Along the way, drivers pass ponds and old stone walls, with trails branching off into the forest for those who want to explore further.

#8. Boreas Pass Road Breckenridge to Como, Colorado
Once a railroad grade, Boreas Pass has been converted into a gravel road that climbs steadily above the timberline. From the top, drivers are treated to broad, panoramic views of the Rockies, a reminder of both the region’s history and its soaring alpine beauty.

#9. Crooked Run Valley Gravel Roads, Near Paris, Virginia
Historic gravel lanes in Crooked Run Valley wind through Virginia’s hunt country. Stone walls, horse farms, and vineyards line the route, giving the drive a distinct sense of tradition and landscape charm.

#10. Last Dollar Road, Telluride to Ridgway, Colorado
One of Colorado’s best-known gravel tracks, Last Dollar Road winds its way through open ranchland and shimmering aspen groves. The journey is framed by unforgettable views of the Sneffels Range, making each mile a balance of quiet countryside and dramatic mountain backdrop.

Three of the nation’s best gravel drives wind through Illinois:

#95. Mississippi River Levee Roads near Quincy
Gravel lanes stretch out along the levees of the Mississippi River near Quincy. From here, broad views open up across farmland and the winding river, especially striking as the light changes at sunset.

#104. Sand Ridge State Forest Roads near Forest City
Rolling gravel roads cross the sandy pine forests of Sand Ridge State Forest. The terrain here is an unexpected change of scenery in central Illinois, offering a drive that feels distinct from the state’s usual landscape.

#126. Shawnee National Forest Backroads near Harrisburg
Within Shawnee National Forest, gravel tracks weave between sandstone bluffs and dense hardwood forest. Hidden trailheads lead to waterfalls and quiet overlooks, making the drive a gateway to some of southern Illinois’s best scenery.

Infographic showing the best gravel drives in the country

“Gravel roads have a magic all their own,” says a Potamkin Hyundai spokesperson. “They remind us that travel isn’t just about the destination – it’s about the unexpected moments along the way, the places most people overlook, and the freedom that comes from taking the less-traveled path.”