With over 4 million miles of public roads, the U.S. is among the best places in the world for a scenic road trip. But not all American roads are created equal. While some states pride themselves on well-maintained highways, others leave much to be desired. Fortunately for would-be road-trippers, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team has identified the states with the best and worst road conditions to help make sure your next road trip adventure will be smooth sailing.
States With the Best Roads
5. Kansas
Situated where the Midwest meets the Great Plains, Kansas is known for its agriculture, sprawling plains, and Wild West history. The state maintains a vast network of rural roads — some 12,465 miles — and only 3.9% are considered in poor condition. Additionally, only 10.4% of the urban roads in Kansas are in poor condition, meaning travelers can expect a smooth ride throughout most of the Sunflower State.
Explore Kansas’ frontier past in Dodge City, or check out the quirky roadside attractions along I-70, including the World’s Largest Czech Egg and the World’s Largest Easel.
4. Minnesota
Minnesota has 25,589 miles of rural roads. Most of these roads are in excellent condition, with only 6.6% listed as “poor.” Similarly, most of Minnesota’s urban roads are listed as “good” or “acceptable,” with only 13.7% falling into a “poor” rating.
Known for its natural beauty, Minnesota boasts popular parks such as Voyageurs National Park and Gooseberry Falls State Park. In the Twin Cities, check out the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — it’s completely free — or shop till you drop at the Mall of America in Bloomington, the largest mall in the country.
3. Idaho
If you’re off to visit the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, rest assured you’re in for a smooth drive. Idaho ranks third for best roads in the U.S., with only 4% of its rural roads and 10.1% of its urban roads listed in poor condition.
Aside from its potato-centric economy, Idaho is known for its scenic landscapes, which can be enjoyed along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway, with views of the namesake mountains and Redfish Lake. Another favorite road-tripping spot is the 67-mile Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, home to waterfalls and hot springs.
2. Alabama
Alabama’s roads are second-best in the U.S., with only 1.3% of rural roads and 3.5% of urban roads in poor condition. The state boasts many fascinating historical sites, including the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville (aptly known as “Rocket City”) and sites from the Civil Rights Movement in the cities of Birmingham and Montgomery, where the Rosa Parks Museum is located.
To the south, Alabama’s Gulf Coast beckons with pristine white-sand beaches. Take a sunny drive down to Gulf Shores, home to sea turtles, trails, golf, and the 19th-century Fort Morgan that guards Mobile Bay.
1. Indiana
The Hoosier State boasts the best road conditions in the U.S. — only 2.5% of rural roads and 5.3% of urban roads are in poor condition. Whether you’re road-tripping to catch a game at the University of Notre Dame or attending an exciting race day at the Indianapolis 500, you can trust Indiana’s well-kept roads to get you there safely.
And for outdoor adventurers, a road trip might be the best way to enjoy Indiana’s many beautiful parks, from Indiana Dunes State Park (located on Lake Michigan) at the northern end of the state to the Hoosier National Forest in the south.
States With the Worst Roads
5. Rhode Island
The Ocean State is known for its coastal towns, ample seafood, Gilded Age mansions, and, unfortunately, poorly maintained roads. An estimated 30.3% of urban roads and 32.2% of rural roads are in poor condition, making it tricky for drivers to navigate the state’s rough highways. Although you’ll likely hit a few potholes, Rhode Island does have one of the lowest traffic fatality rates in the country.
4. Louisiana
If you’re driving to the Big Easy, you might be in for a bumpy ride. New Orleans is world-famous for its Creole cuisine, Mardi Gras celebrations, and historic architecture, but the city and the surrounding region have the fourth-worst road conditions in the country.
Around 38.2% of Louisiana’s urban roads fall in the “poor” category, so travelers should keep an eye out for potholes and other road hazards. Similarly, 21.2% of Louisiana’s rural roads are in poor condition, so drivers should exercise caution while exploring the natural beauty of the bayou.
3. Hawaii
Though the islands of Hawaii boast some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the U.S., drivers will have to keep a close eye on the road. Around 44.3% of urban roads and 28.5% of rural roads are in poor condition throughout the islands. However, that’s not to say road-tripping through the islands isn’t worthwhile, as long as you exercise caution. Famous drives, like Maui’s Hana Highway, boast incredible views of waterfalls, rainforests, and the Pacific Ocean.
2. Mississippi
Music-loving road-trippers flock to the Mississippi for sites like the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo and the museums of the Mississippi Delta region, where blues music was born. However, those drives require some careful attention — 40.9% of urban roads and 27.6% of rural roads in the Magnolia State are in poor condition. A contributing factor to road roughness is the state’s clay soil, which causes dips and cracks in the surface.
1. New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment lives up to its nickname with epic views of diverse landscapes, natural wonders, and hot air balloon festivals. If the state has one flaw, though, it might be its roads.
Around 41.7% of urban roads and 30.7% of rural roads in New Mexico are poorly maintained. This results in heavier wear and tear on vehicles for residents and visitors, so use caution while renting a car during your next road trip. While the roads are rough, the journey can be worth the effort for unparalleled landscapes of the American Southwest.
About the data: ConsumerAffairs, a journal of consumer research, analyzed three main factors in their report: road surface roughness (in both urban and rural areas), the percentages of rural roads and urban roads classified as “poor” according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, and car accident fatalities per 100 million miles traveled (data from the Federal Highway Administration). You can read the full report here.
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