History: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: a mysterious island lurking just off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork, called Plum Island. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. This place is seriously off-limits. We're talking Fort Knox levels of security.
Why the big deal? Well, beneath the surface of this small island lies a network of paved roads, a relic of its past as a military fort. But these roads aren't for leisurely drives. They're exclusively for accessing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a top-secret research facility. Think high-containment labs studying scary animal diseases.
Getting anywhere near these roads is a no-go. No public access, no private vehicles, nada. We're talking federal law enforcement and serious security. The reason isn’t treacherous terrain or hidden dangers, but a bio-containment and national security protocol. Every move is monitored, every person decontaminated.
This isn’t your average scenic route. It's a network of roads existing solely within a high-security quarantine zone. The primary danger isn't a sharp turn or a steep drop, but something microscopic. So, while the scenery might be intriguing, this is one road trip you'll only experience in your imagination.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCalamity Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in Colorado, you HAVE to check out Calamity Pass! Perched way up high in Jackson County, inside Rocky Mountain National Park, this beast hits a whopping 9,698 feet above sea level. Forget smooth tarmac; we're talking a rugged, gravel 4wd track, also known as Forest Service Road 740 (or Teller Divide). This isn't your Sunday drive – be prepared for a bit of a rocky and muddy challenge, especially that last mile coming from Rand; it gets seriously steep and rocky! Word to the wise: keep a close eye on the weather! This route is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, so definitely don't tackle it in bad conditions. Plus, those icy patches can sneak up on you. But if you're up for it, the views are absolutely insane and worth every bump in the road. Get ready for some epic scenery!
moderateLytton-Lillooet Highway is a scenic drive along the Fraser river
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for an epic drive along the Lytton-Lillooet Highway in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! This winding road hugs the east bank of the mighty Fraser River, offering views that will absolutely blow you away. It’s a single-lane paved road, also known as BC Highway 12, that has some seriously dramatic scenery. Think towering cliffs on one side (prone to avalanches, so keep an eye out!) and heart-stopping drop-offs into what feels like bottomless canyons on the other. You might encounter a few bumps and potholes, but trust me, the views more than make up for it. The road climbs to 474m (1,555ft) above sea level. This 66.2 km (39-mile) stretch runs from Lytton, heading north to Lillooet. Lytton, where the Thompson and Fraser Rivers meet, is famous for being Canada's "Hot Spot" – it even hit a record-breaking 49.6°C (121.3°F) back in 2021! Allow about 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive without stops. Built in 1953, this route delivers sweeping vistas as it carves through a rugged landscape, serving up incredible mountain views at every turn.
extremeLion's Back in Utah: the consequences for mistakes here are severe
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Moab, Utah. Red rocks as far as the eye can see. And smack dab in the middle of it all, there *used* to be Lion's Back. This sandstone ridge was legendary. I'm talking heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping, make-you-question-your-sanity legendary. We're talking a climb of several hundred feet (around 350!), with slopes that ramped up to a crazy 65-degree gradient. Imagine inching your way up that, then having to pull off the world's most precarious multi-point turn at the summit before gingerly descending! It was an iconic off-road challenge. Of course, this kind of terrain wasn't without its dangers. There were those precipitous drop-offs on either side, and the occasional "uh oh" moment, like that infamous video of a Blazer losing its brakes and tumbling down. Yikes! But let's be real, it was the *views* that made it special. Just incredible. Sadly, the fun came to an end. Lion's Back is now private property and closed to off-roaders. Environmental concerns and safety issues led to its closure, and now it’s just a memory. It still stands as a testament to Moab's wild spirit, though!
moderateScenic Loop Drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Scenic Loop Drive in North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park! This 36-mile asphalt adventure winds through the heart of the South Unit, and trust me, you'll want your camera ready. Think stunning landscapes and enough photo ops to fill your memory card. Just a heads-up: winter can bring closures due to snow and ice, so plan accordingly. And if you're cruising at dusk, keep an eye out for buffalo jams! Seriously, these majestic creatures own the road sometimes, so be patient, stay in your car, and definitely don't honk! With pullouts and interpretive signs dotting the route, you'll learn a ton about the park's history and natural wonders. Plus, wildlife is everywhere – keep your eyes peeled! Just remember to stick to the 25 mph speed limit and share the road with everyone: cars, bikes, hikers, and of course, the local wildlife. It's a drive you won't forget!