Stark Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,243 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Stark Mountain in Montana! This beast of a peak tops out at a cool 7,358 feet and sits pretty in Mineral County within the Lolo National Forest.
Now, the road up, known as Road No. 454, isn't exactly a smooth ride. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump-and-grind. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this one. Heads up, the road's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly.
At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout tower, built back in '64 and still going strong! The views are killer, but pro-tip: check the weather before you head up. Lightning and lookouts don't mix, trust me. The whole experience delivers fantastic scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,243 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is Phillips Mine Road in Arizona?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: a short but sweet escape into Arizona's forgotten mining past. We're talking about Phillips Mine Road, kicking off near an old campground in the Seneca Lake Recreation Area. This isn't a super long haul, clocking in at just under 9 miles. You'll wind your way to a historic homestead near what used to be an asbestos mine. Now, for the road itself. Most of it's unpaved, so it's a bit bumpy, but nothing too crazy. Most SUVs should be able to handle it. If you want to get all the way to the abandoned buildings, you might want something a little more rugged. Keep in mind, this road climbs! You'll be cruising above 5,000 feet. One thing to watch out for: if it's been raining hard, the creeks you cross might be flooded and impassable. Is it worth it? Totally. This drive is tucked away in central Arizona, and the scenery is unreal. Think incredible views, deep canyons, and those iconic Arizona colors. And when you finally roll up to the old mining area? Get ready for some seriously spooky abandoned buildings. It's like stepping onto the set of a horror movie. Definitely a trip for the adventurous soul!
hardWhere is Hawk's Nest Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Hawk's Nest Road. It's this amazing stretch of asphalt in New York State, not far from the Pennsylvania border and an easy hop from Manhattan. So, why "Hawk's Nest"? Because you're cruising along the bluffs high above the Delaware River, prime real estate for, you guessed it, hawks! We're talking about Route 97, part of the Scenic Upper Delaware Byway. It clocks in at around 70 miles from Port Jervis to Hancock, hugging the river most of the way. The star of the show? A tight little section known as Hawk's Nest itself, with nine seriously sweet turns. This drive is a MUST, especially in the summer or fall. Think rolling hills, killer views, and enough twists to keep things interesting. Weekends and holidays? Expect company. There are a few lookout points where you can pull over and soak it all in. Oh, and did I mention Hollywood loves this road? It's been featured in tons of commercials for fancy car brands and even had a cameo in *Dr. Strange*! Hawk's Nest Road started as a one-lane dirt track way back in 1859 and got its pavement makeover in the early 30s. A heads-up: this isn't the road to tackle after a huge meal, and if your passengers are prone to motion sickness, maybe give them a warning. The twisty bits are intense. After that, it's a smooth, scenic cruise with some long corners and big slopes. Keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you—accidents can happen, even at the 55 mph speed limit. But overall? It's an epic drive you won't forget.
hardThe road to Pine Creek Reservoir in OR isn’t an easy one
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Pine Creek Reservoir, a hidden gem way up in Oregon's Baker County! We're talking serious altitude here – 6,571 feet above sea level! Nestled in the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, this place is about 10 miles northeast of Sumpter and feels like a world away. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. You'll be cruising along Pine Creek Road, an old, rocky path that's entirely unpaved. The last three miles? Buckle up and engage that four-wheel drive – you're gonna need it! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep inclines, with gradients hitting a crazy 23% in some spots! The road stretches for about 4.66 miles from west of Wingville, climbing a whopping 2,588 feet along the way. That gives you an average gradient of over 10%! Due to the steepness, the road is not recommended for motor vehicle use. But hey, the views! You're surrounded by the Elkhorn Mountains, with Rock Creek Butte and Elkhorn Peak towering nearby. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's even a minor unpaved trail leading northwest from the reservoir that climbs even higher, topping out at 7,949 feet. Seriously, this is one of the highest drives in Oregon!
hardWhere is Green Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're hunting for off-the-beaten-path thrills in New Mexico, Green Mountain is calling your name. Tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this peak boasts some serious views from its tippy-top. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking about an old logging road that's seen better days. Think crazy-tight switchbacks where you might have to play chicken with oncoming traffic, and a surface that’s…rustic, let's say. You absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle to even think about tackling this beast. The adventure clocks in around 7 miles from the pavement, packing in a lung-busting 2,700 feet of elevation gain. That's an average grade of 7.5%, but be prepared for some pitches that hit a whopping 15%! The road's usually snowed in until late spring/early summer, and even in the warmer months, loose rocks abound. But hey, the bragging rights (and those summit views!)? Totally worth it. Just keep an eye on the weather.