When was the Chain of Craters Road opened?
Usa, north-america
31 km
1,219 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the Chain of Craters Road, a 19-mile stretch in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park! This baby opened in '65, but a lava flow rerouted it in '79, so you're driving on relatively "new" (40-year-old) lava. The road starts at a cool 4,000 feet near Kīlauea Summit, winding down – steeply, I might add, losing 3700 feet – to the coast where lava meets the ocean. There's even a hairpin turn to keep things interesting!
Word to the wise: drive slow, especially if it's wet, as the road can get slick. Volcanic activity is unpredictable, so check the daily conditions report before you go. Pack for anything: hot sun, strong winds, or rain. And bring flashlights if you're staying after dark! No gas, food, or water along the way, so fill up and stock up.
Give yourself at least 2.5 hours for the round trip, but you'll probably want longer to soak it all in. This drive showcases the raw power and ongoing creation of the Big Island, with craters galore, incredible lava formations, petroglyphs, and maybe even active lava flows. Plus, there are awesome hikes and views along the way. You'll be amazed!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,219 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is Empire Mine Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, ghost hunters, because we're talking about Empire Mine Road in Antioch, California! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a creepy 3.4 miles stretch of paved road in Contra Costa County. Word on the street is this place is seriously haunted. The road is now closed with barriers since it is located on private property, but listen to the stories. What can you expect? First, there's this graffiti-covered stucco wall that just pops up out of nowhere, a prime spot for hikers brave enough to venture this far. Legend says an old Insane Asylum sits at the far end of the road! Some say a decaying hospital lurks there with stories of tortured souls still echoing within its walls. Then there's an old railroad tunnel where, if you dare to enter, you might just hear whispers carried on the breeze as bats flutter above. And don't even get me started on the abandoned slaughterhouse at a bend in the road. Rumors swirl of KKK meetings, satanic rituals, and a ghostly old man who makes sure everyone is safe. Creepy sounds, clanging metal, and the feeling of being watched – this place has it all. So, if you're looking for a spooky adventure, Empire Mine Road might just be your ticket… if you can get permission to go there, and dare to enter!
moderateKelly Road in Pennsylvania is one of America's most haunted roads
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, fellow thrill-seekers, because we're heading to Kelly Road in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Ohio border! This isn't your average Sunday drive; this 1.6-mile stretch of paved road is legendary for its spooky vibes and ghost stories. Tucked away in western Beaver County, north of Industry, Kelly Road winds its way between Engle Road and Wolf Run Road, cutting through two dense, shadowy stretches of woods. But be warned, this isn't just about scenic views. Locals whisper about a "bad aura" that hangs over this particular part of the road, claiming it can trigger sudden anger, even violence, for no reason at all. People report strange animal behavior, shadowy figures flitting in the periphery, and eerie, unexplainable sounds. And to add to the creep factor, the road twists and turns through thick, dark forests. So, what's the deal with all the weirdness? Some say the road is cursed by Native Americans, angry about being dispossessed of their land back in the 1700s. Others tell of a young girl murdered here in the '50s, a crime that was never solved. Still others mention cult activity in the nearby woods, so you might not want to visit after dark. Whatever the reason, it's said the strangeness stops after the one-mile marker, which is why it's called the Mystery Mile. The alleged cult activity rumors in the forest have definitely amplified the legend.
moderateFall Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Fall Mountain! This beauty sits high up in eastern Oregon's Grant County, clocking in at 5,941 feet. The road's mostly gravel, so your average car should handle it just fine. You'll find this gem within the Malheur National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 607. Fair warning: aim for summer, because snow usually shuts this down from October to June. Spring, early summer, and fall can get super rutted and muddy, so keep that in mind! While a regular car *can* make it, 4WD is a must in bad weather, and higher clearance is always a good idea. The payoff? A 1933 lookout tower at the summit that you can even rent! It gives you killer 360-degree views of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness and the nearby towns of Seneca and Mt. Vernon. Trust me, you'll want your camera!
moderateCurrant Creek Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Currant Creek Pass in central Colorado's Front Range. This beauty tops out at 9,485 feet, so get ready for some serious views. You'll be cruising on smooth asphalt the whole way – it's actually Highway 9. Word to the wise: while it's usually open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with winter storms, so check conditions before you go. You'll actually be crossing a continental divide up there, separating the Arkansas and Platte River basins. Epic!