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    28 Underrated But Awesome Stops To Make On An American Road Trip

    Ready, set, see the country.

    Hannah Loewentheil
    by Hannah Loewentheil

    BuzzFeed Staff

    We live in a big country and there are so many amazing things to see. After all, it's called America the Beautiful for a reason.

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    So we asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about the must-visit stops along a great American road trip. Here are some of their best responses.

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    1. Ecola State Park (Oregon)

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    "Just off Highway 101 in Oregon, Ecola State Park boasts amazing views, which you might recognize from movies like The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. Plus, if you’re looking for a great breakfast in the area, try Pig 'n' Pancake in Cannon Beach." — redtoenails

    2. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

    3. Skylight Inn BBQ (North Carolina)

    4. Teddy Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)

    5. The Finger Lakes (New York)

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    "This region in Upstate New York is surrounded by wineries and it's home to the cutest little towns! If you go in the fall, you’ll be amazed at the foliage." — rebeccaclairec

    6. Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Colorado)

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    "While driving from Boston to California, Steamboat Springs, Colorado was one of my favorite stops. I went to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which was incredible. I got there right when it opened and had the pools to myself for almost an oil. The hot springs vary in temperature and are completely surrounded by nature." — maiat40d30191e

    7. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)

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    "Right off I-40 between Flagstaff and the New Mexico Border, this might be the most underrated of the national parks. It's never crowded, but it's such a cool place. The petrified forest and painted desert are beautiful, and there's lots of cool history about how the forest came to be. You can see most of it from your car as you drive, so it's very accessible." — amm4isu

    8. Assateague Island (Maryland and Virginia)

    9. Beartooth Pass (Montana)

    10. Dunford Bakers (Utah)

    11. Ogden Farmer's Market (Utah)

    12. Mackinac Island (Michigan)

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    "There are no cars allowed on this island, only bicycles and horse drawn carriages. It’s a small vacation town with plenty to do and it is absolutely gorgeous!" — donnas4d97feea7

    13. The Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee)

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    "It’s one of the most visited national parks for a reason, and it's especially beautiful during the fall." — tthornton2

    This national park is amazing during the fall. Drive along the mountains with your windows down taking in the sounds of the river and the sights of the leaves changing colors." — KaraWest1

    14. Marietta Diner (Georgia)

    15. Spearfish Canyon (South Dakota)

    16. Clearwater Beach (Florida)

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    "Stop here for beautiful, soft white sand and Pier 60, an awesome spot with a cool sunset market. Don't miss Frenchy's Cafe for amazingly fresh seafood." — desireedavis0919

    17. Providence (Rhode Island)

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    "It's easy to forget about Rhode Island, the smallest state, but Providence is a super cool and diverse city with a very up-and-coming arts and culture scene. It's also just a short drive from Rhode Island's beach towns." — jordanmirandas222

    18. The Buckhorn Bar (Montana)

    19. Custer State Park (South Dakota)

    20. Belcross Bake Shoppe (North Carolina)

    21. Hocking Hills State Park (Ohio)

    22. Fern Canyon (California)

    23. Frank Pepe's (Connecticut)

    24. Moab (Utah)

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    "Known for its red rock formations, this city is absolutely stunning and surreal." — elanaw2

    25. White Sands National Park (New Mexico)

    26. Point Lobos (California)

    27. Pagosa Springs (Colorado)

    28. Crater Lake (Oregon)

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    "It's a stunning drive around the crater and there's a one-mile hike you can take if you want to swim. It’s also conveniently located between Mount Saint Helens and Redwood National State Park." — talkingmushroom

    Do you have a favorite cross-country stop everyone should know about? Tell us in the comments below.