U.S. Numbered Highway System

Explore the U.S. Numbered Highway System—historic routes, major corridors, and scenic roads connecting every region of the country. Learn more about U.S. Highways across America.

The U.S. Numbered Highway System—often referred to as U.S. Routes or U.S. Highways—is a nationwide network of roads established in 1926 to improve long-distance automobile travel across the United States. Unlike the Interstate system, U.S. Highways predate freeways and often serve as main streets, scenic byways, or vital connectors through rural and urban communities alike. Many historic routes, including iconic roads like U.S. Route 66, trace their roots to this enduring network.

These highways use a grid system for numbering: odd-numbered routes run north–south, increasing from east to west, while even-numbered routes run east–west, increasing from north to south. Important cross-country highways typically end in “0” or “1” (like US 20 or US 1), and three-digit offshoots usually indicate spurs or loops branching from mainline routes.

Today, the U.S. Highway system continues to evolve—some segments have been decommissioned, realigned, or upgraded to freeways—but many routes remain essential for regional travel, trucking, and scenic exploration. This category explores the entire U.S. Numbered Highway network, from coast to coast and border to border.

Discover U.S. Routes

US Highway 65: Harrison to Conway – Arkansas

US Highway 65: Harrison to Conway – Arkansas

Drive 105 miles along US Highway 65 from Harrison to Conway, Arkansas, passing through the scenic Ozarks, historic small towns, and the Buffalo National River. A peaceful and authentic route through rural Arkansas.

U.S. Highway 278: Westbound in Monticello – Arkansas

U.S. Highway 278: Westbound in Monticello – Arkansas

Cruise through downtown Monticello, Arkansas, as we travel 3 miles west on U.S. Highway 278. From McCloy Street to Gaines Avenue and back to US-425, this short route offers a look at the city’s historic core and highway connections.

U.S. Highway 425: Pine Bluff to Star City – Arkansas

U.S. Highway 425: Pine Bluff to Star City – Arkansas

Cruise 27 miles south along U.S. Highway 425 from Pine Bluff to Star City through the heart of southeast Arkansas farmland. Discover rural communities, local history, and a scenic stretch of highway connecting key small towns in the region.

U.S. Highway 64: Marion to Earle – Arkansas

U.S. Highway 64: Marion to Earle – Arkansas

Travel 17 miles west along U.S. Highway 64 from Marion to Earle, Arkansas, through the fertile Delta farmland of Crittenden County. Pass through Crawfordsville and explore small-town Arkansas along this historic stretch of highway.

US Highway 412: Chestnut Grove to Jackson – Tennessee

US Highway 412: Chestnut Grove to Jackson – Tennessee

Drive 58 miles across scenic western Tennessee on U.S. Highway 412 from Chestnut Grove to Jackson. Explore historic towns like Linden and Parsons, cross the Tennessee River, and cruise a four-lane highway through forest and farmland to the regional city of Jackson.

U.S. Highway 65: Arkansas to Tallulah – Louisiana

U.S. Highway 65: Arkansas to Tallulah – Louisiana

Cruise 46 miles down U.S. Highway 65 from the Arkansas state line to Tallulah, Louisiana, through quiet farmland and delta towns like Lake Providence and Transylvania. Be cautious: speed enforcement is strict along this rural stretch of highway.