If you’ve been craving a unique, unforgettable road trip…this is your sign! The longest road in the United States, U.S. Route 20, stretches at a staggering 3,365 miles from Boston all the way to Newport. And while it doesn’t run directly through Philadelphia, it cuts across Pennsylvania, making it an easy add-on for Philly-area travelers ready to hit the road.
Think of it as the ultimate cross-country adventure through 12 different states, widely different landscapes, and some of the most iconic sights in the country,.
A cross-country road trip, Philly-style
For Philadelphians, hopping onto Route 20 is surpassingly doable.A short drive west puts you on a route that spans over 20% of the entire country in one continuous stretch.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend escape or a full-on cross-country journey, this highway delivers.
Although driving the full route would take about 60 hours, most travelers stretch it out over a week or two. Instead, it’s best experienced by customizing your adventure filled with scenic stops, roadside attractions, and unforgettable detours.
What will you see along Route 20?
One of the best parts of Route 20 is how dramatically the scenery shifts as you go. Starting on the East Coast and heading west, here’s just a taste of what’s in store:
- In Pennyslvania, expect charming small towns and access escapes like Presque Isle State Park along Lake Erie
- In New York, you’re within reach of the Finger Lakes and just a short detour from Niagara Falls
- Ohio brings major thrills with Cedar Point, often dubbed the roller coaster capital of the world
- Illionis lets you explore Chicago, one of the country’s most iconic cities
- Out west, the landscapes open up into vast farmland, deserts, and moutains
- Wyoming, you’re within reach of Yellowstone National Park, where you might even spot wild bison roamind
By the time you reach Oregon, you’ll have traveled through forests, plains, and coastlines—ending your journey right by the Pacific Ocean.
About Route 20
Route 20 isn’t just long, it’s historic. its origin trace back to early Native American trails that were later used by colonists traveling west in the 1600s.
Eventually, parts of it became the Boston Post Road, a mail route famously associated with Benjamin Franklin.
Today, it stands as one of the original highways from the 1920s U.S. Highway System, routes designed to connect the country long before interstates took over.
Why you should add a Route 20 road trip to your bucket list
You don’t have to start in Boston or finish in Oregon to expereine the magic of Route 20. For Philly locals, the legendary road isn’t too far from home.
It’s the kind of trop you can tailor to your vibe:
- A quick Pennsylvania-to-Ohio trip
- A scenic Northeast road trip
- Or the full, bucket-list cross-country drive
Either way, it’s proof that one of America’s greatest adventures isn’t as far away as it sounds. The longest road in the country runs through Pennsylvania and it’s calling.
