The Curviest Roads in America

“Easy roads make sleepy travelers.” – C.H. Spurgeon

A motorcyclist recently ranked the 10 most twisting roads in America… and here are a few of them.

Coming in at #1 was State Road 1 in California, otherwise known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Although it stretches more than 600 miles along the California coast, it is the “90 miles of serpentine beauty between Hearst Castle in San Simeon in the south and Carmel-by-the-Sea in the north” that the author found the most intriguing and inspiring.

Then there is the Tail of the Dragon, a route that begins in North Carolina at the intersection of SR 28 and US 129 and ends on the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee. The Dragon is only 11 miles in length and yet, it features 318 different curves.

Next in line is the Pikes Peak Highway in Colorado Springs, scene of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The official race circuit comprises the upper 12 miles of the road, with a total of 156 corners… many of them with unprotected sheer drops.

After that comes the Snake, a 37-mile loop on US 421 that starts in the farmlands of Tennessee, just north of Mountain City, before crossing over the state line into Washington County, VA. Altogether, there are a breathtaking – and extremely challenging – 489 turns to navigate.

My friend, life has its share of twists and turns that are sure to keep you awake and alert behind the wheel. Those constant curves in the road also increase our dependence on God. Conversely, it is often the straight and nondescript thoroughfares that pose more danger because they tend to lull us to sleep… physically and spiritually.

Here is how Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers”, described the various highways of life.

“Depend upon it—it is in easy places that men shut their eyes and wander into the dreamy land of forgetfulness. Old Erskine wisely remarked, ‘I like a roaring devil better than a sleeping devil.’ There is no temptation half so dangerous as not being tempted. The distressed soul does not sleep; it is after we enter into peaceful confidence and full assurance that we are in danger of slumbering. The disciples fell asleep after they had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountaintop. Take heed, joyful Christian, easy days are close neighbors to temptations: Be as happy as you will—only be watchful!”

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.” Matthew 7:13 (ESV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President