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The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: December 28, 2022
• Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
• Post comments: 23 Comments

Do you like roadtrips? They happen to be a very American tradition and we found the perfect itinerary to visit every state in the continental USA during 1 epic roadtrip. A great trip idea for those who have a lot of time but want to stay closer to home .

Personally, I love roadtrips and I hit the road as much as I can, despite also being an aviation geek: you can like both, right? What matters is traveling and seeing new places , no matter how.

So here are the maps and details of the 2 itineraries that allow you to see all the lower 48 states at once, depending on your travel preference.

Basics of the 2 epic USA roadtrip itineraries

The USA is a huge country, almost as big as Europe (it’s even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).

So the USA has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes, but even in terms of culture too (even if many who aren’t from the country don’t realize that).

If you aim to eventually visit every state, any 1 of these 2 itineraries is a great way to almost all of them at once. The only 2 states you’ll have left to visit after this roadtrip will be Hawaii and Alaska.

There’s a version for national parks and points of interest and a version for cities.

I’m on the quest to visit all 50 states myself (in addition to also visiting every country obviously), and I’m not doing too bad with 47 already.

But let’s just say it would’ve been much quicker to get to 48 at once with this roadtrip instead of having to do it over dozens of trips.

Here are the details.

48-state roadtrip – national parks/points of interest version

Here’s a map of the 1st itinerary.

It was conceived by American Ph.D. student Randy Olson, on  his blog , and it was done scientifically to optimize the routing: each stop represents a national park or a point of interest.

So you’re not just seeing every state, you’re seeing cool parts of every state (which sadly wasn’t our case in North Dakota during our very random 1200-miles-nonstop-in-2-days Flytrippers roadtrip across the Midwest just for fun).

Good times. Roadtrips always make for great stories.

Anyway, the itinerary has also been optimized to be as efficient a route as possible to see all 48 states, so you can rest assured you won’t be wasting any time.

If you only stop to sleep, you can complete this roadtrip in only 9 days, but we recommend taking at least a couple of weeks to explore all these places obviously.

And gas is significantly cheaper in the US in case you were wondering. You can start anywhere, it’s a continuous loop, and it passes through many spots near the Canadian border.

You can even take a shortcut from Michigan to Vermont through Canada, as the stop in Cleveland is only to keep Americans without a passport from crossing into the Great White North.

Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California):

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 3. Craters of the Moon, ID 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 5. Pikes Peak, CO 6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 7. The Alamo, TX 8. The Platt Historic District, OK 9. Toltec Mounds, AR 10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 12. French Quarter, LA 13. USS Alabama, AL 14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 17. Lost World Caverns, WV 18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 19. Mount Vernon, VA 20. White House, Washington, D.C. 21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 22. New Castle Historic District, DE 23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 24. Liberty Bell, PA 25. Statue of Liberty, NY 26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 27. The Breakers, RI 28. USS Constitution, MA 29. Acadia National Park, ME 30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 31. Shelburne Farms, VT 32. Fox Theater, MI 33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 37. Gateway Arch, MO 38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 40. Taliesin, WI 41. Fort Snelling, MN 42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 43. Mount Rushmore, SD 44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 45. Glacier National Park, MT 46. Hanford Site, WA 47. Columbia River Highway, OR 48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 49. San Andreas Fault, CA 50. Hoover Dam, NV

These are all very enticing attractions, for the most part. It seems I’ve only seen 14 of those, so maybe I should hit the road again after all.

How about you? Tempted?

48-state roadtrip – city version

Here’s a map of the 2nd itinerary.

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2nd version that routes you through amazing cities instead.

It is slightly shorter but quite as impressive: it makes you go through the “Best City to Visit” in each state, according to TripAdvisor .

But you won’t have all the lower 48 states, unlike the other itinerary. That’s because no city in Vermont, West Virginia, or North Dakota made the top 400 cities to visit ranking, unfortunately. So plan on making a few extra detours if you want to hit all states at once with this version of the itinerary.

Here is the complete list of all cities:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Denver, Colorado
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Francisco, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Boise, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Billings, Montana
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Manchester, New Hampshire
• Portland, Maine
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Providence, Rhode Island
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New York City, New York
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Orlando, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houston, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Branson, Missouri

I do a little better on this list, with 31 already visited. You can see I love cities. How about you?

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If you were looking for an excuse to go on a roadtrip, this is it. And since we always enjoy giving you more for your money, we think 48 states instead of only 1 or 2 is something you’ll enjoy!

What’s the coolest roadtrip you’ve ever been on? Tell us in the comments below.

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Featured image: The itinerary (image credit: Randy Olson)

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

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This post has 23 comments.

Hello Andrew, the PHD student suggests in the 1st Itinnerary that the one stop to make in Washington State is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation?! Flat out, that is a terrible idea. It is in the middle of nowhere, I am just shocked it’s mentioned. Out of all the beautiful and amazing places to see in such a diverse state as Washington, a Nuclear Site was chosen? Surely this student could have done so much better. Thank you for allowing comments.

Having been all around the Olympic Peninsula, I agree that’s there are better stops. But my understanding is that he really optimized for the quickest way to do all 48 and had to choose a point of interest that wasn’t too far off that optimal path, hence that choice (I think).

thanks for sharing this information with us.

I have taken a road trip from California to the the most northeastern part of theUS. west Quaby light house. it was my 1st trip across the us. .I seen so many amazing places.

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

Why do Americans always think the Statue of Liberty is in NY? it is in NJ. I’ve done road trips now that have taken in 39 states. Here’s a quiz to see how well you know the USA: Which state has only one syllable? Only one city has been name-checked on the moon. In which state is it? Which is the most Northerly of the contiguous states? In which state were Tennessee Williams and Elvis Presley born? Which was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted into the USA? Which four states all share a border with each other? Which state has the lowest population? Twelve cities are name-checked in “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” but only three states. Which? Which state has the longest name? Which two states have the most borders with other states? In which state is the geographical centre of the USA – and which one if you exclude Hawaii and Alaska? Which of the states of the USA has respectively the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Westerly points?

The official Statue of Liberty address is Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004.

Wow, these comments are very rude for no reason. Thanks for the article, maybe when I graduate from college I’ll consider hitting part of one of these itineraries.

“it’s a huge country (even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).”

Canada – 3.855 million mi² USA – 3.532 million mi² Where does this math fail you?

Where did reading fail you :P? It explicitly says “ when considering LAND area alone ” The quote you copied literally has a link provided under “even larger than Canada” and if you read that, it explains how Canada is only larger than the US due to water area being counted 🙂

There is no stop in North Dakota on the city version. You should stop in Fargo after Billings and before Sioux Falls

I’m 46 years old .. I have been to all 50 states and I’m 17 away from all 50 twice .. I have driven to 47 .. flown to Alaska, Hawaii and Washington..

Wow! That’s impressive :O

This is awesome

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

“this roadtrip in only 9 days“ is extremely false statement. It is only 9 days if you are driving non stop, no breaks to even get out of your car, get gas, or actually see these places. From start to finish drive time it is 225 hours, 16 minutes = 9 days. Wow. Take some time to enjoy the view.

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

Thanks for the tip 😊

Do you know the total distance of this itinerary? At what moment of the year doing this trip would be the best? Thanks!

Hi! It is 13,699 miles (22,046 km) for the landmarks itinerary and 12,290 miles (19,780 km) for the city version. You can even have the Google Maps links on the creator’s original post (I’ve reposted the link below). As for the timing, I guess it depends on your preferences, but I’d want to avoid that top half of the country (so half the itinerary) in the winter for sure! http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

Crappy itinerary! Does not even include Zion National Park… and so many stops in the North Eastern states?? Nobody cares about those places except maybe a couple of places.

As explained, the PhD student who built the itinerary wanted to have one stop per state, and there are many states in the North-East so that’s why there are many stops there. I agree that Zion is an iconic spot, but his goal was also to optimize a routing that was as short as possible so that’s why it’s billed as an itinerary to see all lower 48 states at once and not an itinerary to see *the best spots*. But those interested in doing this can definitely adapt it and add many interesting stops for sure 🙂

Curtis, you are crappy. Obviously this is meant as a guide that can be adapted to add spots. I think it’s awesome.

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The United States, officially known as the United States of America (USA), shares its borders with Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. To the east lies the vast Atlantic Ocean , while the equally expansive Pacific Ocean borders the western coastline. Spanning a total area of approximately 9,833,520 km 2 (3,796,742 sq mi), the United States ranks as the third or fourth- largest country by total area , depending on if one includes or omits water area, respectively.

Furthermore, there are numerous geographical regions that form the contiguous United States as well as its various island territories and states. Last, the greatest east-west distance in the 48 contiguous United States is 4,500 km (2796 mi). In regards to north-south, the longest distance in the 48 contiguous states region is 2,660 km (1653 mi).

The Atlantic Coastal Plain: Starting in the eastern part of the country, the Atlantic Coastal Plain extends from the northeastern states down to Florida , bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It includes both low-lying, swampy areas, especially in the south, and more elevated regions to the north.

The Appalachian Mountains: Moving westward, one encounters the Appalachian Mountains , a system of ranges extending from the Canadian province of Quebec to northern Alabama . These mountains, which include notable peaks such as Mount Mitchell, were among the first regions settled by Europeans in the colonial period.

The Great Plains: Beyond the Appalachian Mountains lies the vast expanse of the Interior Lowlands, also known as the Great Plains. This region covers much of the central United States and extends into Canada. The Great Plains, characterized by prairies and grasslands, are a hub for agriculture due to their fertile soil.

The Rocky Mountains: Further to the west, the landscape rises again into the Rocky Mountains . This region, which covers a significant portion of western North America, boasts some of the highest peaks on the continent, including Mount Elbert.

The Intermontane Plateaus , including the Columbia and Colorado Plateau , lie to the west of the Rocky Mountains. This region also contains the Great Basin , a largely arid area characterized by desert and salt flats.

The Pacific Coast Range: Finally, on the western edge of the continent, lies the Pacific Coast Range. This includes the coastal mountains along the Pacific Ocean, from Alaska all the way to California . This range also encompasses several active volcanoes and the renowned California coastal areas.

The Alaskan Range: Situated further to the north of the Pacific Coast Range lies the Alaskan Range. This region is home to Mount Denali , formerly known as Mount McKinley, which, at 6.2 kilometers (20,310 feet), is the highest point above sea level in the United States. The range extends across the breadth of Alaska , which itself is a massive, rugged, state that was purchased from Russia in 1867. 

Major Bodies of Water: The United States also boasts a wealth of major bodies of water, rivers, and islands. The Great Lakes , including Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, are located in the northeastern part of the country and form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area. 

Prominent rivers in the United States include the Mississippi, the Missouri, and the Colorado. The Mississippi River, one of the longest in the world, flows south from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, effectively dividing the country into eastern and western halves. The Missouri River, a tributary of the Mississippi, is the longest river in North America. The Colorado River, famous for carving the Grand Canyon , also contributes significantly to the landscape of the Southwest.

Islands: The United States claims numerous islands, with the largest being Hawaii , located in the Pacific Ocean. Other significant islands include the Aleutian Islands in Alaska, and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean . Furthermore, the country has territories in the Pacific, such as Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, and in the Caribbean, like the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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The 50 states are the major administrative divisions of the country. In alphabetical order, these states are: Alabama , Alaska , Arizona , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Connecticut , Delaware , District of Columbia , Florida , Georgia , Hawaii , Idaho , Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Louisiana , Maine , Maryland , Massachusetts , Michigan , Minnesota , Mississippi , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , Nevada , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New Mexico , New York , North Carolina , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , South Carolina , South Dakota , Tennessee , Texas , Utah , Vermont , Virginia , Washington , West Virginia , Wisconsin , Wyoming

The states are divided into counties, which are further subdivided into municipalities. The District of Columbia is the federal district in which the country's capital - Washington D.C. is based. 

The 14 U.S. territories are: Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Midway Atoll, Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Palmyra Atoll (incorporated territory), Kingman Reef, Wake Island and Navassa Island. 

Covering a total area of 9,833,520 sq. km, the United States is the world's 3rd largest country. Located along the northern shore of the Potomac River in the federal district of Columbia is, Washington D.C. - the country's capital city. Situated at the southern edge of the State of New York is the New York City - the largest and the most populous city of the U.S. 

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The map above shows the location of the United States within North America, with Mexico to the south and Canada to the north. Found in the Norhern and Western Hemispheres, the country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west, as well as the Gulf of Mexico to the south.

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The above outline map represents the contiguous United States, the world's 3rd largest country located in North America. 

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On this website our staff reviews some of our favorite road trips and popular travel destinations across North America.

Our travel guides include first-hand experiences, personal recommendations, and original photographs from our trips.

We love traveling around North America, and exploring the many exciting places and destinations that the USA and Canada have to offer. We also enjoy being out on the open roads, like cross-country trips on Route 66 The Mother Road.

From the Beartooth Highway to the Blue Ridge Parkway , from Utah Scenic Byway 12 to the Trans Canada Highway, it is always a fun driving adventure.

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"The Mother Road " stretched 2,448 miles from Chicago, heading south through Illinois and Missouri. From there Route 66 turned in a more westward direction through Oklahoma and Texas, with the final stretches in New Mexico and Arizona before ending in Los Angeles.

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The Beartooth Highway, is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S., with views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, and open high alpine plateaus. The road features glacial lakes, forests, valleys, waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. It traverses a series of steep switchbacks at the Montana-Wyoming border to the 10,947 ft Beartooth Pass.

US 50 crosses the central portion of Nevada, from the west side of the state near Lake Tahoe to the east side near Great Basin National Park.

The Nevada portion of U.S. 50 was named "The Loneliest Road in America" by Life magazine in July 1986.

U.S. Highway 550 in Colorado is a two-lane mountainous road. It is one of only two north–south U.S. Highways in Colorado which runs west of the Continental Divide.

The 25-mile section of U.S. 550 from Silverton to Ouray is frequently called the Million Dollar Highway .

Trail Ridge Road is a paved, 48 mile long scenic highway in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. It connects the park entrances in Grand Lake and Estes Park . The road features switchbacks and hairpin curves, and rises to a height of 12,183 feet above sea level. The road is open seasonally in non-winter months.

The Moki Dugway is a steep, gravel three mile road located in southeastern Utah, traversing 1,200 feet from the top of Cedar Mesa to the broad valley below. The road is actually part of Utah Highway 261, most of which is paved.

Travel to National Parks

Yellowstone National Park is the world's first national park. It is located mostly in Wyoming, and spans 63 miles north to south, and 54 miles east to west. Geysers, hiking, camping, bison, elk and more!

Smoky Mountains Park spans over 800 square miles in Tennessee and North Carolina, and is one of the most pristine natural areas in the Eastern part of the United States. An endless variety of outdoor activities!

Rocky Mountain National Park is located in Colorado, and consists of 415 square miles of spectacular mountain environments. A highlight of the park is Trail Ridge Road which crests at over 12,000 feet. The park also features over 300 miles of hiking trails, lakes and wildlife.

Grand Canyon National Park is located in Arizona, and is centered on a Colorado River canyon that is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and a mile deep.

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The Burr Trail takes the adventurous traveler into some of Utah's most beautiful and extraordinary country, with views of the Henry Mountains, the colorfully contorted Waterpocket Fold, red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon.

The famous Burr Trail switchbacks rise steeply up through the canyon. The trail drops nearly 800 feet in about a mile, while zigging and zagging down the Waterpocket Fold.

Hoonah is situated on the northwest shore of Chichagof Island across Icy Strait from the entrance to Glacier Bay on Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage.

Known as the Little City with a Big Heart, Hoonah is a family-oriented and closely-knit community of friendly and caring people. Hoonah is about 40 air miles west of the Alaska Capitol in Juneau.

With a perfect growing climate, Victoria is known internationally as the City of Gardens. The Butchart Gardens, just north of Victoria in Brentwood Bay, are internationally known and appreciated, and host over a million visitors annually.

The Butchart Gardens feature a million bedding plants in over 900 varieties.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located in extreme southeastern Utah, on the northern border of Arizona.

The valley is host to towering sandstone rock formations that have been sculpted over time and soar 400 to 1,000 feet above the valley floor. Combined with the surrounding mesas, buttes, and desert environment, Monument Valley is one of the natural wonders of the world.

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This page features an interactive and customizable map builder showing visited states. You can use it to track your US travel history by marking the states you have previously visited! Create a beautiful custom map in a few clicks, and share it with your community. Also, check out our Interactive US Map for Websites with advanced customization options!

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If you need a US map with advanced features for your website, we offer several options for you. Alongside the standard HTML and JavaScript package, you can also opt for an easy-to-use WordPress plugin.

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This very simple tool allows you to easily create a map of states you have visited. Simply click on the states on the map, or toggle a checklist item below the map to mark where you have been. You can also customize the colors, turn off labels, and show stats regarding the number of states you have visited.

You can use this tool to track how many US states you have been to. In the "Set Map Parameters" control, check the "Show stats" box. The number of states where you have been will be displayed below the map. When the "Show stats" control is active, the exact number of states you have been to and the percentage of states you have visited are shown below the map.

This page features buttons that allow you to share this map via Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Once you click the button, it will generate an image for the customized map and opens a new tab directing you to the social network you selected. You can also copy the URL and share it on any social network. If you opened map maker from a mobile device, use the share buttons built into your browser.

In the "Set Map Parameters" section, you will see four color options. Click on the associated color square to open the color picker. Once opened, can choose from millions of colors for the states and borders.

This can be done easily, and without the need for registration. Simply copy the unique URL and add it to your bookmarks.

You can quickly reset the map by clicking the "Clear map and reset colors" button. Note, this will reset all the states you have visited, along with reverting your color options and customized settings back to their default.

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Something, somewhere went wrong 😞., if you have the time, please send me an email to [email protected] with the following error report:, thanks for helping with the development of mapchart 🙌, 🐞 bug report.

• This may happen when using the browser's page zoom to enlarge the map.
• Although Page Zoom wasn't officially supported, I understand it was a go-to choice for many.
• Please try using the website's own Zoom Mode (at the left side of every map).
• It's designed to keep your map sharp and detailed as you zoom in.
• You can edit maps with the zoom mode on; it also includes a d-pad for navigation.

Something went wrong? Please send a bug report!

This includes details on your browser/OS, and a list of the last edits you made on the map, so that I can reproduce the issue:

To send it, you can:

• Email the report to [email protected] or use the Feedback page.
• Send it anonymously... . Note that, this way, I won't be able to get back to you.

If you send via email, please consider adding a screenshot to your report.

Need more customization options?

Get mapchart plus for a dark website theme and 5 extra map themes..

• Quickly customize your map with extra map themes.
• A dark theme for the whole website.
• My Maps: save all maps you make to your account.
• My Palette: save your favourite colors and patterns to your account and find them quickly.
• and more...

Save / Load Configuration

• Save/Load text file
• Using My Maps My Maps (Plus only)

Click the button below to save your current map settings (colors, borders, legend data) as a mapchartSave.txt file:

To load a previously saved map configuration, upload the mapchartSave.txt file below:

or drag and drop your config file here, or,

Note: Loading a new configuration will replace all current map data.

This configuration was created with an older version of MapChart. The legend position and size may be a bit off. Adjust them as needed and save the map again.

Want more features, like saving maps to your account and an ad-free experience? Get MapChart Plus .

Your work is automatically saved as you make changes to your map. Each page on the website has its own autosave, stored in your browser's cache.

Note: Restoring an autosave will replace all current map data. Use undo to go back to the previous state.

Using My Maps

As a Plus user, you can save your map settings to My Maps and access it any time you want. A quick guide:

• Color and edit your map as you want. To save your progress, hit Save at the left edge of the map.
• Select a name for your save file and hit Save .
• Keep editing your map. Use Save to save your progress again. Use Save as... to save your current map with a different name.
• Use the Load... button to see a list of all maps you have saved for this page. Select Load to resume editing your saved map.
• You can check all your saved maps for all map pages on the My Maps page.
• You can still use the save/upload text files process.
• If you load the wrong map by mistake, use the Undo button to go back.

Get MapChart Plus to create your own account and save your map configurations online.

• Save all the maps you make to your account.
• Load map settings from My Maps whenever you want.
• Log in to your account from any device and continue working on your maps.
• No need to use config text files any more!

Difference between scaling and nonscaling patterns

What is this.

When you color a state with a pattern (dots, stripes, etc.), the pattern by default gets scaled (resized) to fit its size . You can change this to use nonscaling patterns that look the same on all states. Examples:

Scaling (default)

What to choose?

It can depend on the map or the patterns/colors you select, but generally:

• Scaling patterns (default) are better for maps with small subdivisions, like the detailed maps or the US counties map.
• Scaling patterns (default) are better for zoomed in areas.
• Nonscaling patterns can look better for maps with larger subdivisions, like the simple World map or the US states map.
• Nonscaling patterns can look better when you have a small number of patterns in your map, as they stand out more.

In any case, you can switch this setting on/off as many times as you need to see the difference live on your map. More details on the blog .

  Advanced settings

  keyboard shortcuts.

∗ Change this behavior in Advanced settings.

Right-click on a state to remove its color or pattern, copy a color/pattern from another state, show, or hide it.

In the legend table, click on a color box to change the color for all states in the group . Right-click on it to select the color again or use the numpad keys 1 to 9 .

  Map scripts

Run a script from the table below to quickly modify or get data from the map.

Save to My Maps

Save the current map's settings to my maps..

A new config file will be created. While editing your map, hit the Save button again, to save your progress.

Load from My Maps

Find all your saved map configurations below..

Loading a configuration replaces your current map . Use Undo to go back if needed.

* Showing configurations from compatible maps (e.g. from the Europe map, if you are on a world map page).

Share your map settings

Send this link to anyone on the web and they will be able to directly load your map's settings..

* This link will always point to the latest version of this map.

Map settings loaded!

This map configuration was shared with you by a mapchart plus user., get mapchart plus to save your map configurations online and share them with others..

• Share your maps with others, even if they don't have a Plus account.

Create a pattern

Zoom mode settings, for the keyboard shortcuts w a s d and the arrow controls:.

Your preferences will be saved to your browser's cache.

Selection settings

Select all states that the selection:.

Your preference will be saved to your browser's cache.

Zoom tutorial

Double-click to zoom in.

Use the keyboard shortcuts I O or + - to zoom in/out and W A S D or the keyboard arrows to move the map.

Use the controls at the bottom right of the map for the same functions.

Click on   Reset or use R to set the map to its initial zoom.

Click on EXIT ZOOM or use Esc to stop the zoom tool.

While in zoom mode, you can still edit the map, change colors, etc.

Splitting states

Right-click on a state and select Split state into parts :

To go back, right-click on a state part and select Show state as a whole or use the Undo button.

⚠️ Not all states can be split. For suggestions, let me know through the Feedback page .

• The way each state is split is mostly arbitrary and meant to be used as a way to further customize your map.
• This is only available for this map page.
• If you want a more granular division, please use the US Counties map page . Remove the county borders to achieve a better result.
• States that can be split: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, ME, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NM, SD, NE, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY.

Let's play a game!

Can you guess the from the hints.

Click on a state to make a guess. For instance, if you select California, you're guessing that the hidden country is the United States.

Your map progress has been saved. You can continue later.

If you had fun with this, you'll love MapGame!

Just launched, it's a daily game where you try to guess the hidden country from hints, just like the ones you saw.

Play it now at mapgame.net .

If you do try it out, please share your results with your friends. Here is how I did in today's quiz:

Found the country in 39 seconds! ✅ ✅❌ ✅❌✅ ❌❌✅❌ ✅✅✅✅✅

Quit MapGame?

This was a preview of mapgame..

It's a daily game where you try to guess the hidden country from hints, like the ones you just saw.

You can play it on mapgame.net .

Save the keyboard shortcuts you want to remember

Try Shortcut Keeper — a simple app to get more productive with your Mac.

United States

• Default Label Legend
• Dark Label Legend
• Aqua Label Legend
• Muted Label Legend
• Marine Label Legend
• Royal Label Legend
• Modern Label Legend
• Ancient Label Legend
• Cork Label Legend
• Ocean Label Legend
• Ash Label Legend
• Matrix Label Legend
• The 90s Label Legend
• Default (light)

Your choices will be saved for your next visits to this map page.

Zoom active

Select the color you want and click on a state on the map. Right-click to remove its color, hide, and more.

Add a title for the map's legend and choose a label for each color group . Change the color for all states in a group by clicking on it.

Drag the legend on the map to set its position or resize it. Use legend options to change its color, font, and more.

Update May 10, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement.

Replace or Certify Documents

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

US Road Map: Interstate Highways in the United States

You are free to use our US Road Map for educational and commercial uses. Attribution is required . How to attribute?

About the map

This US road map displays major interstate highways, limited-access highways, and principal roads in the United States of America.

It highlights all 50 states and capital cities, including the nation’s capital city of Washington, DC. Both Hawaii and Alaska are inset maps in this US road map .

Interstate highways have a bright red solid line symbol with an interstate shield label symbol. But limited-access highways and principal roads are fainter in color. Because of size constraints, non-interstate highways do not have any highway shield labels.

Highway Maps

Interstate Highways

I-4 I-5 I-8 I-10 I-12 I-15 I-16 I-17 I-19 I-20 I-24 I-25 I-26 I-27

I-29 I-30 I-35 I-37 I-39 I-40 I-43 I-44 I-45 I-49 I-55 I-57 I-59 I-64

I-65 I-68 I-69 I-70 I-71 I-72 I-74 I-75 I-76 I-77 I-78 I-79 I-80 I-81

I-82 I-84 I-85 I-86 I-87 I-88 I-89 I-90 I-91 I-93 I-94 I-95 I-96 I-99

The 50 States of America with Abbreviations

Alabama (AL) Alaska (AK) Arizona (AZ) Arkansas (AR) California (CA) Colorado (CO) Connecticut (CT) Delaware (DE) Florida (FL) Georgia (GA) Hawaii (HI) Idaho (ID) Illinois (IL) Indiana (IN) Iowa (IA) Kansas (KS) Kentucky (KY) Louisiana (LA) Maine (ME) Maryland (MD) Massachusetts (MA) Michigan (MI) Minnesota (MN) Mississippi (MS) Missouri (MO)

Montana (MT) Nebraska (NE) Nevada (NV) New Hampshire (NH) New Jersey (NJ) New Mexico (NM) New York (NY) North Carolina (NC) North Dakota (ND) Ohio (OH) Oklahoma (OK) Oregon (OR) Pennsylvania (PA) Rhode Island (RI) South Carolina (SC) South Dakota (SD) Tennessee (TN) Texas (TX) Utah (UT) Vermont (VT) Virginia (VA) Washington (WA) West Virginia (WV) Wisconsin (WI) Wyoming (WY)

State Capital Cities

Albany Annapolis Atlanta Augusta Austin Baton Rouge Bismarck Boise Boston Carson City Charleston Cheyenne Columbia Columbus Concord Denver Des Moines Dover Frankfort Harrisburg Hartford Helena Honolulu Indianapolis Jackson

Jefferson City Juneau Lansing Lincoln Little Rock Madison Montgomery Montpelier Nashville Oklahoma City Olympia Phoenix Pierre Providence Raleigh Richmond Sacramento Saint Paul Salem Salt Lake City Santa Fe Springfield Tallahassee Topeka Trenton

• United States Government Website (USA.gov)
• US Census Bureau (Census.gov)

US Map Collection

US Map Collection: The 50 States of America

10 US Mountain Ranges Map

Federal Lands of the United States Map

US Temperature Map

Map of the United States of America

US Regions Map

US National Parks Map

US Time Zone Map

Lakes and Rivers Map of the United States

State Outlines: Blank Maps of the 50 United States

United States Map with Capitals

US Precipitation Map

Tx-130 becomes I-10, in the South but it shows that Us-90 is I-10 not tx-130?

Hello Daniel, All interstates are expressways and start with a capital I. Such as I-80 or I-75. Roads marked with a US designation, such as US 66 can either be a highway or an expressway or segments that are both.

US 66 on there?

Shout out to everyone looking for Highway 80 and not 78 😏

Is US Hıghway 52 an ınterstate?

You are missing Interstate 41 in Wisconsin, recently became I-41 from US-41

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Road Trip USA: 12 Most Famous Routes To Travel In America

• Famous routes in the USA offer adventure, quirky roadside stops, and iconic diners for road trip enthusiasts craving exploration.
• Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, and the Florida Keys Scenic Highway are some of the most iconic road trips in the US, with breathtaking sights and delicious food stops.
• The Loneliest Road, the Alaska Highway, the Grand Circle, and the Oregon Trail provide unique and scenic routes through untouched wilderness, historic landmarks, and stunning landscapes.

From East to West and North to South, the United States is lucky to have numerous scenic highways and iconic roadways that are beckoning to be explored and perfect for road trips. Whether searching for breathtaking desert mountain ranges or vast misty forests, adventure, quirky roadside stops, and iconic American diners await travelers on these routes. Here are some most famous routes in the USA to travel for those with wanderlust, a yearning for exploration, and the desire to visit some of the best destinations in the US by road.

UPDATE: 2023/11/15 08:44 EST BY SUNIL PURUSHE

Two More Incredible Road Trips To An Already Outstanding List

America is truly a land of never-ending possibilities as far as epic road trips are concerned, and this list is richer by two more. From the East Coast to the Wild West, the United States of America is one of the best countries on Earth for a road trip. Drive safe!

Related: 10 Best Road Trips You Can Take Through The Scenic State Of Texas

Route 66: A Driving Adventure Along The Most Famous Road In The World

Over 2,400 miles across eight states, from Chicago, Illinois, to the Pacific Coast in Santa Monica, California.

Route 66 is one of the most famous road trips in the United States and a classic choice for travelers hoping to soak in Americana culture. Spanning from Chicago to California, Route 66 covers eight states and takes drivers through many historic landmarks and quirky roadside attractions, including the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas; and the Santa Monica Pier in California.

• Popular sights: Ozark Mountains in Missouri, the Painted Desert in Arizona, and the Pacific Coast in California
• Popular food stops: Lou Mitchell's in Chicago, Illinois; the Ariston Café in Litchfield, Illinois; and the Midpoint Café in Adrian, Texas

Before traveling on the most famous road trip in the US, plan to add the best stops along Route 66 to visit on a road trip to the itinerary.

The Pacific Coast Highway: A Rocky Coastline, Striking Cliffs, And Unspoiled Beaches Make PCH One Of The Most Scenic Highways

650 miles on an epic west coast road trip from the north to the south of california..

The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is probably the most famous route in America to drive and stretches more than 600 miles across the California coast. The Pacific Coast Highway offers lots to see on the way and is a must-drive route for anyone seeking gorgeous ocean views, sunny weather, and carefree California vibes.

From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, this route takes roadtrippers through some of California's most stunning and breathtaking sights.

• Popular sights: Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Point Lobos State Reserve, Big Sur State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach
• Popular food stops: Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur, Hog Island Oyster Company in Tomales Bay, and The French Laundry in Yountville

The Florida Keys Scenic Highway: 110 miles Across The Islands Of The Florida Keys

Scenic images of dolphins swimming, manatees floating in the waters, and endangered birds gliding through the brilliant blue sky..

The iconic drive along the Florida Keys Highway is perhaps one of the most beautiful road trips in the US in terms of tropical scenery and sea views. The route takes travelers from Miami to Key West with incredible ocean sights all along the way. This road also takes roadtrippers through friendly small towns filled with quirky beach bars and laid-back Florida charm.

Outdoor lovers can spend the day swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving in Florida's pristine waters or exploring some of the beautiful parks in the area, which include the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo and the Bahia Honda State Park in Big Pine Key. The Florida Keys are known for their fresh seafood, and travelers with a sweet tooth must try the area's famous specialty: Key Lime Pie.

• Popular sights: Key West Lighthouse, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, and the Indian Key Historic State Park
• Popular food stops: Hogfish Bar and Grill in Stock Island, the Conch Republic Seafood Company in Key West, and the Fish House in Islamorada

Related: The History Of Route 66, And Why You Should Be Visiting Its Museums

The Blue Ridge Parkway: "America's Favorite Drive," Through The Appalachian Mountains

469 miles of breathtaking scenery through shenandoah national park and the great smoky mountains national park..

Spanning 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most famous road trips in the US, as it takes drivers through the majestic Appalachian Mountains. Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with beautiful stops , and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing in the beautiful state parks found along the route, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The region is filled with plenty of wildlife, and nature lovers might stumble upon black bears, deer, and birds of prey native to the area.

• Popular sights: Shenandoah National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mabry Mill in Virginia, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in North Carolina
• Popular food stops: The BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, Virginia; the Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina; and the Woodlands Barbecue in Blowing Rock

The Loneliest Road: Most Desolate, Yet Most Interesting

A road trip that touches colonial-era landscapes while passing through the wild west up to high-tech silicon valley..

The Loneliest Road is a perfect road trip route for lovers of the American Southwest and has become one of the most famous roads in America. This route belongs to the portion of U.S. Route 50 that runs through Nevada. The Loneliest Road got its name in 1986 when a travel magazine proclaimed there was absolutely nothing interesting along this route, conjuring up images of desolate landscapes and barren wastelands.

This route, however, is filled with captivating desert landscapes, historic ghost towns from Nevada's famed Gold Rush, and quirky roadside attractions.

• Popular sights: The Ruby Mountains, the Great Basin National Park, the Eureka Opera House, and the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
• Popular food stops: Middlegate Station in Fallon, Grandma's in Austin, and Racks Bar and Grill in Ely

The Alaska Highway: A Work In Progress For 75 Years

A magnificent road trip through the epic northern scenery, two-thirds of which lies in canada..

Running from British Columbia to Alaska, the Alaska Highway offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore some of North America's most untouched parts of wilderness. Nature lovers can marvel at epic mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, and vast forests filled with beautiful wildlife and flora.

Visitors can hike or camp in Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve. The Alaska Highway also offers travelers one of the best places in the entire world to see the surreal beauty of the Northern Lights during the winter months.

• Popular sights: Mile 0 Cairn in Dawson Creek, the Signpost Forest in Watson Lake, and the Big Delta State Historical Park in Delta Junction
• Popular food stops: The Salty Dawg Saloon in Homer and Fast Eddy's in Tok

The best time of year to drive the Alaska Highway is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warmer, and there are plenty of daylight hours. Travelers who are determined to travel the route in winter can still make the drive as long as they take extra precautions to keep warm and safe.

The Grand Circle: Some Of The Most Stunning Scenery Imaginable

An epic journey through five states and nine national parks..

The Grand Circle loop takes drivers through some of the most iconic national parks in the American Southwest. Visitors will be able to see the stunning views of Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon. A popular place to start this loop is in Las Vegas, where visitors can rest and refresh after a long road trip spent hiking, camping, and exploring some of the most beautiful views in the US along the way.

• Popular sights: Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Four Corners, Mesa Verde, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Valley of Fire
• Popular food stops: The Rocking V Cafe in Kanab, Utah; Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, Utah; and El Tovar Dining Room at Grand Canyon National Park

Related: Blue Ridge Parkway Vs. Skyline Drive: Which Is More Scenic?

Maine's Route 1: Over 500 Miles Of Pavement That Snakes Its Way Through New England

A perpetually evolving panorama of coastline, historic landmarks, and charming towns..

Route 1 takes travelers along Maine's rugged coastline, rustic seaside towns, and some of the best lobster shacks in the country. From Kittery to Fort Kent, this route features some of the most charming views of this New England state, including the Acadia National Park, Maine Maritime Museum, whale-watching tours, and some of the most famous lighthouses in America.

• Popular sights: Acadia National Park, Maine Maritime Museum, Portland Head Light, Pemaquid Point Light, and West Quoddy Head Light
• Popular food stops: Red's Eats in Wiscasset, Moody's Diner in Waldoboro, The Whale's Tale in Boothbay Harbor

The Great River Road: A National Scenic Byway And All-American Road Following The Mississippi For 3,000 miles

A collection of state and local roads that take the course of the mississippi river through 10 states of america..

The Great River Road is also among the most famous road trips US states have to offer; it follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana and features charming river towns, breathtaking views of the epic Mississippi River, and historic sites related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the American Civil War. This route is also one of the best road trips in the US for foodies, offering everything from Tennessee barbecue to New Orleans gumbo.

• Popular sights: Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi; the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; and the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana
• Popular food stops: The Frostop Drive-In in New Orleans, Louisiana; The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri; and Fitz's Root Beer in St. Louis, Missouri

Related: Here's What Roadtrippers Should Know About The Loneliest Road In America

The Oregon Trail: America's Historic Road Trip Where 400,000 Pioneers Traveled From 1840 To 1880 In Wagons

Nearly 2,000 miles through mountains, valleys, and wild prairie on the historic route of america's first settlers..

Exploring The Oregon Trail is one of the most famous roads in America; it's a road trip made for history buffs and adults who spend their childhoods playing the popular video game. This historic route follows the path of the 19th-century pioneers who settled in the West, offering a fascinating glimpse into America's frontier past. There are plenty of museums on the route that tell the story of westward expansion, such as the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City, Oregon.

Tourists can even visit pioneer cemeteries scattered along the Oregon Trail that shed light on just how grueling this journey was. Some of these cemeteries include the Whitman Mission National Historic Site in Walla Walla, Washington, and the Blue Mountain Cemetery in Prairie City, Oregon.

• Popular sights: Independence Rock in Wyoming, Chimney Rock in Nebraska, and Fort Laramie in Wyoming
• Popular food stops: The Oregon Trail Restaurant in Baker City, Oregon, and Fort Laramie Bed and Breakfast Cafe in Fort Laramie, Wyoming

Mighty 5: A Ride Into The Heart Of America's Red Rock Country

Driving through 5 national parks of utah for the most epic adventure..

Known to many as "The Utah National Parks Road Trip" or "Mighty 5 Road Trip", this famous US route is often considered the best road trip in America and, by some, even the best in the world. Drive through Utah's national parks with canyons stretching as far as the eye can see, soaring sandstone cliffs, fire-colored rock hoodoos, and thousands of dramatic arches, like the famous formations in Arches National Park .

• Popular sights: Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Arches National Park, and Canyonlands National Parks
• Popular food stops: Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm in Boulder, Capitol Burger in Torrey, Arches Thai in Moab, I D K Barbecue in Tropic

Olympic Peninsula Loop: a 300 Mile-Long Odyssey Through Stunningly Gorgeous Landscape

Winding around the perimeter of olympic national park, passing rugged mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, lush green forests, and scenic beaches..

Although packed with famous US highways that are seemingly made for road trips, few Washington drives are as iconic as the Olympic Peninsula Loop. The Olympic Peninsula Loop is 330 miles long and studded with countless sites to explore.

Although the loop can be covered in one day, to justify this road trip, travelers on the route can break the journey along many stops, such as the glassy Lake Cushman inside Olympic National Forest, Port Townsend known for its Victorian architecture, Lavender farms in the town of Sequim (pronounced “Squim”) and a historic lighthouse from 1857 inside Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge. Seattle and Portland are two major cities accessible from the Olympic Peninsula Loop.

• Popular sights: Lake Cushman, Lighthouse inside Dungeness Refuge, Hoh Rain Forest, La Push, Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent
• Popular food stops: Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen in Tumwater, Jean-Pierre's Three16 in Tumwater, Gardner's Restaurant in Olympia

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Tornadoes tear through the southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead

The Associated Press

Greenville, Ohio, resident Brenda Pollitt wipes the tears from her eyes as she removes papers from her bedroom on Wednesday. Pollitt and her children were home at the time of the strong storm that hit Tuesday evening. She and her family ran downstairs and were all safe. Marshall Gorby/AP hide caption

Greenville, Ohio, resident Brenda Pollitt wipes the tears from her eyes as she removes papers from her bedroom on Wednesday. Pollitt and her children were home at the time of the strong storm that hit Tuesday evening. She and her family ran downstairs and were all safe.

COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could march through parts of the South early Thursday, after storms a day earlier spawned damaging tornadoes and massive hail, leaving two dead in Tennessee and one dead in North Carolina.

The storms continue an outbreak of torrential rain and tornadoes that has cut across the country this week, from the Plains to the Midwest and now the southeastern U.S. At least four people have died in storms since Monday.

Amid Wednesday's storms, the National Weather Service continued issuing tornado warnings that stretch past midnight in North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Kentucky. Parts of Arkansas and Mississippi were also under a tornado watch through the pre-dawn hours.

Why it feels like tornadoes are becoming more common, according to an expert

One storm that rumbled across northeastern Tennessee on Wednesday brought high winds that knocked down power lines and trees. Bob Brooks, the sheriff in Claiborne County about an hour north of Knoxville, said a 22-year-old man was in a car when he was fatally struck by one of the trees.

A second person was killed in the city of Columbia in Maury County, where the National Weather Service said a likely tornado had touched down. Columbia is just south of Nashville.

Homes were damaged and people injured, according to Lynn Thompson, assistant director of Maury County 911. Thompson told The Associated Press that he could not provide any further details: "We're getting overloaded right now."

Rita Thompson, a spokesperson for Maury Regional Health, said the hospital had received five patients, including the person who died. Another was in serious condition and three had injuries that were not life-threatening, she said.

The storms also prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a temporary ground stop at Nashville International Airport and the National Weather Service to issue a tornado emergency — its highest alert level — for other nearby areas south of the state's capital, including Chapel Hill and Eagleville.

Utility workers survey storm damage along Cothran Road on Wednesday in Columbia, Tenn. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

Utility workers survey storm damage along Cothran Road on Wednesday in Columbia, Tenn.

Meanwhile, torrential rain and thunderstorms led to water rescues northeast of Nashville.

"Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order," the National Weather Service warned when it issued a flash flood emergency.

In North Carolina, a state of emergency was declared Wednesday night for Gaston County, west of Charlotte, following a large storm that toppled power lines and severed trees, including one that landed on a car. One person in the car was killed and another was taken to a hospital, officials said.

The storms rolled into the region Wednesday after parts of the central United States were battered Monday by heavy rain, strong winds, hail and tornadoes, including a deadly twister that ripped through an Oklahoma town and killed one person. Then, on Tuesday, the Midwest took the brunt of the bad weather.

The National Weather Service said tornadoes touched down in parts of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana on Tuesday.

In Michigan, tornadoes swirled through the southwestern part of the state, in and around Kalamazoo County, according to the National Weather Service. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for four counties.

Kalamazoo County's Portage area was hard hit as a FedEx facility was ripped apart, leaving about 50 people temporarily trapped inside because of downed power lines.

Storm damaged mobile homes are surrounded by debris at Pavilion Estates mobile home park just east of Kalamazoo, Mich., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Neil Blake/AP hide caption

Storm damaged mobile homes are surrounded by debris at Pavilion Estates mobile home park just east of Kalamazoo, Mich., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Travis Wycoff ventured out Tuesday night after seeing on radar that a tornado had touched down in the Portage area, and he said he helped an elderly couple out of their partially collapsed home and freed a service dog from another home.

"There were a lot of people running through the streets trying to find people and their pets," Wycoff said. "It was just a lot of chaos."

In the adjacent Pavilion Township, more than a dozen homes were destroyed in a mobile home park and 16 people were injured, said Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller.

Samantha Smith clutched a box Wednesday afternoon outside her mother's partially wrecked home in Pavilion Township. Inside the box were her grandmother's ashes. Being able to recover the most cherished of items offered Smith a rare moment of relief amid the storm's devastation. She said her parents and brother were injured during the storm but survived.

"I have thanked God probably a billion times since this happened yesterday," she said. "My kids are healthy and good. We just gotta make back up what we lost."

Tornadoes were also confirmed in Pennsylvania just outside Pittsburgh, in central Arkansas and in northern West Virginia. The West Virginia twister was at least the 11th tornado this year in the state, which sees two tornadoes in an average year.

Both the Plains and Midwest have been hammered by tornadoes this spring.

• National Weather Service

Region by region: How these states could broaden abortion access

The year began with nationwide conservative efforts to shrink abortion access . Advocates for the procedure hope to end 2024 by reversing some of these restrictions, via the ballot box.

And the outcome of their efforts could have major implications for something opponents have long waged war on − interstate abortion travel.

With ballot initiatives underway in nearly a dozen states to let voters weigh in on where to set the limits, the success or failure of these measures will have impacts beyond state lines and on regions broadly, advocates told USA TODAY.

Acting as a sort of sanctuaries for neighboring abortion access deserts, states with more liberal abortion laws have seen an influx of out-of-state patients since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 case guaranteeing a constitutional right to the procedure. 

And a slew of proposed abortion-related constitutional amendments in 2024 could add to the map.  

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How many people got abortions in 2023? New report finds increase despite bans

“Unless there's a national right to abortion care, we're absolutely doing it state by state, community by community as best as possible,” said Adrienne Mansanares, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. 

Abortion travel escalated post-Roe

After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and decades of federal abortion precedent in June 2022, decisions around the procedure and any limits or exceptions returned to states, creating a nationwide legislative patchwork.  

Over a dozen predominantly red states have implemented near total bans on abortions, while a handful of blue states including Oregon and Vermont allow abortions regardless of the gestational period, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports abortion rights. Some states restored an abortion limit similar to that of Roe. 

The varying laws have led to a rise in patients traveling between states seeking an abortion, Mansanares said.

Planned Parenthood’s health centers in Colorado, a state with wider abortion access, saw a tenfold increase in patients seeking care from nearby Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona between 2020 and last year, according to the organization's records. In October 2020 through September 2021, their Colorado health centers saw 374 of these out-of-state patients; from October 2022 through September 2023, the clinics served approximately 3,800 patients from the same three states. Over 75% of these women scheduled appointments for abortions.

The bulk of women came from the Lone Star State, where the procedure is almost completely banned. 

"When state bans go into effect, they impact the entire country,” Mansanares said. 

This year, voters in at least three states will decide whether to enshrine abortion access in their constitution. And there are still ongoing initiatives to add such a decision to the ballot in about a dozen more states, including Colorado. 

If passed, these referendums could cement some states’ statuses as abortion access points, while opening new points of access in others. 

Women travel both to and from Florida for abortions

Sitting in the southeast where some of the country’s tightest abortion laws are concentrated, Florida has been a relative haven for patients in the South in the wake of Roe’s overturning. 

But with the state’s current 15-week limit about to drop to six weeks, after a recent state Supreme Court ruling, women in Florida and the surrounding region could face a shortage of care, said Serra Sippel, interim executive director of The Brigid Alliance, a group that provides resources for abortion travel. 

Already, Florida is among The Brigid Alliances top states from which they help patients travel, often seeking abortions in D.C. or Maryland, Sippel said.

And she said the group is bracing for this need to grow after May 1, when the six-week limit is set to go into effect. 

November ballot measure could change Florida yet again

The Florida Supreme Court at the same time cleared the way for a measure protecting abortion through viability, often around 24 weeks, to appear on November’s ballot.  

Tami Fitzgerald, executive director of the “100% pro-life" group North Carolina Values Coalition, said she is worried about the effects of both Florida court decisions in her own southern state. 

“All states in the South, once Florida's heartbeat bill goes into effect, will have either a heartbeat bill or a gestational limit at conception,” Fitzgerald said. “And so that means North Carolina's 12-week limit on abortion will cause women to flood across our borders, again, to obtain abortions.” 

Along with Virginia, which allows abortion through 26 weeks of pregnancy, North Carolina has some of the lowest restrictions on the procedure compared to the rest of the south. Even after the state legislature last summer lowered the limit from 20 to 12 weeks, with exceptions, North Carolina saw one of the highest number of out-of-state patients in 2023, behind Illinois, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

Fitzgerald said she wants a limit like other southern states for the Tar Heel State and is concerned about referendums like Florida's.

“It should be a concern for everyone who believes in the sanctity of human life,” she said. 

Travel for abortion care is 'not ideal'

Still, abortion access advocates say interstate travel is an imperfect solution. 

“It is not ideal," said Tara Romano, executive director of Pro-Choice North Carolina, “because not everyone can leave the state to access abortion. And this is really just how chaotic it's been since (Roe was overturned).” 

“If you're in a state where you cannot access abortion, being able to get to another state is going to be really critical,” she added. “It's just that it's not going to be able to help everyone,” including patients in emergency situations, Romano said. 

For those seeking an abortion, Mansanares said considerations range from travel costs to finding somewhere to stay in a different state, along with taking time off work and, for the many women who are already parents, finding childcare. 

“It's a huge financial burden. And then the act of traveling out of your home state for care has a tremendous psychological impact as well,” Mansanares said. “Our patients are very fearful. They experience a deep amount of shame or stigma. Many of them feel terrorized." 

And aid from organizations like The Brigid Alliance are “being stretched to the max, Sippel said. 

“I want to emphatically say that it's a good thing that this referendum will be on the ballot,” Sippel said of Florida. “If it's passed, that is excellent news for Florida. And then, of course, it won't be enough.” 

‘Severe’ Geomagnetic Storm Could Trigger Northern Lights In The U.S. Today — Here’s What Could Happen

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An intense solar storm could disrupt communications and trigger flashy displays of the Northern Lights across large parts of the U.S. on Friday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned , the first alert of its kind in nearly 20 years after the sun sent several bursts of high energy plasma hurtling towards Earth.

A handout photo provided by NASA showing a record flare in November 2003.

A “severe” G4 geomagnetic storm could buffet the Earth from Friday evening, according to a watch alert issued by NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center late Thursday.

Geomagnetic storms are temporary disturbances to the Earth’s magnetic field caused by large expulsions of magnetic fields and plasma from the sun’s atmosphere, known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

G4 storms are the second-strongest kind of geomagnetic storm and are considered “severe,” capable of damaging satellites, causing “widespread voltage problems” and issues with the electric power grid, radio and navigation and potentially causing communications disruptions.

NOAA said the alert follows “at least five Earth-directed” CMEs that are expected to arrive as early as midday on Friday and could persist through Sunday.

The agency said it has not issued a watch alert for a geomagnetic storm of this magnitude since January 2005.

Geomagnetic storms can also trigger “spectacular displays of aurora on Earth,” known as the Northern Lights, which NOAA said could potentially be seen as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

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Crucial Quote

Solar activity is cyclical and intensity varies over a period of around 11 years. “G4 storms are relatively rare, with about 100 over the course of an 11-year solar cycle,” Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist at the SWPC, told Axios. Right now, we are “very close to a solar maximum, so we can expect frequent activity,” he explained, adding that "the strongest storms (G5) are the most rare, with only 4 during the course of an average solar cycle.” There were no G5 events during the last solar cycle, Steenburgh said.

Key Background

While the Earth’s magnetic field shelters us from the worst of the sun’s radiation, intense bursts can still cause disturbances on the ground as well as potentially harm less-protected assets like satellites or even astronauts in space. As such technology makes up a crucial part of our communications and navigation systems, disruptions can be expected during periods of high solar activity, which is also partly due to disturbances solar radiation can cause to the layers of the atmosphere GPS and communications signals travel through. On the ground, radiation monitors can also be expected to register higher readings, though NASA emphasizes harmful radiation from solar flares “cannot pass through Earth’s atmosphere to physically affect humans on the ground.”

The last G5 geomagnetic storm, classified as “extreme,” occurred around Halloween in 2003. The storms affected over half of all Earth-orbiting spacecraft and intermittently disrupted satellite TV and radio services, NOAA said. They also forced astronauts aboard the International Space Station to take cover — something that had only happened twice before in the mission’s history — damaged a Japanese scientific satellite “beyond repair” and “sent several deep-space missions into safe mode or complete shutdown.” It also sparked communications problems on airline flights between North America and Asia flying over the North Pole, triggered a five-day communications blackout for researchers working in Antarctica and caused aurora sightings across the U.S. from California to Texas to Florida.

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