A couple ideas:
The Natchez Trace Parkway runs 444 miles from Natchez to Nashville as a 2-lane road through early American history. Get the CD that will provide you a running commentary on your journey as you take the long drive up or down the route that was used by Native Americans, trappers, and boatmen who traveled back up the Trace after floating down the Mississippi.
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Or, the old Fall River Road through Rocky Mountain National Park, just out of Estes Park, CO - it's the backroad to the continental divide, the last 11 miles of which is above the treeline. This road was the original access up to the peak of Rocky Mountain National Park just outside Estes Park, Colorado that preceded Trailridge Road. Lots of twists and turns with steep grades, little traffic, and less pavement, some of it is only one lane with turnouts to allow cars to pass. It remains much as it was when it was first built in 1920. Mt. Chapin (12,454 feet) is in the background
If you go in mid-September-ish, catch the fall rut of the Elk that come down to pastures in the Park and in town as well. These are BIG animals with a piercing wail as the bulls challenge each other across the valleys. During the fall rut, they can be pests for townspeople who just have to sacrifice their lawns and flowerbeds . . . be careful though, these guys are big and well-armed . . . and no, you can't pet them.
Rush hour on the 101 out of Eureka, CA, as yearling elk await instructions from elders in woods to right. The youngsters eye the exit and seem to ask the age-old question of kids everywhere, "Are we there yet?"
Not far away in Norcal, you'll find the Redwoods in Del Norte State Park. Sorta gives you a whole new appreciation of trees.