Did you know there is a Texas highway that takes you from the U.S./Mexico border all the way up to the Oklahoma state line? U.S. Route 83 is the longest stretch of a single U.S. Highway within a single U.S. state, and it’s one of the best scenic drives in Texas. From the lush Hill Country greenery to the rugged Panhandle Plains, this route showcases all the natural beauty the Lone Star State has to offer.
The longest highway in Texas, U.S. Route 83 is a whopping 906.5 miles long, running from the US/Mexico border in Brownsville all the way up to the Oklahoma state line near Perryton.
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While the route passes through several large cities, such as Abilene, it’s a primarily rural drive.
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
It isn’t uncommon for drivers to go an hour or two without seeing another motorist…or any sign of civilization. The road is lined with abandoned buildings, their decrepit exteriors offering glimpses into a time far gone.
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
Beautiful scenery abounds, from the rolling Central Texas hills covered in lush greenery to the rugged Panhandle bluffs that seem to stretch infinitely up into the clouds.
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You will also encounter several bodies of water, including the North Fork Red River near Pampa. How eerie is this abandoned bridge to nowhere?
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The northern section of the highway intersects with historic Route 66, which leads through the heart of the charming small town of Shamrock. Pixar drew inspiration for the film “Cars,” from Shamrock, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Wikimedia Commons/Clinton Steeds from Los Angeles, USA - Shamrock Chamber of Commerce
Historical markers are everywhere you look, including one for the Ozark Trail in Wellington. In the 1920s - before the federal highway system was created - the Ozark Trail was a network of roads and highways, maintained by local governments, that extended from Arkansas westward.
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
If you have a passport, you can even cross into Mexico via U.S. Route 83! It overlaps with U.S. 77 on the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates over the Rio Grande.
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Have you ever driven on U.S. Route 83? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!
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Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
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Wikimedia Commons/Clinton Steeds from Los Angeles, USA - Shamrock Chamber of Commerce
Wikimedia Commons/Dan Davis
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Address: U.S. Highway 83, US-83, Rio Grande City, TX, USA
