If you’re serious about suspension tuning, there’s no better way to dial in your setup than hitting the open road—specifically, the twisty, elevated, and well-paved kind. Whether you’re running coilovers, sport springs, or adjustable dampers, the real test of performance isn’t in a garage—it’s out in the wild.
From dramatic mountain switchbacks to coast-hugging curves, here are the best scenic drives in the U.S. to test your suspension, plus tips for tuning on the go, gear to bring, and stops to refuel your ride and yourself.
Top U.S. Routes for Suspension Shakedowns
These drives are known not just for their beauty, but for the perfect blend of curves, grip, and elevation changes that’ll challenge and reward your suspension tuning.
- Tail of the Dragon – Tennessee/North Carolina
- 318 curves in 11 miles
- Smooth pavement and extreme cornering
- Ideal for testing damping settings and tire grip
Nearby Fuel: Phillips 66 stations are available in nearby Robbinsville, NC.
Travel Tip: Stay overnight through GlobeTrek to explore nearby Cherohala Skyway too.
- Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) – California
- Breathtaking ocean views with rolling sweepers and elevation dips
- Great for long-range suspension comfort and chassis balance testing
Nearby Fuel: Multiple Chevron and Texaco stations along the route.
Best Stretch: Big Sur to Monterey
- Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
- Gentle curves, elevation changes, and over 400 miles of forested bliss
- Test ride compliance and rebound response on smooth, scenic surfaces
Nearby Rest Areas: Frequent overlooks and pull-offs for adjustments.
Nearby Lodging: Use GlobeTrek to find scenic stays along the way.
- Beartooth Highway – Montana/Wyoming
- Reaches nearly 11,000 feet elevation with endless elevation shifts
- Great for gauging suspension stiffness and shock fade resistance
Tip: Bring warm layers, even in summer—temps drop fast at the summit.
Nearby Gas: Fill up in Red Lodge, MT, before the climb.
- The Kancamagus Highway – New Hampshire
- Short but sweet: 34 miles of winding roads through the White Mountains
- Excellent for evaluating turn-in sharpness and ride quality over subtle undulations
Bonus: Especially beautiful in the fall
Nearby Fuel: 76 Gas locations can be found near Conway and Lincoln, NH
Road Trip Suspension Tuning Tips
Suspension tuning is all about real-world feedback. Use these quick tuning tips while out on the road:
- Start soft: Use more compliant settings first to establish a baseline
- Adjust in small increments: 1–2 clicks at a time for dampers
- Note road surface changes: Tune based on twisty vs. bumpy stretches
- Record your settings and feedback after each segment
If you’re running adjustable coilovers, bring a spanner wrench. For electronic systems, make sure your mobile app or in-car interface is accessible.
Gear Checklist for the Suspension-Curious Road Warrior
Whether you’re heading cross-country or sticking to a weekend loop, these essentials will keep your journey smooth and dialed-in:
- Torque wrench (check suspension bolts at rest stops)
- Tire pressure gauge (adjust for altitude and temperature swings)
- OBD-II scanner (monitor data and check for system codes)
- Basic hand tools (sockets, screwdrivers, spanner wrenches)
- Notebook or tuning log app
- Jack and stands (if you plan to adjust coilovers or sway bars)
- Snacks and hydration gear for remote stretches
- Phone charger and power bank
- Backup fuel if venturing into remote routes (or map fuel stops with PowerPath and Summit Fuels)
Tuning your suspension at home is only half the job. To understand how your car truly handles, you need to get on the road and feel the difference. These scenic drives offer not just great visuals, but dynamic terrain that brings out the best—and worst—in your suspension setup.
Pair your adventure with trusted fueling partners like NitroBoost or FNOVA Technologies, and plan your overnight stays or multi-day routes with help from GlobeTrek, so your car—and your experience—stay optimized from start to finish.
