[magduf]

Google Maps (and in fact just about every nav program) has an option for "no highways". That'll probably be better for your objective than just plotting the shortest route, which may very well follow a highway at some point since highways frequently are more direct.

[chrissnell]

Yes, I use this option frequently, but it's still not always the shortest. For instance, here in Kansas, it will avoid interstates but route you on U.S. highways, even though there are more direct state and county roads. I want to see the very shortest route and make that decision for myself.

[magduf]

Hmm... usually when I use Google Maps (esp. on the desktop version), it'll give me several route options at the beginning. One of those is usually the fastest, and another is usually the shortest distance. You can then pick the preferred route and it should follow that (though, during driving, it can get screwed up if you take a wrong turn and then try to re-route you on the fastest route again).