National Scenic Byway

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
National Scenic Byways Program
Marker used for National Scenic Byways
Highway marker
All-American Roads highlighted with red dots, National Scenic Byways with blue dots
System information
Formed1991 (1991)[1]
Highway names
InterstatesInterstate nn (I-nn)
US HighwaysU.S. Highway nn, U.S. Route nn (US nn)
StateVaries by state
System links
  • Scenic Byways
The Frontier Pathways National Scenic and Historic Byway as it passes through Wetmore, Custer County, Colorado
A sign indicating the National Scenic Byway designation for the Creole Nature Trail

A National Scenic Byway is a road recognized by the United States Department of Transportation for one or more of six "intrinsic qualities": archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic. The program was established by Congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the nation's scenic but often less-traveled roads and promote tourism and economic development. The National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The most scenic byways are designated All-American Roads, which must meet two out of the six intrinsic qualities. The designation means they have features that do not exist elsewhere in the United States and are unique and important enough to be tourist destinations unto themselves. As of January 21, 2021, there are 184 National Scenic Byways located in 48 states (all except Hawaii, and Texas).[2]

History[]

The NSBP was established under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, which provided $74.3 million in discretionary grants. On May 18, 1995, FHWA specified the intrinsic qualities that would serve as criteria for designating road as National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads. In September U.S. Transportation Secretary Federico Peña announced the first 14 National Scenic Byways and six All-American Roads. On June 9, 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) provided $148 million to states so they could develop state roads to take advantage of the program.

On August 10, 2005, President George W. Bush signed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which provided $175 million to states and Indian tribes. On October 16, 2009, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood designated 37 new roads as National Scenic Byways and five new All-American Roads.[3] The U.S. Department of Transportation approved the designation on January 19, 2021, of 34 new roads as National Scenic Byways, in addition to 15 new All-American Roads.[4]

Requirements[]

National Scenic Byways go through a nomination procedure. They must already be designated state scenic byways to be nominated (However, roads that meet all criteria for national designation but not state designation may be considered for national designation on a case-by-case basis).[5]

Intrinsic qualities[]

For designation as a National Scenic Byway a road must have one of six intrinsic qualities. To be designated an All-American Road, a road must have at least two of the six qualities.[5]

  • Scenic quality is the heightened visual experience derived from the view of natural and manmade elements of the visual environment of the scenic byway corridor. The characteristics of the landscape are strikingly distinct and offer a pleasing and most memorable visual experience.
  • Natural quality applies to those features in the visual environment that are in a relatively undisturbed state. These features predate the arrival of human populations and may include geological formations, fossils, landform, water bodies, vegetation, and wildlife. There may be evidence of human activity, but the natural features reveal minimal disturbances.
  • Historic quality encompasses legacies of the past that are distinctly associated with physical elements of the landscape, whether natural or manmade, that are of such historic significance that they educate the viewer and stir an appreciation for the past. The historic elements reflect the actions of people and may include buildings, settlement patterns, and other examples of human activity.
  • Cultural quality is evidence and expressions of the customs or traditions of a distinct group of people. Cultural features include, but are not limited to, crafts, music, dance, rituals, festivals, speech, food, special events, or vernacular architecture.
  • Archeological quality involves those characteristics of the scenic byways corridor that are physical evidence of historic or prehistoric human life or activity. The scenic byway corridor's archeological interest, as identified through ruins, artifacts, structural remains, and other physical evidence have scientific significance that educate the viewer and stir an appreciation for the past.
  • Recreational quality involves outdoor recreational activities directly associated with and dependent upon the natural and cultural elements of the corridor's landscape. The recreational activities provide opportunities for active and passive recreational experiences. They include, but are not limited to, downhill skiing, rafting, boating, fishing, and hiking. Driving the road itself may qualify as a pleasurable recreational experience. The recreational activities may be seasonal, but the quality and importance of the recreational activities as seasonal operations must be well recognized.

Corridor management plans[]

A corridor management plan must also be developed, with community involvement, and the plan "should provide for the conservation and enhancement of the byway's intrinsic qualities as well as the promotion of tourism and economic development". The plan includes, but is not limited to:

  • A map identifying the corridor boundaries and the location of intrinsic qualities and different land uses within the corridor.
  • A strategy for maintaining and enhancing those intrinsic qualities.
  • A strategy describing how existing development might be enhanced and new development might be accommodated while still preserving the intrinsic qualities of the corridor.
  • A general review of the road's or highway's safety and accident record to identify any correctable faults in highway design, maintenance, or operations.
  • A signage plan that demonstrates how the State will insure and make the number and placement of signs more supportive of the visitor experience.
  • A narrative describing how the National Scenic Byway will be positioned for marketing.[5]

Corridor management plans for All-American Roads must also include:[5]

  • A narrative on how the All-American Road would be promoted, interpreted, and marketed in order to attract travelers, especially those from other countries.
  • A plan to encourage the accommodation of increased tourism, if this is projected. Some demonstration that the roadway, lodging and dining facilities, roadside rest areas, and other tourist necessities will be adequate for the number of visitors induced by the byway's designation as an All-American Road.
  • A plan for addressing multi-lingual information needs.

The final step is when the highway (or highways) is approved for designation by the United States Secretary of Transportation.[5]

List of byways[]

Type Name Length (mi) Length (km) State(s) Southern or western terminus Northern or eastern terminus Date designated Description Ref(s)
NSB A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway 72 116 Florida June 13, 2002 Follows Atlantic coast barrier islands [6]
AAR Acadia All-American Road 41.0 66.0 Maine A loop that begins and ends at the intersection of SR 3 and Paradise Hill Road near Hulls Cove Ellsworth–Trenton town line on SR 3 June 15, 2000 (AAR) Scenic drive providing access to the coastal mountains of Acadia National Park [7]
NSB 130.0 209.2 Alabama I-10 and Grand Bay Wilmer Road north of Grand Bay I-10 and US 98 south of Spanish Fort October 16, 2009 Scenic and historic drive along Alabama's Gulf Coast [8]
AAR Alaska's Marine Highway 3,500.0 5,632.7 Alaska Ferry terminal in Unalaska Ferry terminal in Metlakatla (with ferry connections to Prince Rupert, BC and Bellingham, WA) June 13, 2002 (NSB)
September 22, 2005 (AAR) 		Ferry system connecting Alaskan coastal communities [9]
NSB 76.2 122.6 Ohio SR 3 and SR 39 in Loudonville US 62 near Wilmot June 13, 2002 Route forms a double loop through the pastoral countryside of eastern Ohio's Amish communities [10]
NSB Arroyo Seco Parkway Scenic Byway 8.2 13.2 California US 101 in downtown Los Angeles Glenarm Street in Pasadena June 13, 2002 The first freeway in the United States connects Los Angeles and Pasadena through the park-like landscape of the Arroyo Seco [11]
NSB Ashley River Road 11.0 17.7 South Carolina Mile marker 5.84 on SC 61 Mile marker 15.75 on SC 61 June 15, 2000 Traverses a historic plantation district along the Ashley River near Charleston [12]
NSB Baltimore's Historic Charles Street 10.9 17.5 Maryland Winder Street in South Baltimore Bellona Avenue in Lutherville October 16, 2009 Travels the entire length of historic Charles Street through downtown Baltimore [13]
AAR Beartooth Highway 68.7 110.6 Montana, Wyoming Wyoming–Montana state line on US 212 near Cooke City US 212 and MT 78 in Red Lodge June 15, 2000 (AAR)
June 13, 2002 (extended in Montana) 		Scenic high-elevation highway to Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance [14]
NSB 220.0 354.1 Florida First discovered in 1528 by Panfilo de Narvaez and was occupied by Spanish, English, American, and Confederate forces [15]
NSB 84.2 135.5 New Mexico NM 48 and Sudderth Drive in Ruidoso US 70 and US 380 near Hondo June 9, 1998 Loop through historic Old West towns in the rugged mountains of the Lincoln National Forest [16]
AAR Blue Ridge Parkway 469.0 754.8 North Carolina, Virginia US 441 near Cherokee US 250 near Waynesboro September 19, 1996 (AAR, North Carolina)
September 22, 2005 (AAR, Virginia) 		Scenic drive along America's longest linear park and the winding spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains [17]
NSB Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway 12.3 19.8 Delaware King Street and 11th Street in downtown Wilmington Delaware–Pennsylvania state line on DE 52 (western spur) and Delaware–Pennsylvania state line on DE 100 (eastern spur) September 22, 2005 Historic drive through the "Chateau Country" of northern Delaware [18]
NSB Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway 66 106 Oregon June 9, 1998 Connects lakes and forests of central Oregon [19]
NSB Cascade Loop 440 710 Washington January 19, 2021 Loop around the Cascade Mountains [20]
NSB Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway 0 0 Maryland, Virginia September 22, 2005 Scenic and historic drive through the Catoctin Mountains; now part of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway
NSB Cherohala Skyway 43.0 69.2 North Carolina, Tennessee September 19, 1996 (Tennessee)
June 9, 1998 (North Carolina) 		Ridgetop drive in the Appalachians [21]
NSB Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 119.8 192.8 South Carolina I-85 west of Fair Play SC 150 in Gaffney June 9, 1998 Follows part of the historic Cherokee Path through the Blue Ridge Escarpment of Upstate South Carolina [22]
NSB 84.0 135.2 Oklahoma I-40 south of Gore Oklahoma–Arkansas state line on US 412 2009 Situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, this route showcases eastern Oklahoma’s tremendous natural diversity and rich Cherokee heritage [23]
NSB Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway 85.5 137.6 Maryland MD 18 in Stevensville (southern spur) and MD 445 on Eastern Neck Island (northern spur) Chesapeake & Delaware Canal on MD 213 in Chesapeake City June 13, 2002 Traverses the historic Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay [24]
AAR Chinook Scenic Byway 91.5 147.3 Washington SR 164 and SR 169 in Enumclaw US 12 near Naches June 9, 1998 (AAR) Scenic drive with dramatic views of Mount Rainier [25]
NSB 0 0 West Virginia June 9, 1998 Historic drive through coal-producing areas of southwestern West Virginia
AAR Colonial Parkway 23.0 37.0 Virginia Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center in Jamestown Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center in Yorktown September 22, 2005 (AAR) Landscaped parkway connecting three Colonial-era historic sites [26]
NSB 69.0 111.0 Colorado SH 131 and Trough Road south of Bond US 34 and West Portal Road in Grand Lake September 22, 2005 Follows the upper reaches of the Colorado River past alpine reservoirs, lush ranchlands, and dramatic canyon landscapes [27]
NSB Connecticut River Byway 498.7 802.6 Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont September 22, 2005 Scenic drive on both sides of New England's longest river
NSB Connecticut State Route 169 32.1 51.7 Connecticut Route 138 in Lisbon Connecticut–Massachusetts state line on Route 169 September 19, 1996 Scenic and historic route through one of the last unspoiled areas in New England [28]
NSB Copper Country Trail 47.6 76.6 Michigan Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Hancock M-26 in Copper Harbor September 22, 2005 Follows US 41 and traverses an area developed for copper mining [29]
NSB Coronado Trail Scenic Byway 123.0 197.9 Arizona September 22, 2005 Scenic drive through high deserts and forests
NSB Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway 0 0 Washington September 22, 2005 Passes through coulees formed by receding glaciers
NSB Country Music Highway 144.1 231.9 Kentucky US 119 near Whitesburg KY 2 in Greenup June 13, 2002 Backwoods drive commemorating eastern Kentucky's cultural heritage [30]
AAR Creole Nature Trail 180.0 289.7 Louisiana September 19, 1996 (NSB)
June 13, 2002 (AAR) 		Marshes and prairies of southern Louisiana
NSB Crowley's Ridge Parkway 212.0 341.2 Arkansas, Missouri Helena Bridge on US 49 near Helena–West Helena J Street and Route 25 near Malden June 9, 1998 (Arkansas)
June 15, 2000 (Missouri) 		Scenic and historic drive along Crowley's Ridge through the Mississippi Embayment and the Missouri Bootheel [31]
NSB Death Valley Scenic Byway 81.5 131.2 California Death Valley National Park west entrance on SR 190 Death Valley National Park east entrance on SR 190 June 9, 1998
June 13, 2002 (extended) 		Scenic drive through the expansive desert basin of the lowest place in North America [32]
NSB Delaware Bayshore Byway 157 253 Delaware Lewes New Castle January 19, 2021 Scenic and historic drive along the Delaware Bay and Delaware River in Delaware [33][34]
NSB Delaware River Scenic Byway 34.8 56.0 New Jersey I-195/I-295 in Hamilton Township Trenton Avenue and Route 12 in Frenchtown October 16, 2009 Scenic and historic drive along the Delaware River in central New Jersey [35]
NSB Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway 0 0 Colorado, Utah June 13, 2002 Passes many dinosaur fossil sites
NSB East Tennessee Crossing Byway 83.8 134.9 Tennessee North Carolina–Tennessee state line on US 25 near Del Rio Tennessee–Kentucky state line on US 25E near Cumberland Gap October 16, 2009 Explores the historic trails, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities of East Tennessee's Appalachian backcountry [36]
NSB Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway 61.0 98.2 California SR 4 in Arnold SR 89 near Markleeville September 22, 2005 Traverses the high-alpine Sierra Nevada through Ebbetts Pass, with access to the northernmost groves of giant sequoia [37]
NSB Edge of the Wilderness 46.8 75.3 Minnesota US 2 in Grand Rapids MN 1 in Effie September 19, 1996 Scenic drive through forests and rollings hills of the Minnesota Northwoods [38]
NSB Edisto Island National Scenic Byway 16.8 27.0 South Carolina Palmetto Boulevard and SC 174 in Edisto Beach Dawhoo Bridge on SC 174 October 16, 2009 Scenic drive through salt marshes and live oak forests in the South Carolina Lowcountry [39]
NSB El Camino Real 0 0 New Mexico June 9, 1998
September 22, 2005 (extended) 		Historic north–south route through central New Mexico
NSB The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway 0 0 Utah June 15, 2000 Historic drive past coal mining operations
NSB Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway 82.0 132.0 Utah June 9, 1998 Scenic drive through the Uinta Mountains
NSB Flint Hills Scenic Byway 48.0 77.2 Kansas I-35 near Cassoday US 56 in Council Grove September 22, 2005 Scenic drive through the Flint Hills and some of the last remaining tallgrass prairie in North America [40]
AAR Florida Keys Scenic Highway 106.5 171.4 Florida Mile marker 0 on US 1 in Key West Jewfish Creek Bridge on Key Largo October 16, 2009 (AAR) Scenic route across a system of open ocean bridges connecting the numerous tropical islands of the Florida Keys [41]
NSB Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway 0 0 North Carolina October 16, 2009
NSB 0 0 Colorado June 9, 1998 Follows the paths of early explorers through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
AAR George Washington Memorial Parkway 24.9 40.1 Virginia, Washington, D.C. SR 235 in Mount Vernon I-495 near McLean September 22, 2005 (AAR) Landscaped greenway connecting national memorials and historic sites along the Potomac River, across from the nation's capital [42]
NSB Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway 154.0 247.8 New Mexico September 22, 2005 Scenic drive past mountains and lakes of southwestern New Mexico
NSB Glenn Highway 135.0 217.3 Alaska Gambell Street in Anchorage Lake Louise Road near Mendeltna June 13, 2002 Terrain shaped by receding glaciers [43]
NSB Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway 0 0 Colorado June 15, 2000 Follows stage and rail routes to historic gold mining locations
NSB Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway 63.0 101.4 Colorado September 19, 1996 Climbs to Grand Mesa
NSB Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway 50 80 Minnesota Loop route Northeast spur trail to Cross Golf Course June 9, 1998 Continuous parkway surrounding Minneapolis [44]
NSB Great Lakes Seaway Trail 518 834 New York, Pennsylvania Ohio–Pennsylvania state line on US 20 west of Erie, Pennsylvania Seaway International Bridge near Massena, New York September 19, 1996 (New York)
September 22, 2005 (Pennsylvania) 		Scenic drive along the shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River [45]
NSB Great River Road 2,069 3,330 Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin LA 23 in Venice, Louisiana Itasca State Park north of Park Rapids, Minnesota June 15, 2000 (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin)
June 13, 2002 (Arkansas)
September 22, 2005 (Mississippi)
October 16, 2009 (Tennessee) 		Numerous scenic, historic, and culturally significant roadways paralleling the entire length of the Mississippi River from its headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico [46]
NSB Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway 57.0 91.7 Minnesota October 16, 2009 Scenic drive through the Superior National Forest [47]
AAR Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway 144.0 231.7 Maryland Rosehill Place and Byrn Street in Cambridge Maryland–Delaware state line on MD 287 near Goldsboro October 16, 2009 Threads together numerous historic sites in the Delmarva Peninsula commemorating Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad [48]
AAR Hells Canyon Scenic Byway 0 0 Oregon June 15, 2000 (AAR) Provides views of Hells Canyon on the Snake River
NSB Highland Scenic Highway 43.0 69.2 West Virginia September 19, 1996 Scenic drive through mountains and valleys
NSB Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway 88.0 141.6 Minnesota June 13, 2002 Historic and scenic drive through southeastern Minnesota
AAR Historic Columbia River Highway 40.0 64.4 Oregon Crown Point Highway east of Troutdale (western section); US 30 and I-84 in Mosier (eastern section) I-84 near the Bonneville Dam (western section); US 30 and Hostetler Way in The Dalles (eastern section) June 9, 1998 (AAR) America's oldest scenic highway exists in two discontinuous sections which follow historic routes through the Columbia River Gorge [49]
AAR Historic National Road 824.2 1,326.4 Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia Eads Bridge in East St. Louis Lombard Street in downtown Baltimore June 9, 1998 (NSB, Indiana)
June 15, 2000 (NSB, Illinois)
June 13, 2002 (AAR, all states) 		Travels the route of the nation's first federally funded interstate highway along a historic corridor to the American Midwest [50]
NSB Historic Route 66 2,488 4,004 Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma June 15, 2000 (New Mexico)
September 22, 2005 (Arizona, Illinois) 		Historic "Mother Road" linking Chicago to Los Angeles
NSB Illinois River Road 291.0 468.3 Illinois Water Street and US 136 in Havana Reddick Mansion in Ottawa September 22, 2005 A loop through the scenic Illinois River Valley with routes along both sides of the upper Illinois River [51]
NSB Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway 233 375 Florida US 1 and 85th Street in Wabasso US 1 and Kennedy Parkway near Oak Hill June 13, 2002 Series of connected loops providing access to the most biodiverse lagoon ecosystem in the northern hemisphere, as well as Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral [52][53]
AAR International Selkirk Loop[a] 163.2 262.6 Idaho, Washington British Columbia–Washington border on SR 31 Idaho–British Columbia border on SH 1 September 22, 2005 (AAR) Internationally designated scenic highway encircles the remote Selkirk Mountains spanning the Canadian border [54]
NSB 0 0 New Mexico June 9, 1998 Scenic drive past geological formations and Indian ruins
NSB Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway 200 320 Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia A loop that begins and ends at the intersection of SR 20 and SR 231 near Somerset, Virginia PA 394 near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania October 16, 2009 Historic corridor featuring hundreds of sites significant to American history, most notably the densest collection of Civil War battlefields in the nation; "Where America Happened" [55]
NSB Kaibab Plateau–North Rim Parkway 43.4 69.8 Arizona Bright Angel Point in Grand Canyon National Park US 89A in Jacob Lake June 9, 1998 Scenic drive through ponderosa pine forests to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon [56]
NSB Kancamagus Scenic Byway 26.5 42.6 New Hampshire US 3 in North Woodstock Route 113 in Conway September 19, 1996 Scenic drive through the heart of the White Mountains [57]
NSB 0 0 Ohio September 22, 2005 Follows the south shore of Lake Erie
NSB Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive 28.0 45.1 Nevada US 50 in Stateline NV 28 in Crystal Bay September 19, 1996 Follows the east shore of Lake Tahoe [58]
AAR Lakes to Locks Passage 234.0 376.6 New York US 4 and NY 32 in Waterford US 11 and NY 9B in Rouses Point June 13, 2002 (AAR) Parallels the interconnected waterways of the Hudson River, Champlain Canal, Lake George, and Lake Champlain, which form a water corridor between Upstate New York and the Canadian province of Quebec [59]
NSB Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway 40 64 Colorado Begins and ends at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 19th Street in Golden October 16, 2009 Loops through the historic towns of Morrison, Evergreen and Golden in the foothills west of Denver [60]
AAR Las Vegas Strip 4.5 7.2 Nevada Las Vegas Boulevard and Russell Road Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue June 15, 2000 (AAR) Urban boulevard lined with the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas' world-famous casinos [61]
NSB Lincoln Highway 0 0 Illinois June 15, 2000 A portion of America's first transcontinental highway, the Lincoln Highway
NSB Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road 0 0 Missouri June 13, 2002 Part of the Great River Road in northeastern Missouri
NSB Loess Hills Scenic Byway 0 0 Iowa June 15, 2000 Silt deposits in the Missouri River Valley
NSB Logan Canyon Scenic Byway 0 0 Utah June 13, 2002 Passes through scenic Logan Canyon
NSB McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway 82.0 132.0 Oregon Begins and ends at the intersection of OR 242 and US 20 in Sisters June 9, 1998 Loop around Mount Washington crossing two Cascade passes [62]
NSB Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route 0 0 Illinois June 9, 1998
June 15, 2000 (extended) 		Floodplain where the Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers meet
NSB Merritt Parkway 37.3 60.0 Connecticut New York–Connecticut state line on Route 15 Sikorsky Bridge on the Housatonic River near Milford September 19, 1996 Historic parkway through Connecticut's Gold Coast known for its elaborate architecture [63]
NSB Midland Trail 0 0 West Virginia June 15, 2000 Scenic drive through the New River Gorge
NSB Millstone Valley Scenic Byway 25 40 New Jersey October 16, 2009 Scenic and historic drive along the Millstone River in central New Jersey
NSB Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway 0 0 Minnesota June 13, 2002 Historic drive through the Minnesota River Valley
NSB Mohawk Towpath Byway 0 0 New York September 22, 2005 Follows the historic Erie Canal
NSB Mountains to Sound Greenway - I-90 100.0 160.9 Washington June 9, 1998 Scenic drive across the Cascades
NSB Mt. Hood Scenic Byway 105 169 Oregon Troutdale Bridge crossing the Sandy River near Troutdale OR 35 near Hood River September 22, 2005 Provides scenic views of Mount Hood [64]
AAR Natchez Trace Parkway 444.0 714.5 Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee Liberty Road in Natchez SR 100 in Pasquo September 19, 1996 (AAR) Two-lane limited-access parkway through rural countryside commemorating the historic route of the Natchez Trace [65]
NSB 0 0 North Dakota, South Dakota June 9, 1998 (South Dakota)
September 22, 2005 (extended in both states) 		Traverses four Lakota Sioux reservations
NSB Nebo Loop Scenic Byway 38.6 62.1 Utah SR 132 near Nephi I-15 and SR 115 in Payson June 9, 1998 Alpine backroad through the Mount Nebo Wilderness in the southern Wasatch Range [66]
AAR North Shore Scenic Drive 154.0 247.8 Minnesota Canal Park in Duluth Canadian border on MN 61 near Grand Portage June 15, 2000 (AAR)
June 13, 2002 (extended) 		Follows the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior [67]
AAR Northwest Passage Scenic Byway 202 325 Idaho Washington–Idaho state line on US 12 near Lewiston Idaho–Montana state line on US 12 at Lolo Pass June 13, 2002
September 22, 2005 (extended and became an AAR) 		Follows the route of Lewis and Clark's historic search for the Northwest Passage through scenic mountains and river valleys [68]
NSB Ohio & Erie Canalway Scenic Byway 110 180 Ohio June 15, 2000 Historic drive along the Ohio and Erie Canal
NSB 943.0 1,517.6 Illinois, Indiana, Ohio September 19, 1996 (Indiana)
June 9, 1998 (Illinois, Ohio) 		Follows the north bank of the Ohio River
NSB Old Canada Road Scenic Byway 78.2 125.9 Maine June 15, 2000 Historic route between Maine and Quebec
NSB Outback Scenic Byway 170.5 274.4 Oregon California–Oregon state line on US 395 OR 31 and US 97 near La Pine June 9, 1998 Scenic drive through rugged backcountry of south-central Oregon [69]
NSB Outer Banks Scenic Byway 131 211 North Carolina October 16, 2009
AAR Pacific Coast Scenic Byway 363.1 584.4 Oregon California–Oregon state line on US 101 Oregon–Washington state line on US 101 June 9, 1998 (NSB)
June 13, 2002 (AAR) 		Scenic drive along the entire length of Oregon's Pacific coast [70]
NSB 54.0 86.9 Minnesota September 22, 2005 Passes through the forests of central Minnesota
NSB Payette River Scenic Byway 112.0 180.2 Idaho June 13, 2002 Traverses foothills and valleys
NSB Pend Oreille Scenic Byway 33.0 53.1 Idaho June 13, 2002 Scenic drive along Lake Pend Oreille
NSB Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway 68.0 109.4 South Dakota September 19, 1996 Scenic drive through mountains of southwestern South Dakota
NSB 127.0 204.4 Idaho September 22, 2005 Scenic route exploring the rich pioneer history of southeastern Idaho, including Mormon settlements and Oregon Trail ruts
NSB Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway 30.2 48.6 Nevada Washeim and Main Streets in Wadsworth NV 447 north of Nixon (north section),
NV 446 and Hardscrabble Canyon Road in Sutcliffe (northwest section) 		September 19, 1996 One of the largest desert lakes in the world [71]
NSB Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway 0 0 Maine June 15, 2000 Scenic drive past mountains and lakes
NSB 0 0 Kentucky June 13, 2002 Scenic drive through the Red River Gorge
AAR Red Rock Scenic Byway 14.5 23.3 Arizona I-17 north of Rimrock SR 89A in Sedona September 22, 2005 (AAR) Scenic drive through the red sandstone canyons of the Coconino National Forest [72]
NSB Religious Freedom Byway 189 304 Maryland October 16, 2009 Provides access to historic churches and the first capital of Maryland, St. Mary's City
NSB River Road Scenic Byway 23.5 37.8 Michigan M-65 and Rollways Road near Hale US 23 in Oscoda September 22, 2005 Scenic drive through the Au Sable River Valley [73]
NSB Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway 172.0 276.8 Oregon June 13, 2002 Follows two scenic rivers through southwestern Oregon
AAR Route One, Big Sur Coast Highway 72.0 115.9 California San Luis Obispo–Monterey county line Ocean Avenue in Carmel September 19, 1996 (AAR) Scenic drive along the Pacific coast [74]
AAR Route One, San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway 57.0 91.7 California US 101 in San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo–Monterey county line June 13, 2002 (AAR) Scenic drive along the Pacific coast [75]
NSB Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway 40.6 65.3 Georgia June 15, 2000 Winds through the southern Appalachians
AAR San Juan Skyway 233.0 375.0 Colorado September 19, 1996 (AAR) Loop through the San Juan Mountains, Colorado's most rugged and isolated mountain range
NSB Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway 565.0 909.3 Colorado, New Mexico June 9, 1998 Follows part of the route of the historic Santa Fe Trail through scenic mountains and high plains
NSB Savannah River Scenic Byway 0 0 South Carolina June 9, 1998 Scenic drive along the Savannah River
NSB Schoodic Scenic Byway 29.0 46.7 Maine June 15, 2000 Unspoiled coastline through the "quiet side" of Acadia National Park
AAR Selma to Montgomery March Byway 54.0 86.9 Alabama J.L. Chestnut Jr. Boulevard and Martin Luther King Street in Selma Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery September 19, 1996 (AAR) Historic route of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches led by Martin Luther King, Jr. [76]
AAR Seward Highway 125.3 201.7 Alaska Railway Avenue in Seward East 5th Avenue in Anchorage June 9, 1998 (NSB)
June 15, 2000 (AAR) 		Showcases the peaks and fjords of south-central Alaska [77]
NSB 75.6 121.7 North Dakota ND 32 in Lisbon Barnes County Highway 21 north of Valley City June 13, 2002 Historic drive through quaint farmland along the Sheyenne River [78]
NSB Sky Island Scenic Byway 27 43 Arizona September 22, 2005 Climb from the desert to forests with great biological diversity
NSB Skyline Drive 105.0 169.0 Virginia September 22, 2005 Scenic drive through Shenandoah National Park
NSB Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike 174 280 West Virginia WV 47 and WV 618 in Parkersburg West Virginia–Virginia state line on US 250 September 22, 2005 Historic drive through West Virginia forests and backcountry [79]
NSB Stevens Pass Greenway 0 0 Washington September 22, 2005 Scenic drive across the Cascades
NSB Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway - SR 112 61.3 98.7 Washington Makah Indian Reservation boundary near Neah Bay US 101 near Port Angeles June 15, 2000 Follows the shoreline of the Olympic Peninsula where it meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca [80]
NSB Talimena Scenic Drive 0 0 Arkansas, Oklahoma September 22, 2005 Crest drive along some of the highest ridges between the Appalachians and Rockies
NSB Talladega Scenic Drive 26.8 43.1 Alabama Adams Gap Road southwest of Cheaha State Park US 78 west of Heflin June 9, 1998 Scenic drive through the southernmost extension of the Appalachian Mountains [81]
NSB Tamiami Trail Scenic Highway 0 0 Florida June 15, 2000 Traverses the Florida Everglades
NSB Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road 64.0 103.0 California Big Oak Flat entrance gate to Yosemite Tioga Pass entrance gate to Yosemite September 19, 1996 High mountain pass through Yosemite National Park [82]
NSB Top of the Rockies 90.4 and 81.5 145.5 and 131.2 Colorado SH 82 in Aspen I-70 west of Vail (western spur) and I-70 near Copper Mountain (eastern spur) June 9, 1998 Scenic high-altitude drive through the Rocky Mountains and historic Leadville [83]
NSB Trail of the Ancients 0 0 Colorado, New Mexico September 22, 2005 Scenic drive through the Native American history of the Four Corners region
NSB 0 0 New Mexico September 22, 2005 Scenic drive through the mountains of southwestern New Mexico
AAR Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road 48.0 77.2 Colorado US 34 near Grand Lake A loop that begins and ends at the intersection of Moraine Avenue and West Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park September 19, 1996 (AAR) America's highest continuously paved road crosses the alpine tundra of Rocky Mountain National Park [84]
NSB Turquoise Trail 0 0 New Mexico June 15, 2000 Back road between Albuquerque and Santa Fe
NSB Utah's Patchwork Parkway 0 0 Utah October 16, 2009 Scenic drive through Cedar Breaks National Monument
AAR Utah's Scenic Byway 12 - A Journey Through Time 122.9 197.8 Utah US 89 near Panguitch SR 24 near Torrey June 13, 2002 (AAR) Scenic drive through canyons, plateaus, and valleys [85]
AAR Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway 500.0 804.7 California, Oregon A bypass around Lake Almanor US 97 and OR 138 at June 9, 1998 (AAR, Oregon)
June 13, 2002 (AAR, California) 		Scenic drive through the Cascade Volcanic Arc [86]
NSB Washington Heritage Trail 136.0 218.9 West Virginia WV 9 in Paw Paw WV 51 in Harpers Ferry June 15, 2000 Scenic and historic drive tracing the footsteps of George Washington and his family through West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle [87]
NSB West Cascades Scenic Byway 220.0 354.1 Oregon OR 58 in Oakridge OR 224 in Estacada June 15, 2000 Intimate backcountry tour of old-growth forests, rivers, and lakes along the west side of the Cascades [88]
NSB 40.0 64.4 Idaho September 22, 2005 Scenic drive to the Snake River Canyon
NSB 76.7 123.4 Kansas September 22, 2005 Scenic drive through wetlands of central Kansas
NSB White Mountain Trail 0 0 New Hampshire June 9, 1998 Passes through the White Mountains and past Mount Washington
NSB 93.0 149.7 Oklahoma 2007 Guides drivers through the protected valleys of the 550 million-year-old Wichita Mountains
NSB Wilderness Road Heritage Highway 93.8 151.0 Kentucky June 13, 2002 Follows Daniel Boone's historic entrance to the valleys of Kentucky
AAR Woodward Avenue (M-1) – Automotive Heritage Trail 25.5 41.0 Michigan Jefferson Avenue in Detroit Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard in Pontiac June 13, 2002 Connects automobile-related historic sites of the "Motor City" [89]
  •       Former

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ Distance and termini shown refer to the United States portion of the loop. Including the additional 125.5 miles (202.0 km) of the Canadian portion, the total length of the loop is 288.7 miles (464.6 km).

References[]

  1. ^ Federal Highway Administration. "About the National Scenic Byways Program". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Archived from the original on December 4, 2003. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  2. ^ Federal Highway Administration. "Designations, National Scenic Byways Program". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  3. ^ National Scenic Byways Program. "History of the Program". Program Information. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  4. ^ Blackshear, Danielle; Blount, Wesley (February 9, 2021). "Designations, National Scenic Byways Program". Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d e Slater, Rodney E. (May 18, 1995). "National Scenic Byways Program Interim Policy". Federal Register. Washington, DC: Government Printing Office. 60 (96): 26759–62. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
  6. ^ "A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  7. ^ "Acadia All-American Road". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  8. ^ "Alabama's Coastal Connection". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  9. ^ "Alaska Marine Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  10. ^ "Amish Country Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  11. ^ "Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway - Route 110". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  12. ^ "Ashley River Road". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  13. ^ "Baltimore's Historic Charles Street". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  14. ^ "Beartooth Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  15. ^ "Big Bend Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  16. ^ "Billy the Kid Trail". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  17. ^ "Blue Ridge Parkway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  18. ^ "Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  19. ^ "Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  20. ^ Cauvel, Kimberly (February 19, 2021). "Cascade Loop gets National Scenic Byway designation". Skagit Valley Herald. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
  21. ^ "Cherohala Skyway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  22. ^ "Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  23. ^ "Cherokee Hills Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  24. ^ "Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  25. ^ "Chinook Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  26. ^ "Colonial Parkway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  27. ^ "Colorado River Headwaters Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  28. ^ "Connecticut State Route 169". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  29. ^ "Copper Country Trail". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  30. ^ "Country Music Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  31. ^ "Crowley's Ridge Parkway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  32. ^ "Death Valley Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  33. ^ "The Delaware Bayshore Byway National Scenic Byway Designation Sign Unveiling" (Press release). Delaware Department of Transportation. April 22, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  34. ^ "2021 Summary of Designated Byways" (PDF). National Scenic Byways Program. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  35. ^ "Delaware River Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  36. ^ "East Tennessee Crossing". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  37. ^ "Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  38. ^ "Edge of the Wilderness". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  39. ^ "Edisto Island National Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  40. ^ "Flint Hills Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  41. ^ "Florida Keys Scenic Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  42. ^ "George Washington Memorial Parkway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  43. ^ "Glenn Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  44. ^ "Grand Rounds Scenic Byway System". Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
  45. ^ "Great Lakes Seaway Trail". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  46. ^ "Great River Road". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  47. ^ "Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
  48. ^ "Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  49. ^ "Historic Columbia River Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  50. ^ "Historic National Road". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  51. ^ "Illinois River Road". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  52. ^ "Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  53. ^ Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway: A Guide to Indian River, Brevard, and Volusia Counties (PDF). Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway Coalition, Inc. November 2015. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  54. ^ "International Selkirk Loop". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  55. ^ "Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  56. ^ "Kaibab Plateau–North Rim Parkway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  57. ^ "Kancamagus Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  58. ^ "Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive". Federal Highway Administration.
  59. ^ "Lakes to Locks Passage". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  60. ^ "Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  61. ^ "Las Vegas Strip". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  62. ^ "McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  63. ^ "Merritt Parkway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  64. ^ "Mt. Hood Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  65. ^ "Natchez Trace Parkway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  66. ^ "Nebo Loop Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  67. ^ "North Shore Scenic Drive". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  68. ^ "Northwest Passage Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  69. ^ "Outback Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  70. ^ "Pacific Coast Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  71. ^ "Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  72. ^ "Red Rock Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  73. ^ "River Road Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  74. ^ "Route 1 - Big Sur Coast Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  75. ^ "Route 1 - San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  76. ^ "Selma to Montgomery March Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  77. ^ "Seward Highway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  78. ^ "Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  79. ^ "Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  80. ^ "Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway - SR 112". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  81. ^ "Talladega Scenic Drive". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  82. ^ "Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road". Federal Highway Administration.
  83. ^ "Top of the Rockies". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  84. ^ "Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  85. ^ "Scenic Byway 12". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  86. ^ "Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  87. ^ "Washington Heritage Trail". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  88. ^ "West Cascades Scenic Byway". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.
  89. ^ "Woodward Avenue (M-1) - Automotive Heritage Trail". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration.

Further reading[]

External links[]

  • America's Byways, official National Scenic Byways website from the Federal Highway Administration
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