America’s Byways® is the umbrella term used for describing the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. America’s Byways include the National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. America’s Byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same. The National Scenic Byways Program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. View summary of each byway listed below. Visit Byways.org for route details.

A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway (Florida)
This byway lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway on a narrow barrier island with breath-taking views. This environment supports a variety of wildlife, including 50 endangered species. History aficionados will enjoy touring St. Augustine, the oldest continually-occupied European settlement in the United States.

Acadia All-American Road (Maine)
From craggy shorelines and granite-capped mountains to crystal lakes and spruce–fir forests, Acadia All American Road is perfect for exploring. Extensive carriage roads and hiking trails give access to Acadia National Park. See fishing and sailboats in Frenchman’s Bay or go back in time to see the “cottages” of old Bar Harbor.

Alabama’s Coastal Connection (Alabama)
Alabama’s southern tip is a place where even first-time visitors find a connection. Here, you can experience the links between the traditions of the Deep South and a more laid-back island lifestyle, between the wildlife of thousands of acres of preserved lands and a beachfront vacation, and between the gunships of past naval battles and the countless recreational opportunities of the present. Make your own connection from the moment you take in one of the area’s exceptional sights. As you journey on the route, see the sun sinking into the warm Gulf of Mexico, the weathered halls of a 150-year-old brick fort, the flutter of a colorful neo-tropical migrant bird, or a fishing boat easing from the dock at sunrise.

Alaska Marine Highway (Alaska)
Experience Alaska by ferry along over 3,500 miles of scenic coastal routes. Explore the 35 communities served by the byway, each with a different flavor of Alaskan indigenous and modern culture, fascinating history, and great scenery. See whales, glaciers, rare birds, and sea lions from the deck.

Amish Country Byway (Ohio)
Discover the cultural and historic treasures of the Amish and northern Appalachian people as you wend through curves and over the hills of the pastoral countryside. Experience simple living and sustainability along charming country roads, taking you to a bygone era still present, manifest in the people and their lifestyle.

Arroyo Seco Historic Parkway – Route 110 (California)
The Arroyo Seco Parkway connects Los Angeles and Pasadena through the historic Arts and Crafts landscape of the Arroyo Seco. Conceived in the parkway tradition with gentle curves, lush landscaping, and scenic vistas, the byway incorporated the modern elements that would lay the groundwork for the California freeway system.

Ashley River Road (South Carolina)
The Ashley River Road passes by three national historic landmarks — Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Drayton Hall and Middleton Place — as it traverses a National Register Historic District that traces the history of European and African settlement, commerce and industry from their colonial origins to the present.

Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street (Maryland)
The grandest of routes into or out of Baltimore, Historic Charles Street follows the city’s best known artery through fashionable cultural, residential, and commercial districts. Visit Charles Street, and you’ll want to stay a while.

Beartooth Highway (Montana, Wyoming)
Providing visitors access to Yellowstone Park’s northeast entrance, the Beartooth Highway makes its way across the rugged Beartooth Mountain Range in Montana and Wyoming. The road is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies and provides dramatic views, unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities, and unparalleled wildlife watching.

Big Bend Scenic Byway (Florida)
Let the worries of the world give way to the peace and beauty of horizons of towering pines and blue-green Gulf waters. Travel along hundreds of acres of wet prairie, wet flatwoods, strand swamp, and bottomland forest. The unparalleled beauty of the Bend includes vast seagrass beds, marshes, winding rivers, sugar-sand beaches, deep forests, and crystal-clear springs.

Billy the Kid Trail (New Mexico)
Follow this byway through the rugged beauty of the million-acre Lincoln National Forest. From grassy plains to dense pine forests, the region is known for its stunning views and cool mountain climate. Visit historic Lincoln, once home to outlaw Billy the Kid and lawman Pat Garrett.

Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina, Virginia)
The Parkway provides spectacular mountain and valley vistas, quiet pastoral scenes, sparkling waterfalls and colorful flower and foliage displays as it extends through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.

Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway (Delaware)
Take an unforgettable journey through the rolling hills of the genteel Brandywine Valley landscape and discover the lasting influence of the du Pont family dynasty. This journey is a true Delaware original. The byway leads to an unparalleled concentration of historic sites, magnificent estates, glorious gardens and mesmerizing museums.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (Oregon)
This byway cuts a path through the mountains, lakes, and forests of central Oregon. Volcanism and glaciation formed more than 150 lakes for which the region is well known. See outstanding examples of lava flows, alpine lakes, and meadows. Cross paths taken by such historic figures as Kit Carson.

Cherohala Skyway (North Carolina, Tennessee)
The Skyway offers the cultural heritage of the Cherokee tribe and early settlers in a grand forest environment in the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy mile-high vistas and brilliant fall foliage, as well as great hiking opportunities and picnic spots in magnificent and seldom-seen portions of the southern Appalachian National Forests.

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (South Carolina)
Looming majestically beyond the low Piedmont hills, the Blue Ridge escarpment thrills the mountain lover’s soul. The Cherokees called these heights the “Great Blue Hills of God.” Following an ancient Cherokee path, this beautiful two-lane road arcs through peach orchards and villages, past Cowpens National Battlefield and over Lake Keowee.

Cherokee Hills Byway (Oklahoma)
Situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains the Cherokee Hills Byway is a showcase of eastern Oklahoma’s tremendous diversity.

Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway (Maryland)
Celebrate life on the Chesapeake Bay. Observe watermen bringing their bounty to shore, visit historic towns, and travel through scenic stretches of productive farmland. See the truly special landscape of the Mid-Atlantic Region and gain an appreciation for the working life of Maryland’s Eastern Shore farmers, watermen, and merchants.

Chinook Scenic Byway (Washington)
Travel the glacier-fed White River from Enumclaw, over Chinook Pass, to the fertile valley of Naches. Spectacular views of Mount Rainier, dense forests, towering peaks, rocky ridges, and river canyons dominate this journey. Pass by the unique basalt flows of the Columbia Plateau, lush sub-alpine meadows, and waterfalls.

City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas Boulevard National Scenic Byway (Nevada)
For being such a short stretch of roadway, Las Vegas Boulevard is one of the most highly traveled passenger and pedestrian routes in the country.

Coal Heritage Trail (West Virginia)
Wind through mountains and valleys showcasing America’s remarkable industrial heritage. The region commemorates the history and culture of the coal industry and the impact it has had on the physical and social environment. Numerous resources line the corridor, including coal company towns, tipples, railroad structures, and reclaimed mining lands.

Colonial Parkway (Virginia)
The Colonial Parkway not only illustrates the English colonial experience in America, but is also an outstanding example of American parkway design. Retaining its original scenic and historic integrity to a remarkable degree, the 23-mile route connects the historic sites of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown.

Colorado River Headwaters Byway (Colorado)
Dropping 1,700 feet in elevation from end to end, the Colorado River Headwaters Byway follows the Colorado past reservoirs and lush ranchlands, and through narrow canyons flanked by the railroad. Wildlife abounds and access to miles of public land offers year-round recreation and views of mountain landscapes and geology.

Connecticut River Byway (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont)
New England’s longest, most powerful river tells the story of clashing continental plates and glaciers, of Abenaki living on the land, and of colonial settlement among fields and forests. Experience traditions, vivid history, deeply rooted farming heritage, call of the railroads, natural beauty, and recreation along the Connecticut River Byway.

Connecticut State Route 169 (Connecticut)
Traverse one of the last unspoiled areas in the northeastern United States. This byway winds through history, passing colonial homesteads, churches, stone walls, meeting houses, and private schools as it connects classic New England towns. Views include maple and pine stands and glacially deposited rocks and boulders that lie strewn throughout fields.

Copper Country Trail (Michigan)
Pure copper! In Michigan’s northern wilderness you will find the legacy of a mining boom that produced over ten billion pounds of copper that assisted a nation’s growth. Today, the story of the Copper Country is told in the historic downtowns, mine shafthouses, and through the history of the people.

Coronado Trail Scenic Byway (Arizona)
Drive through high desert and forests, and see former Native American footpaths first used as horse paths by Conquistadors and prospectors, then as wagon trails for pioneers. While admiring the scenic beauty, imagine nomadic tribes of hunters, gatherers, trappers, outlaws, homesteaders, lumberjacks, and ranchers living along the byway.

Coulee Corridor Scenic Byway (Washington)
Meander through ancient coulees and imagine walls of water hundreds of feet deep churning the rocks and soil, gouging these now dry canyons, leaving behind erratic rocks of all sizes and types as silent artifacts of roaring torrents. Observe a jewel-like lake, where mule deer and Peregrine Falcons live nearby.

Country Music Highway (Kentucky)
The Country Music Highway is Eastern Kentucky’s heritage route. The sites and sounds along the byway capture all aspects of the region’s history, including Native American culture, pioneer settlement, coal mining, country music, crafts, architecture, the Civil War, and natural resources.

Creole Nature Trail (Louisiana)
Known as Louisiana’s Outback, the Creole Nature Trail meanders through marshes, prairies, and along the Gulf of Mexico. As you loop through Calcasieu and Cameron parishes in Southwest Louisiana, view alligators and birds up close and in the wild, along with colorful wildflowers and rare cheniers shaped by salty winds.

Crowley’s Ridge Parkway (Arkansas, Missouri)
See a mixture of plant communities and an array of wildlife along Crowley’s Ridge. Dramatic views abound along the ridge and hills where wildflowers proliferate throughout spring, summer, and fall. Travel through natural and historical sites such as Chalk Bluff Natural Area, the Civil War battle site, and St. Francis National Forest.

Death Valley Scenic Byway (California)
A gateway to over 3.3 million acres of spectacular scenery, expansive vistas, rare desert wildlife, and historical and cultural sites; this byway travels through sculpted hills and shifting sand dunes and even dips below sea level. Death Valley features the lowest point and the hottest place in North America.

Delaware River Scenic Byway (New Jersey)
Located on Route 29 along the Delaware River, this byway starts in Trenton and travels north to Frenchtown through historical communities, agricultural landscapes, and recreational areas.

Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway (Colorado, Utah)
The Dinosaur Diamond runs through the best land in the world to learn about dinosaurs. Numerous sites are available to the public where bones and tracks are still visible in the ground. Many museums along the way add to the opportunities to see and learn about dinosaurs.

East Tennessee Crossing (Tennessee)
This route follows the original path of the Cherokee Warriors Path, the Wilderness Road across the Clinch Mountain and the Cumberland Gap, the Dixie Highway of the Civil War period and Thunder Road of moonshining lore.

Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway (California)
Travel Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway and experience glacially carved valleys and canyons, ancient volcanic peaks, and rugged granite snow-capped ridges. Two State Park gateways feature the northernmost groves of giant sequoias in the U.S. Driving on this narrow asphalt ribbon brings the backcountry up close, renewing spirit and body.

Edge of the Wilderness (Minnesota)
Travel this spectacular, winding byway by many pristine lakes, forests, swamps, rolling hills, and other unique features. Outdoor recreation, interpretive sites, and other exciting opportunities await the traveler. During fall, the northwoods is adorned with the brilliant colors of red sugar maples, bronze oak trees and glowing gold aspen and birch.

Edisto Island National Scenic Byway (South Carolina)
For a variety of views from the sparkling waters of Edisto Bay to the green foliage native to the South, drive the Edisto Island Scenic Byway on SC 174.

El Camino Real (New Mexico)
Cultures along El Camino Real De Tierra Adentro (The Royal Road of the Interior Land), are as diverse as its history and scenery. Pueblos reveal artisans crafting wares using centuries-old methods. The route, first traveled by Don Juan de Onate in 1598, provided news, supplies, and travel to the first capital of the New World.

The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway (Utah)
The Energy Loop: Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway winds across the Manti-La Sal National Forest, rising up to 10,000 feet above sea level. Explore the rich history of industrial development as you view coal mining operations, historic mining towns, and coal-fired power plants. Nearby Sanpete Valley contains some of the best-preserved Mormon Pioneer settlements in existence.

Flaming Gorge-Uintas National Scenic Byway (Utah)
The byway meanders over the eastern flank of the Uinta Mountains and through the Ashley National Forest and Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. View wildlife in their native habitats and experience the “real West” as passed down through western folklore of early explorers, homesteaders, mountainmen, outlaws and cowboys.

Flint Hills Scenic Byway (Kansas)
Gateway to the tallgrass prairie, the Flint Hills Scenic Byway offers travelers an unchanged view of the grasslands of the Great Plains. Explore historic sites, quaint towns, and scenic vistas as you discover where the West truly begins.

Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway (Florida)
The Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway in north central Florida is filled with long, uninterrupted stretches of natural Florida and pine-scented air. See an array of wildlife, lush subtropical vegetation, and springs with clear, crystalline water. Be sure to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities like camping, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.

Florida Keys Scenic Highway (Florida)
The Florida Keys Scenic Highway travels from the casual city of Key Largo to the even more relaxed community of Key West following the Old Keys Railroad Bridges of US 1.

Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway (North Carolina)
Travel back in time and explore history and beautiful scenery on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway (U.S. 276) through the Pisgah National Forest. As you wind your way on old settlement roads past mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls, imagine how this landscape looked decades ago when modern forestry began.

Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway (Colorado)
Mirroring the paths of Zebulon Pike, Charles Goodnight, Juan Bautista de Anza, Arthur Carhart, and Cuerno Verde, Frontier Pathways showcases rugged mountains, carpets of wildflowers, piñon-dotted foothills, and clusters of golden aspen. Visitors can experience the Sangre de Cristo Mountains — 22 peaks over 13,000 feet.

The George Parks Highway Scenic Byway (Alaska)
Completed in 1971, the George Parks Highway shares with travelers some of Alaska’s most memorable and spectacular scenery. Access to Denali National Park and Preserve is via the Parks Highway.

George Washington Memorial Parkway (Virginia)
This scenic grand gateway and greenway to our Nation’s Capital offers the opportunity to experience the historic story of the birth of our Nation. See Mount Vernon where George Washington lived, sweeping views of our Nation’s Capital, and the breathtaking Great Falls of the Potomac.

Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway (New Mexico)
Immerse yourself in the Apaches’ history and the hot mineral springs used by Geronimo and his warriors. Visit the historic mining towns that flourished and died with the gold and silver fortunes. From desert lakes to forested mountains, the Geronimo Trail captures the spirit of freedom and independence.

Glenn Highway (Alaska)
Tracing the receding glaciers responsible for this rugged gateway to Alaska’s interior, Glenn Highway tells of powerful geological processes and the resourceful people who have managed to thrive along its corridor. Begin your journey in Anchorage and wind along 135 miles through fascinating landscapes, historical sites, and cozy roadhouses.

Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway (Colorado)
The Gold Belt Tour follows historic railroad and stagecoach routes leading to North America’s greatest gold camp, three world-class fossil sites, and numerous historic sites. The Shelf and Phantom Canyon Roads cut along unpaved routes through winding canyons. Five byway communities allow a glimpse into this area’s rich heritage.

Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway (Colorado)
This “playground in the sky” climbs from the rugged Plateau Canyon floor to the cool evergreen mesa forests, 11,000 feet up. Featured are hundreds of sparkling lakes, wildflower meadows and forests of shimmering aspen and pine. Take a side trip to Lands End Overlook where the Grand Valley unfolds below.

Grand Rounds Scenic Byway (Minnesota)
The country’s longest continuous system of public urban parkways, this has been the preeminent urban parkway system for more than a century. Lovely parks, trails, lakes and parkways surround the city of Minneapolis. Enjoy the Chain of Lakes, Lake Nokomis, Lake Hiawatha, Minnehaha Falls, and much more.

Great Lakes Seaway Trail (New York, Pennsylvania)
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail byway parallels the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes in New York and Pennsylvania. This adventure includes Niagara Falls; 1000 Islands; 29 lighthouses; War of 1812, farm, and nature sites; welcoming harbors, world-class sportfishing, bridges/ferries to/from Canada, and the Seaway Trail Discovery Center.

Great River Road (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Wisconsin)
Throughout history, the Mississippi River influenced many lives: the Dakota, Chippewa, and Hopewell cultures; early French voyagers; African-Americans seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad; and many more. Through its charming river towns and metropolitan cities, historic sites and cultural artifacts, today’s Great River Road still links resources, people, and history.

Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway (Minnesota)
The Gunflint Trail is best known as the eastern entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), a unique wilderness of more than a thousand lakes and streams joined by short overland trails called “portages.”

Haines Highway – Valley of the Eagles (Alaska)
Travel along the Haines Highway – Valley of the Eagles and you will encounter the true home of the Bald Eagle. Each year, more than 3,500 Bald Eagles migrate to the preserve during October to February, the largest congregation of Bald Eagles in one location in the world!

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway (Maryland)
This byway brings to life the stories of the Underground Railroad, a secret network of roads, waterways, trails, and hiding places along which enslaved African-Americans were helped to freedom before the Civil War.

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (Oregon)
Journey from river’s edge to mountain top and down to valley floor. Savor panoramic views of rugged basalt cliffs and fertile fields, rimmed by snow-tipped peaks. Tour foundries, galleries, and museums. Touch the weathered track of the historic Oregon Trail. Watch the majestic Snake River tumble through North America’s deepest canyon.

Highland Scenic Highway (West Virginia)
Travel through a wild and undeveloped portion of the Monongahela National Forest. Hardwood forests cover rolling, mountainous terrain capped by dark spruce at high elevations. Traverse a narrow and steep-walled valley with views of clear mountain streams. Sights include Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Summit Lake, and Falls of Hills Creek.

Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway (Minnesota)
In the small communities and scenic beauty of this byway, visitors find art galleries, antique shops, Amish tours, historic sites, cave tours, and museums. Parks, forests and the Root and Mississippi Rivers provide opportunities for many recreation options, including canoeing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, cycling, wildlife watching, fishing, and photography.

Historic Columbia River Highway (Oregon)
Travel to magnificent overlooks that provide views of the Columbia River and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls. Springtime has magnificent wildflower displays, including many endemic plants. The Columbia River formed the last leg of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and was part of the early route of the Oregon Trail.

Historic National Road (Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia)
The Historic National Road was the nation’s first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people. Today, visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.

Historic Route 66 (Arizona, Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma)
The charm, the history, and the atmosphere that make up “The Mother Road” bring travelers from all over the world to experience America the way it should be experienced – down a stretch of highway where “anything goes” is literal.

Illinois River Road (Illinois)
The Illinois River Valley imparts feelings of awe at the power of the river winding its way through a land form carved by glacial melt water. Experience the seasonal colors and rhythms of the forests, wetlands, bluffs, and prairies on your own or follow one of seven different nature activity guides.

Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway (Florida)
The Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway gives access to a National Estuary providing habitat to more species than anywhere in North America. History buffs, bird watchers, anglers, surfers, swimmers, boaters, and vacationers will find excitement at a national seashore, wildlife refuges, state park, museums, the Kennedy Space Center, beaches, and waterways.

Indiana’s Historic Pathways (Indiana)
Drive Indiana’s Historic Pathways and you’ll fall in line with a route that stretches from antiquity to the present. The Pathway joins the lower Ohio Valley and the Mississippi Valley providing access to memorable historic districts, elegant forests, and to a fuller understanding of Indiana’s past.

International Selkirk Loop (Idaho, Washington)
Marvel at the awesome beauty of the International Selkirk Loop as it encircles the wild Selkirk Mountains for 280 miles (including British Columbia). Play on crystal clear rivers and lakes, or traverse mountain trails to view snowcapped peaks and wildlife diversity. Explore charming communities with fascinating history, fun festivals, and picturesque settings.

Jemez Mountain Trail (New Mexico)
Jemez Mountain Trail takes you through time and past amazing geological formations, ancient Indian ruins, and an Indian pueblo. The area is rich in logging, mining, and ranching heritage. Sites include Jemez State Monument, Bandelier National Monument, Soda Dam, Cabezon, Battleship Rock, and the Spence and Jemez Mountain Hot Springs.

Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia)
The 180-mile corridor of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Byway through Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia is “Where America Happened.” It is said that this corridor holds more historic sites than any other in the US.

Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway (Arizona)
Travel through the Kaibab Plateau’s meadows and forests of dense ponderosa pine and mixed conifer to the brink of the spectacular north rim of the Grand Canyon, 1,000 feet higher than the south rim. Watch for the abundant wildlife and experience breathtaking views of the canyon.

Kancamagus Scenic Byway (New Hampshire)
The Kancamagus Scenic Byway passes through the heart of the White Mountains while traversing the flank of Mt. Kancamagus, filled with scenic areas and overlooks. Visit the Russell Colbath Historic Site, which offers colonial history, and explore the Forest Discovery Trail, which provides forest ecology experiences in a living classroom.

Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail (Ohio)
Experience 12,000 years of history along Lake Erie. Visit the Lake Erie Islands, coastal marshes, prairies, rivers, and waterfalls. Follow tales of early shipping and sailing at maritime museums, restored freighters, and lighthouses. Learn about the Western Reserve, the Underground Railroad, and the War of 1812 at historic sites and museums.

Lake Tahoe – Eastshore Drive (Nevada)
Lake Tahoe offers breathtaking views of the crystal clear lake, towering pine trees, and snow-capped mountains, earning it the title, “the most beautiful drive in America.” Part of the Pony Express Trail and home to the historic sacred grounds of the Washoe Indians, Lake Tahoe offers something for everyone year-round.

Lakes to Locks Passage (New York)
Midway between Manhattan and Montreal, the Lakes to Locks Passage lets you experience the interconnected waterway that shaped the destiny of North America. By bike, foot, boat, train, or car, you will discover charming small cities, rural landscapes and Adirondack hamlets with diverse historic, natural, cultural, and recreational sites

Lariat Loop Scenic and Historic Byway (Colorado)
Lariat Loop takes you through enchanting historic districts and into the rugged terrain of the Wild West. Drink in the clear skies, dramatic mountain scenes, and patchwork valleys where Buffalo Bill Cody roamed.

Las Vegas Strip (Nevada)
Las Vegas Boulevard is one of America’s only nighttime byways and possibly the most concentrated collection of neon and lights in the world. A trip down the Strip is an all-inclusive way to experience the heart of Las Vegas — an adventure that captures 75 years of history, glitz, and roadside charm.

Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway (Kentucky)
The Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway travels through six communities as it winds its way through the knobs of Kentucky. This corridor is a national destination unto itself and exhibits significant historic and cultural resources around every turn. From the town of Hodgenville, through New Haven and Bardstown, on through Springfield and Perryville to Danville, the 71.2 miles of the Lincoln Heritage Scenic Highway proudly display the history and culture that the region was built upon.

Lincoln Highway (Illinois)
Journey on the Illinois Lincoln Highway, rich with history, heritage, and culture!

Loess Hills Scenic Byway (Iowa)
The Loess Hills Scenic Byway weaves through the rugged landscape of windblown silt deposits along the Missouri River Valley. This unique American treasure possesses natural features found only in one other place in the world: the Yellow River Valley of China. Accordingly, the landscape supports many rare plants and animals.

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway (Utah)
From Logan to Garden City, this byway parallels the Logan River through Logan Canyon, passing through dense forests, lush meadows, rugged rock formations and panoramic views. Each season brings a colorful show, especially in autumn.

McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (Oregon)
Experience dramatic views of the snowcapped High Cascade Peaks. The panorama of lava fields and six Cascade peaks is made more striking by the contrast between the black lava and white snow. The mountains are mirrored in crystal-clear lakes, and the byway passes beautiful waterfalls, including Sahalie and Koosah Falls.

Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route (Illinois)
Here, the Missouri, Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meet to form a 35,000-acre floodplain. The Mississippi, a working river, is also an environmental treasure. Historic 18th Century river towns, islands, bars, points and bends create beautiful scenery beneath limestone bluffs that are covered by forests extending over nearly 20,000 acres.

Merritt Parkway (Connecticut)
Set in natural surroundings, Merritt Parkway’s significant design brilliantly integrates the craft of the engineer and the artist. The bridges along the route are excellent examples of Art Deco, or Art Moderne, styles of the 1920s and 1930s. Magnificent foliage abounds in both spring and fall.

Midland Trail (West Virginia)
Begin at the State Capitol and travel through Malden, boyhood home of Booker T. Washington. Then continue through white-water mountain country and the breathtaking scenery of New River Gorge and Hawks Nest State Park. On the eastern end, encounter colonial Lewisburg, and the oldest golf course in the US.

Millstone Valley Scenic Byway (New Jersey)
Located in the narrow Millstone River Valley in north central New Jersey, the Millstone Valley Scenic byway offers you a glimpse into the past where well-preserved pieces of the canal era, the revolutionary war era, and early Dutch and American heritage live on.

Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway (Minnesota)
The Minnesota River Valley is rich with stories of American Indian lifestyle changes entangled with the struggles of Euro-American immigrants making a home in this unfamiliar land. The establishment of agricultural cooperatives, railroad and river transportation, and land stewardship practices make this one of the most productive agricultural civilizations anywhere.

Mohawk Towpath Byway (New York)
Visit New York’s historic canal system and see the locks and bridges that made canal transport possible for almost two centuries. The Mohawk Towpath Byway links scenic, recreational, and historic resources. Architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries endures, as do the landscape and the perseverance of the canal builders.

 

Mountains to Sound Greenway – I-90 (Washington)
Drive east from Seattle on I-90 through pastoral valleys, lush forests and a dramatic mountain landscape. Visit historic towns and scenic spots for forest walks or challenging hikes. Cross the Cascades into a drier climate where coal mining built pioneer towns on the way to the Columbia River.

Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (Oregon)
On this byway, volcanoes once erupted and mammoth floods scoured deep gorges. Discover geologic wonders, waterfalls, temperate rain forests and wild rivers. Explore pastoral valleys with farm-fresh produce. Experience the formidable last leg of the Oregon Trail, the Barlow Road. Enjoy this bountiful wonderland that the pioneers called “paradise.”

Natchez Trace Parkway (Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee)
Native Americans, Kaintuck boatmen, post riders, government officials, and soldiers all moved across this trail, creating a vital link between the Mississippi Territory and the fledgling United States. Pass through forests, cypress swamps, and farmland to meander through the rock-studded hills of Tennessee, cotton fields in Alabama, and Mississippi’s rural countryside.

Native American Scenic Byway (North Dakota, South Dakota)
The byway crosses the reservations of four tribes of Lakota Sioux: Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock. Its many memorial markers, monuments, museums, and sacred sites commemorate the heritage of the Sioux Nation and help you hear history from the Native American point of view.

Nebo Loop Scenic Byway (Utah)
From Nephi to Payson, this route has breathtaking views of the Wasatch Range and 11,929-foot Mt. Nebo, its tallest mountain. See flat bottomlands, high-alpine conifers, red rock formations, gray sandstone cliffs and salt flats all in the same day. Sights include Devil’s Kitchen, Walker Flat and Mt. Nebo Wilderness.

North Shore Scenic Drive (Minnesota)
This byway follows the majestic shoreline of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake. Experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. The drive provides access to eight state parks, and the Superior National Forest and offers unlimited opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons.

Northwest Passage Scenic Byway (Idaho)
The Lewis and Clark Expedition journeyed through north-central Idaho 200 years ago in search of the Northwest Passage. The sparkling rivers, deep canyons, and rugged mountains they encountered are relatively unchanged. Experience the culture, recreation, and scenery in this breathtaking land of the Nez Perce.

Ohio & Erie Canalway (Ohio)
The Ohio & Erie Canalway is a place to actively explore and experience the stories of our past, present, and future on trails, trains, and scenic byways, in canal towns and ethnic neighborhoods, along working rivers and great lakes, within industrial landscapes and vibrant natural areas.

Ohio River Scenic Byway (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio)
This history-rich byway meanders along the banks of the Ohio River, hugging its shoreline and offering almost continuous views of the river. The history of the Ohio is found both in rural landscapes and quaint river communities, covering periods from Native American habitation through western settlement, affecting transportation patterns and industrialization.

Old Canada Road Scenic Byway (Maine)
The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway is a snapshot in time. Tracing the route of generations of travelers between Maine and Quebec, this segment of U.S. Rt. 201 winds right alongside the Kennebec River, Wyman Lake, and the Dead River. Encounter old-time villages and abundant wildlife in mountain ridges, forests, and rivers.

Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail (Florida)
Visitors seeking a cultural and/or historic experience will find museums, historic public buildings, and private homes along the corridor, in Tomoka State Park, and in locations a few blocks off the designated roadways. This is a byway where recreational opportunities abound.

Outback Scenic Byway (Oregon)
“Outback” refers to land with a natural ruggedness. Though people come here seeking independence, they know each other’s first names. Community is paramount. Jonathan Nicholas, publisher of the Oregonian, said it is “a star-spangled landscape of marsh and mountain, of reflection and rim rock, of seamless vistas and sage-scented dreams.”

Outer Banks Scenic Byway (North Carolina)
Drive the Outer Banks Scenic Byway today. With the help of two ferries, visit the beaches and see the ocean from the barrier islands. Enjoy old-time village communities that haven’t lost their maritime culture. Wrap yourself in local history on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway – Oregon (Oregon)
Starting in Astoria and traveling south to Brookings, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway provides views of amazing coastal scenery. The road winds by estuarine marshes, clings to seaside cliffs, passes through agricultural valleys, and brushes against wind-sculpted dunes. Charming small towns, museums, state parks, overlooks, historic bridges, and lighthouses ensure a delightful journey.

Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway (Minnesota)
Like nature’s table of contents, the lakes and woods of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway are chapters filled with many recreational opportunities and adventures just waiting to be discovered. With the wink and wit of Paul Bunyan lore slipped in for fun, sites and events turn easily into sparkling memories.

Payette River Scenic Byway (Idaho)
The Payette River Scenic Byway meanders through foothills, mountain valleys, canyons, forests, and wide-open valleys with expansive vistas. Visit Lake Cascade, with its beauty and wildlife, and enjoy Payette Lake among the mountains and trees. Easy access to rafting, kayaking, camping, and fishing make this a trip for everyone.

Pend Oreille Scenic Byway (Idaho)
Visitors to the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway find an abundance of recreational opportunities, postcard-quality scenery, and historical elements. Each season enhances the numerous recreational opportunities created by the interplay of Lake Pend Oreille, the Clark Fork River, and the surrounding forests, all bordered by immense natural beauty within the byway’s corridor.

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway (South Dakota)
This byway will lead you on a delightful adventure as it winds its way around spiraling “pig-tail” shaped bridges, through six rock tunnels, among towering granite pinnacles and over pristine, pine-clad mountains. Highlights include Mt. Rushmore, Harney Peak, Sylvan Lake, the Needle’s Eye and Cathedral Spires rock formations.

Pioneer Historic Byway (Idaho)
Begin at Franklin, Idaho’s first city, and then travel up the Bear River to northern Mormon settlements, military campaigns, and the first Yellowstone route. Relive the byway’s pioneer saga and walk Oregon Trail ruts in emigrant footsteps. See major geologic and natural sites, massacre sites and Chesterfield, a Mormon “ghost town.”

Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway (Nevada)
Pyramid Lake, sponsored by Native Americans, takes you to one of the largest desert lakes in the world. It is landlocked on the barren desert floor and its colors change from green, to turquoise, to deep blue. The lake is also a resting place for a variety of migrating waterfowl.

Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway (Maine)
Wind through the mountains and lakes of western Maine on the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. Step back in time and treat yourself to spectacular scenery, outstanding recreational opportunities, abundant wildlife, local museums, and quaint New England villages. Slow down, relax, and enjoy nature’s abundance at every turn.

Red River Gorge Scenic Byway (Kentucky)
One of the nation’s special natural areas, Red River Gorge offers stone arches, caves, cliffs, ravines, and waterflows. Designated as a National Natural Landmark, a National Wild and Scenic River, and a National Geological Area, the landscape of this part of Kentucky offers scenic, natural, and recreation experiences.

Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona)
Red Rock Scenic Byway winds through Sedona’s Red Rock Country, often called a “museum without walls.” Travelers are amazed by the high desert’s power, diversity, and sense of intimacy with nature. Inhabited for thousands of years, the stunning red rocks are alive with a timeless spirit that captivates and inspires.

Religious Freedom Byway (Maryland)
This byway, with several branches that reach toward the Potomac River, incorporates many of the nation’s oldest churches, the site of the first Roman Catholic Mass held in English-speaking America, and Maryland’s colonial capital, Historic St. Mary’s City.

River Road Scenic Byway (Michigan)
River Road Scenic Byway showcases all the AuSable River Valley has to offer. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Huron National Forest, enjoy panoramic views from high bluffs, spectacular fall colors, or quiet winter splendor. Hike, canoe, birdwatch, snowmobile, or ski–River Road can be explored during any season.

Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway (Oregon)
From rolling, oak-covered hills to towering coniferous forests; from roaring whitewater rapids to incised inter-canyon lava flows; the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway invites you to experience 172 miles of diverse river and mountain landscapes. Drive alongside the Upper Rogue and North Umpqua Wild and Scenic Rivers, both of which contain world-class fisheries.

Route 1 – Big Sur Coast Highway (California)
Travel the route that hugs the California coast, providing access to austere, windswept cypress trees, fog-shrouded cliffs and the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean. Views include rugged canyons, towering redwoods, sea lions, and other marine life.

Route 1 – San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway (California)
The San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway provides an extraordinary experience. The unique geographic sections of the corridor offer a mosaic of experiences. From Hearst Castle, to Morro Estuary and the Pacific, to the outdoor recreation of hiking, biking, and kayaking, the corridor offers something for everyone.

Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway (Georgia)
Surrounded by the beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the byway winds through the valleys and mountain gaps of the southern Appalachians. From the vistas atop Brasstown Bald to the cooling mists of waterfalls, scenic wonders fill this region. Hike the Appalachian Trail or fish in a cool mountain stream.

San Juan Skyway (Colorado)
Travel the “road to the sky” which offers views from the towering 14,000-foot San Juan Mountains to rolling hillsides speckled with ancient Indian pueblo ruins. Victorian towns offer both excitement and relaxation. Soak in hot springs, ride the narrow-gauge railroad, and sleep under the stars or in a cozy lodge.

Santa Fe Trail (Colorado, New Mexico)
One of America’s first great trade routes, the Santa Fe Trail was critical to our country’s westward expansion. Visit historic sites and landmarks like Bent’s Fort, Trinidad, Raton Pass, Cimarron, Fort Union, Pecos, Point of Rocks, and Santa Fe. Enjoy spectacular scenery, from rugged mountains to the plains.

Savannah River Scenic Byway (South Carolina)
The Savannah River Scenic Byway affords scenic views, glimpses of life in the rural South and opportunities to experience southern hospitality. Whether receiving a casual lesson on barbecue traditions, fishing tips or stories about the state’s role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, you’ll feel welcome.

Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)
Scenic Byway 12 takes you to the heart of the American West. This exceptional 124-mile route negotiates an isolated landscape of canyons, plateaus, and valleys ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level. You’ll encounter archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational, and scenic qualities while driving this exhilarating byway.

Scenic Byway 143 – Utah’s Patchwork Parkway (Utah)
Scenic Byway 143 – Utah’s Patchwork Parkway serves as the western gateway to a breathtaking route across Utah’s high plateaus, connecting to Heritage Highway 89 and Scenic Byway 12, Utah’s first All American Road. These routes allow travelers to experience a nationally renowned passage through two national parks and two national monuments as they explore the vast landscape between Interstate 15 and Interstate 70.

Schoodic Scenic Byway (Maine)
The Schoodic Scenic Byway travels through the eastern seaboard, including the “quiet” side of Acadia National Park. The landscape remains unspoiled, revealing a part of Maine where lobstering and clamming are still a tradition. Discover the local artisans’ crafts and let the mountains, coastal islands, historic buildings, and lighthouses enchant you.

Selma to Montgomery March Byway (Alabama)
Journey through history along the trail that marks one of the major historic events in 20th-century American history, the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, led by Martin Luther King, Jr. Wind through the streets of Selma; pass through countryside where marchers spent the night on their way to Montgomery.

Seward Highway (Alaska)
Seward Highway showcases the natural beauty of south-central Alaska between Anchorage and Seward. From jagged peaks and alpine meadows to breathtaking fjords and crystal lakes, find a concentrated series of diverse landscapes and experiences. See sights such as Beluga whales or dog teams in the winter.

Sheyenne River Valley Scenic Byway (North Dakota)
In a state known for its flat horizons, a dip into a tree-speckled valley with snaking river and winding roadway is a welcome variation. Discover Native American, Viking, and pioneer lore. Explore 27 interpretive sites that include historic sites, trails, bridges, antiques, birds, and starry nights. Quaint towns and farmsteads lend charm to your journey.

Sky Island Scenic Byway (Arizona)
Start your journey among giant saguaro cacti of the Sonoran desert and climb to shady conifer forests at nearly 9,000 feet, passing biological diversity equivalent to a drive from Mexico to Canada in just 27 miles. Enjoy spectacular views and recreational opportunities from hiking and camping to picnicking and skiing.

Skyline Drive (Virginia)
During its over seventy year history, Skyline Drive has offered travelers the opportunity to view many of the most scenic vistas in the eastern United States. The experience combines the protected setting of Shenandoah National Park with two visitor centers, miles of hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike (West Virginia)
Crucial in the First Campaign of the Civil War, this road now features pristine Civil War sites and charming historic towns. Hike through vast forests; fish in secluded waters; ride a wild mountain railroad. Explore this byway whose woods, small farms and beautiful mountain vistas take you back to an earlier time.

Stevens Pass Greenway (Washington)
Follow the thundering Skykomish River from pastoral Puget Sound through the towering peaks of the Cascade Mountains. At Stevens Pass the byway descends sharply to the fragrant pine forests and fruit orchards of the Wenatchee River Valley. Historic communities shaped by the rugged landscape share their stories and their hospitality.

Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway – SR 112 (Washington)
Travelers on the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway are in the most northwest point of the mainland. Catch glimpses of eagles diving, gray whales spouting, or otters splashing. Walk, bike, boat, or kayak to explore the wild shoreline or forests, fish for salmon, or learn about Native American cultures.

Talimena Scenic Drive (Arkansas, Oklahoma)
Visual delights await those who travel along the Talimena Scenic Drive. See vistas with shades of green in the foreground’s forests to blue haze in the distant mountains. Rocky fields and trees gnarled from winter winds and ice testify to the harsh environment the early settlers encountered in these mountains.

Talladega Scenic Drive (Alabama)
Talladega Drive offers a bird’s-eye view of scenic mountains, rock outcroppings, and small rural settlements within the Talladega National Forest. Heading towards Cheaha State Park and Alabama’s highest peak, with an elevation of 2,407 feet, travel the backbone of Horseblock and Cheaha Mountains, the southernmost extension of the Appalachian Mountains.

Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road (California)
This byway offers a spectacular passage over the Sierra Nevada. Drive through the highest automobile pass in California and experience an elevation change of over one mile. Experience glacier-carved granite peaks, pristine lakes, wildflower-covered meadows, and lush evergreen forests with Giant Sequoia groves in this serene yet rugged landscape.

Top of the Rockies (Colorado)
With altitudes seldom dipping below 9,000 feet, this byway earns its name. Visit historic mining railroad towns en route to historic Leadville, the highest incorporated community in the U.S. Old mining camps attest to the state’s rich mining heritage. The route crosses the Continental Divide twice and traces the Arkansas River.

Trail of the Ancients (Colorado, Utah)
Explore the long and intriguing occupation of the Four Corners region by Native American peoples. Travel through the archaeological heartland of America while crossing the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. World-renowned Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley Tribal Park, and Four Corners Monument are highlights on the trail.

Trail of the Mountain Spirits Scenic Byway (New Mexico)
The Trail of the Mountain Spirits beckons. Go where the spirits of miners, homesteaders, Indians, Spanish explorers, and mountain men have left their marks. Cross the Continental Divide, experience the wild Gila River, walk amongst the ruins of ancients to sense life before history, and hear the sounds of solitude.

Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road (Colorado)
Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road is America’s highest continuously paved road. Overlooks present peaks ranging from 12,000 to over 14,000 feet. Eleven miles of the route roam above tree line in the alpine tundra. Travelers may encounter forms of life and climatic conditions also found at the Arctic Circle.

Turquoise Trail (New Mexico)
Believed to be an ancient path, Turquoise Trail travels between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The natural geological formations found here are like nowhere else on Earth. See nature up-close in the Cibola National Forest and Sandia Mountain Wilderness Area. Appreciate the distinctive, artistic communities of Madrid and Los Cerrillos.

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (California, Oregon)
Explore the wonder and beauty of a dramatic volcanic landscape from Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park to California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park. Encounter ancient natural forces that shaped exquisite mountain lakes. Amid spectacular scenery, you’ll enjoy charming towns, abundant wildlife, world-class birding, and extraordinary recreational, historical, and cultural opportunities.

Washington Heritage Trail (West Virginia)
Follow the footsteps of George Washington through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and a landscape rich in historic, natural, and scenic resources. Mountains and valleys, rivers and springs, vestiges of bygone industries and five picturesque 18th-century towns highlight a rural retreat combined with rich cultural attractions.

West Cascades Scenic Byway (Oregon)
This byway offers some of the best up-close views of thundering waterfalls, ancient forests, rushing whitewater, and cool, placid lakes. The drive begins in the historic logging city of Estacada, immersing you in old growth forest. Continue and see snowcapped volcanic peaks and the breathtaking Wild and Scenic Clackamas River.

Western Heritage Historic Byway (Idaho)
Explore the Western Heritage Historic Byway’s vast sagebrush lands and canyon rims of the Snake River. The panoramic, breathtaking view encompasses the snowcapped Owyhee Mountains, the Boise Front, and the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. At Dedication Point enjoy an unforgettable sight overlooking the Snake River’s cliffs.

Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway (Kansas)
Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway moves through radiant wetlands full of wildlife, prairie vistas with immense skies, and rural communities shaped by nature and the entrepreneurial spirit. Clouds of Sandhill and Whooping Cranes descend; and pelicans, Bald and Golden Eagles, shorebirds, ducks, and geese gracefully rest here, capturing the spirit of this byway.

White Mountain Trail (New Hampshire)
The White Mountain Trail offers New England’s most rugged mountain scenery as it travels easily through three historic “notches” or mountain passes. Views abound of villages and unspoiled National Forest. Stops include views of Mount Washington and the grand Mount Washington Hotel, mountain cascades, wildlife, and the Appalachian Trail.

White Pass Scenic Byway (Washington)
Enjoy outdoor recreation in any season on the versatile White Pass Scenic Byway. Its astounding beauty and eclectic style will keep you coming back for years.

Wichita Mountains Byway (Oklahoma)
A natural beauty capable of astonishing even well-traveled visitors, the Wichita Mountains Byway guides you through the protected valleys of the 550 million-year-old Wichita Mountains, which shelter the largest remnant block of southern mixed grassland and ancient cross-timbers in North America. Experience the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest managed nature preserves in the Nation and the site that President Theodore Roosevelt chose for the first effort to save American bison from extinction.

Wilderness Road Heritage Highway (Kentucky)
The Wilderness Road Heritage Highway is an important historic route and was crucial in the West’s settlement and during the Civil War. Today places like Cumberland Gap National Historic Park preserve that history. The route also leads to Renfro Valley, the famous country music venue, as well as Berea, Kentucky’s crafts capitol.

Woodlands Trace (Kentucky, Tennessee)
Running along a ridge of land between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, Woodlands Trace is a beautiful, easy drive in rolling terrain with opportunities to pull off and explore on your own or at developed interpretive facilities. This outdoor setting includes the seasonal splendors of nature, with blossoming trees and flowers, a green canopy, brilliant fall foliage, and the open view in the forest in the winter.

Woodward Avenue (M-1) – Automotive Heritage Trail (Michigan)
If Broadway = Theater and Rodeo Drive = High Fashion and Jewelry, then Woodward = the Automobile. The Motor City, and in particular, Woodward Avenue, put the world on wheels. America’s automobile heritage is represented along this byway in famed industrial complexes, office buildings, residential mansions, world-renowned museums, and cultural institutions.

Source: Byways.org