Best scenic highways and byways in the usa route 1pacific coast highway california u. Bureau of land management designated three back country byways in the state. Americas byways fhwa us department of transportation. Traveling americas scenic roads, byways, back roads and. That means theres a lot to see with at least 32 designated scenic byways or backcountry drives to explore. A scenic drive in montana can take you over towering mountains, through snaking valleys and across high plains. For more planning and trip ideas check out our new washington state scenic byways and road trips guide.
Both the scenic route and the peninsulas only major route, highway 101 loops around the largest roadfree area in the continental u. Some nevada scenic byways have a historical significance others have natural attractions or access to outdoor recreation. Boasting one of the oldest scenic byway programs in the country, maine offers travelers diverse landscapes such as the western mountains and the rugged downeast coastline. These 10 beautiful byways in minnesota are perfect for a scenic drive. Any road submitted for designation under the national scenic byways program should be designated, through legislation or some other official declaration, as a state, indian tribe or federal land management agency scenic byway. Aug 16, 2019 the 26 scenic byways of colorado connect the dots between historic sites and acres of majestic scenery that span from redrock canyons to the peaks of the rocky mountains to sunkissed prairie.
You can see a lot of oregon from behind the wheel of a car. National geographics guide scenic highways byways abebooks. Scenic byways wyoming department of transportation. A true nebraska vacation isnt defined by one destination or another.
From the high mountain meadows of the mirror lake scenic byway in northern utah to the exposed rock strata of souther utahs capitol reef country scenic byway, and the dozens of byways in between, utah offers a state road network with unparalleled vistas and heritage. For tourism or lodging information about a specific byway, please refer to the byways web site or the contact information accessed through the detailed description links for the below scenic byways. The interactive map below features general locations of some of north carolinas 60 byways. Their days were used up in working for their patron, and the only time they could study theoretically was byway of evening classes. Follow the paths of great expedition teams and advent. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways by. About guide to scenic highways and byways tlc book tours. The ability to access oregon s diverse natural beauty, as well as historical and cultural sites has earned it 29 designated scenic byways and tour routes. With its vast size and diverse terrain, minnesota is easy and fun to explore via the open road. View city, county, highway, functional and all other types of mississippi maps. Arkansas scenic byways program was established shortly after congress passed the intermodal surface transportation efficiency act of 1991. Byways lists new york state department of transportation. Some roadways overlap and are included in more than one system because they meet the criteria to be classified on more than one list. Scdot is proud to partner with the south carolina scenic highways committee with 21 scenic byways, comprising more than 450 miles, throughout the state of south carolina.
Descriptions, maps and links to related information for over 800 americas most scenic roads. Colorado scenic byways colorado department of transportation. The sites and sounds along the byway capture all aspects of the regions history, including native american culture, pioneer settlement, coal mining, country music, crafts, architecture, the civil war, and natural resources. It features switchbacks and hairpin curves, and rises to a height. The act also encouraged each state to develop its own state scenic byway program. National geographics book of scenic highways and byways, organised by region, is an entertaining travellers guide to two hundred roadtested driving tours throughout the fifty states, providing descriptions of scenery, points of interest, and history, as well as complete directions, fourcolor maps, mileages, and more. New york scenic byways adirondack trail state landmarks. About national geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 5th edition. From the golden isles to the chattahoochee national forest, from smalltown main streets to the atlanta skyline, georgia is home to a.
Break away from the highway and take a road trip down one of louisianas 19 scenic byways. Department of transportation has designated 60 scenic byways to give visitors and residents a chance to experience a bit of north carolina history, geography and breathtaking scenery while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. Americas byways include the national scenic byways and allamerican roads. On some byways, youll drive from high desert to snowcapped peaks to verdant valleys in one. In fact, eight of the 126 americas byways are right here in our state. Many roads and highways in the united states are labeled scenic byways for having. From beach shores to mountain valleys, weve selected the best routes to take from each and every state in the u. Then point the car toward eastern, central and southern. On long island, the north fork trail runs from southold to orient point. Scenic hwys endeavors to recreate the vintage vacation through midcentury style, travelthemed art. Any road in a town, other than a class i or class ii highway, may be designated a scenic road. Oregon has four route designation categories allamerican roads, national scenic byways and tour routes which comprise the most beautiful scenery in. Scenic drives to consider in idaho are listed below. Idaho is known for its taters, but youll see so much more than just potato fields.
The national road scenic byway follows the historic national road along us 40 between the west virginia and maryland borders in washington, fayette, and somerset counties. Weve traveled thousands of miles over hundreds of roads in virtually every state in the united states and several provinces in canada. Department of transportation, federal highway administration, and was established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the states. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 4th edition.
Each twopage document includes information about that states scenic byways program, in addition to a listing and map of all state and national scenic byways within its borders. This fully updated edition of the bestselling guidebook from national geographic showcases 300 of the best scenic drives across the united states. Several agencies of the united states federal government are authorized to designate and manage scenic byways. Nowhere bookshop tshirts, tote bags and coffee cups. Use the resources listed here to plan your next road trip and include a drive along one of americas national scenic byways. The handbook provides an overview of the nations scenic road programs. Take a drive on americas national scenic byways backroad. Scenic roads are substantially different from scenic and cultural byways. The fifth and latest edition of national geographic guide to scenic highways and byways provides more than 300 possibilities for spectacular getaways in your local area and throughout the 50 states. Americas byways are administered by the federal highway administration of the united states department of transportation. Secretary of transportation as americas byways, which gives colorado more national designations than any other state. Named for historical heroine harriet tubman, our mission celebrates women authors, women artists, and women activists. Whether youre looking for a short day trip close to home or a severalweekslong vacation, youll find a host of ideas in this beautifully.
The minnesota scenic byways commission was established by the 1992 memorandum of understanding between the minnesota department of transportation, the minnesota department of natural resources, the minnesota historical society and the minnesota office of tourism, now known as explore minnesota tourism to oversee minnesotas scenic byway program. The national scenic byways program nsbp is administered by the federal highway administration fhwa. Under the umbrella of americas byways, roads are identified according to six specific criteria. Each project explores the trails and byways that lead to the natural wonderlands of america. Scenic highways relive your road trip with vintage travel art. Virginias scenic byways programs virginia department of. To view the brochure, click on the link above or on the. The best way to fully experience the state of utah is to get off the interstate highways and explore the myriad of excellent primary and secondary roads. Experience wa washington state vacation scenic byways. National geographic books creates and distributes print and digital works that inspire, entertain, teach, and give readers access to a world of discovery and.
National geographics book of scenic highways and byways. The byway serves historical sites including fort necessity national battlefield, the brownsville northside historic district, and bowmans castle. This website features each of the states byways and is designed to help you start the travel planning process. Scenic byways meander through a variety of landscapes. The most scenic byways are designated allamerican roads, which must meet two out of the six intrinsic qualities. Visitors can enjoy significant scenic, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, commercial, and economic destinations along these routes and the surrounding areas.
I took richards americas scenic byways map and created a version where each byway is separated into its own pushpin set. Describing the scenery, history, and points of interest along each route, veteran national geographic writers combine their regional knowledge and storytelling techniques to ensure that your next road trip. Route 101 may be called the oregon coast highway in oregon, and the pacific highway in parts of california. Scenic byways nebraska department of transportation. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 3d. The hardcover of the guide to scenic highways and byways 3rd edition. Americas byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the.
Byways to americas wildest places brochure provides more information on the relationship of americas byways and the national wildlife refuge system. New mexico is home to 25 magnificent scenic byways, totaling over 2,900 miles across a diverse landscape. Product information ng guide to scenic highways and byways, 4th edition provides possibilities for spectacular local getaways and trips for all 50 states. The program was established by congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the nations scenic but often lesstraveled roads and promote. The national geographic guide to scenic highways and byways is another reference i use often to help plan my motorcycle tours and family vacations. Scenic america has assembled the only comprehensive, nationwide scenic byways database, and we are pleased to share it with the public. The nh scenic and cultural byways program was enabled by the nh legislature in 1992 in an effort to make interested roadways eligible for new federal funding via the intermodal surface transportation equity act istea passed the prior year. From the ridges of the ancient ouachita and ozark mountains to the delta flatlands leveled by the mississippi river, arkansas highways offer some incredibly scenic views of the natural state. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 5th. Your guide to floridas scenic highways visit florida. Americas byways is the umbrella term we use for the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the u.
In nevada, taking the road less traveled is a wonderful way to explore the state. It was designed as a conference guide and reference for participants. The national scenic byways program is part of the u. From historic treasures and music festivals, to country kitchens and coastal wetlands teeming with wildlife, each drive offers you an authentic taste of louisiana food, music, culture and natural beauty. This federal legislation created the framework to develop a network of national scenic byways, and all american roads. State scenic highways committee created by act 484, 1994, and amended by act 285, 1996, to develop criteria for the designation of a scenic highway. Refer to the provisions of new hampshire s rsa 231. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 5th edition. Therefore, they shall be designated as a colorado scenic and historic byway in order to apply for national designation.
This will make it easier for people to copy over just the scenic routes they are interested in. Pass through forests, cypress swamps, and farmland to meander through the rockstudded hills of tennessee, cotton fields in alabama, and. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 3d ed. A national scenic byway is a road recognized by the united states department of transportation for one or more of six intrinsic qualities.
National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways. Colorados scenic and historic byways has been around since 1989. Buy a cheap copy of national geographic guide to scenic. National geographics guide to scenic highways and byways by national geographic society u. 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. Click here to download a copy of the maryland scenic byways guide and map, or call 1877mdbyway 18776329929 maryland belongs to a longstanding network of national and state byways that include the most distinct and diverse roads of our nation. Its the journeythe culmination of sights and sounds you encounter as you make your way through the state. There are scenic highways, and then there are floridas scenic highways florida has no shortage of beautiful drives, from the canopy roads of tallahassee and ocalas rambling horse country, to miamis glittery cityscape and more than 825 miles of beaches. Researching the legend of dick turpin and the life of the man who first reconstructed him as a literary figure taught james sharpe about the. Scenic byways utah office of tourism industry website. Scenic byways illinois department of transportation. National scenic byways or allamerican byways provide historic, recreational, cultural, archeological, and natural benefits to the state of illinois and to those traveling on illinois roadways. Starting in seattle, head northwest to climb into the hoh.
Utahs scenic byways are a system of routes statewide that offer outstanding beauty. Americas byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same. Among the 25 new drives is the harriett tubman underground railroad byway in maryland. Cape flattery cape flattery occupies americas northernmost point, and is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful spots on the makah indian reservation. The byways include about 387 miles of scenic state highways within forest boundaries in the state. Sep 27, 2019 there are five major road networks administered by four federal agencies. Trail ridge road is a paved, 48 mile long scenic highway which connects the park entrances in grand lake and estes park. The country music highway is eastern kentuckys heritage route. Updated edition february 6, 2018 this fully updated edition of the bestselling guidebook from national geographic showcases 300 of the best scenic drives across the united states. Plan the road trip of the lifetime with the most scenic drives in america. These routes, totaling almost 200 miles in total, are on county roads and consist of ungraded, graded, gravel and paved roads.
We recommend that you use the maryland scenic byways map when you drive these routes. North carolina byways program 1557 mail service center raleigh, nc 276991577 donations to the north carolina byways program are appreciated. From the famous goingtothesun road to the winding beartooth highway, you will find out why lewis and clark described their adventures in montana as scenes of visionary enchantment. Utahs distinct topography provides the surface for 19 designated state byways. It includes over 200 scenic tours, and draws from ng staffers experiences with federal and state highways and parkways, nps sites, national historic trails, and other sources. Along with new creations, we collect artifacts, information, and photos that bring the nostalgic road trip back to life. Thats because oregon has more scenic byways and tour routes than any other state. Scenic byways, nj scenic byways, community programs. The purpose of the wyoming scenic byways and backways program are to.
National geographic books, washington, dc 2007, isbn 1426200560. More than 20 state and national scenic byways in new york highlight landmarks, natural wonders, history and a variety of themesfrom dude ranches to olympic sites. About guide to scenic highways and byways paperback. Several of these drives are also designated as national scenic byways. The new jersey scenic byways program was started as part of a larger national program that was established in 1991 by congress for management by the federal highway administration fhwa. Scenic and cultural byways program nh department of. Jan 29, 2005 the great british public may not yet be fully aware of it, but there are a lot of anniversaries to celebrate in 2005. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information. Our journeys have taken us from key west to maine, from new york to california, from arizona to oregon, and texas to banff and lake louise. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 4th. The best scenic byways provide travelers a continuous experience rich in scenery, history, and the culture of the area. Eleven of colorados 26 byways are designated by the u. New mexico scenic road trips 25 state and national. This handbook was prepared for scenic byways 88, a national conference to map the future of americas scenic roads and highways.
Americas scenic roads, byways, back roads and highways, with photographs, commentary and maps. Kansas has twelve byways, nine scenic, two of which are national scenic byways and three historic byways. Dec 03, 2019 information about scdots scenic byways committee. Department of transportation, federal highway administration. These scenic byways are all major roads, which are regularly traveled. Americas scenic highways and byways for microsoft streets.
Discover a world of natural beauty and diversity as you travel the scenic drives in arkansas. Purpose the purpose of the wyoming scenic byways and backways program is to promote and enhance tourism and the understanding and appreciation of the states heritage in concert with the preservation, protection and enhancement of the states scenic, historic and cultural resources. Slow down and take the scenic route to exciting attractions, activities, and events. Scenic highways scenic hwys relive your road trip with. Where possible, we provide links to local tourism sites for more detailed information about travel amenities and features in each area. 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. The georgia scenic byways program is a communitydriven effort which seeks to preserve this legacy of treasured places in a way that. These nine scenic stretches of twolane will introduce you to the diverse terrain, rich history, unusual attractions. Minnesotas roads have some of the most phenomenal scenery, so it should come as no surprise that we have over 20 scenic byways that wind their way throughout the state. Prior to visiting a byway, we recommend the following.
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