A national scenic byway is a road recognized by the united states department of. The great river road the best drive in america experience. This unique feature is up to 15 miles wide and 220 miles long. The 15mile heritage drive scenic byway east of three lakes, wi travels through the nicolet national forest. Over a millennium, geologic shifts shaped the states landscape to create a scenic backdrop for travelers. An inventory of current federal, state, local, and private sector scenic byway programs. Launched in march 1990, the scenic byway program has presently 59 designated byways, including three national scenic byways and one all american road, a total of 2,300 miles 3,700 km. Scenic byways loop this journey takes visitors through the eastern edge of mt. 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. The national scenic byways program is part of the u. The north carolina scenic byways consists of roads in the state of north carolina that travel through areas of scenic, historic, and cultural significance. Follow the paths of great expedition teams and advent.
If your idea of a great road trip is hitting the open freeway to see beautiful foliage, natural wonders and quirky attractions, then oklahomas scenic byways can provide an array of. However, the independent site americas scenic byways has opened to restore the lost content from to the public domain, and it is an excellent resource for backroad riders. Wisconsin department of transportation explore wisconsins. Colorado scenic byways colorado department of transportation. Prior to visiting a byway, we recommend the following. Americas byways is the umbrella term we use for the collection of 150 distinct and diverse roads designated by the u. Kansas has twelve byways, nine scenic, two of which are national scenic byways and three historic byways. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways. The great river road national scenic byway follows the course of the mississippi river for 3,000 miles from northern minnesota to the gulf of mexico.
The program is a grassroots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the united states. National scenic byways article about national scenic byways. The 512mile loop takes you through colorful canyons filled with ancient rock art, towns both historic and prehistoric. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 5th. Forest service designated seven national forest service scenic byways in the state. Follow the paths of great expedition teams and adventurers to see where history happened along kansas 12. Colorado scenic and historic byways updated their cover photo. Eleven of colorados 26 byways are designated by the u.
National scenic byways are designated by the united states department of transportations federal highway administration. Oregon is home to officially designated allamerican roads, national scenic byways, oregon state scenic byways, and oregon tour routes. Strap on your backpack, lace up your boots, and take to the trail. Discover americas best scenic drivesplus 25 new drivesmile by mile, in this photofilled, detailpackednational geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 4th edition. The national geographic guide to scenic highways and byways is another reference i use often to help plan my motorcycle tours and family vacations. Safety improvements to a state scenic byway, indian tribe scenic byway, national scenic byway, allamerican road, or one of americas byways to the extent that the improvements are necessary to accommodate increased traffic and changes in the types of vehicles using the highway as a result of the designation as a state scenic byway, indian. The formerly comprehensive federal roads website was shut down unexpectedly in september 20 due to funding cuts.
Colorados scenic and historic byways has been around since 1989. Scenic byways vary in length from three to 173 miles, and in character from curvy mountain roads to ferry rides across coastal sounds. Sep 27, 2019 the formerly comprehensive federal roads website was shut down unexpectedly in september 20 due to funding cuts. 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. 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. Take a drive on americas national scenic byways backroad. The kaibab plateaunorth rim parkway, a scenic route beginning at jacob lake, will take you through the pine, fir, and aspen trees of the kaibab national forest and leave you gazing in wonder on the edge of the north rim of the grand canyon. For more information on the national scenic byways program, and byways across the country, visit national scenic byways online. Colorado scenic and historic byways posts facebook. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways by. Along the way, the high desert landscape is both austere and sublime, its redhued cliffs dropping off into immense llanos or pinewooded hills and valleys. 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. If you are looking to explore nature in its fullest, then hiking is one of the best ways to travel our countrys byways and backwoods. Travel across the mountain lying down, or kaibab as the paiute indians called it.
National scenic byways are transportation corridors of particular nationwide interest. If youre on the go, request a printed copy of the oregon scenic byways driving guide. The legendary route 66 scenic byway enters new mexico across a vast, sunlit prairie before meandering through rocky outcrops, quiet streams and adobe villages. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 4th edition. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 4th. National scenic byways article about national scenic. Of the 24 roads officially recognized by the oregon scenic byways program, 10 are part of the federal national scenic byways program. However, the independent site americas scenic byways has opened to restore the lost content from byways. Rainier national park and along two of washingtons most beloved scenic byways, the chinook byway and the white pass scenic byway. The great river road is arguably the longest and most important scenic byway in america. The 29mile great divide scenic byway between glidden and hayward, wi travels through the chequamegon national forest. Scenic byways wyoming department of transportation.
Search for library items search for lists search for. Americas byways include the national scenic byways and allamerican roads. Winding west toward yellowstone through shoshone national forest, buffalo bill cody scenic byway is filled with wildlife and stunning views. Download a pdf with a map of the loess hills national scenic. The program was established by congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the nations scenic but often lesstraveled roads and promote. This document walks the applicant through the application process, providing important guidance regarding the documentation that must be included. Mentions in our blog summer drives of a lifetime published by ka scott july 21, 2016. 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 background before 1995, more than 1,640 miles of road and highways in wyoming were designated as scenic. The loess hills landform is an iowa treasure that spans more than 1,080 square miles along the eastern edge of the missouri river flood plain. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways book. Idaho is known for its taters, but youll see so much more than just potato fields. Running along the hudson river and palisades cliffs between fort lee and the new york border on the palisades interstate parkway and henry hudson parkway, the views are unbeatable.
There are famous drives here, including the blue ridge parkway, the natchez trace, and some of the prettiest sections of the great river road. Along the way, the high desert landscape is both austere and sublime, its redhued cliffs dropping off into immense llanos or. Bridging rural and metropolitan areas, the hills have something for everyone. This fully updated edition of the bestselling guidebook from national geographic showcases 300 of the best scenic drives across the united states.
Department of transportation, federal highway administration. An announcement in the federal register seeking views on the study approach and guidelines for a national program. Americas byways are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same. It also suggests interesting stops towns, museums, historical sites, parks, plus lots of surprises. Route 66 national scenic byway new mexico tourism travel. A national scenic byway is a road recognized by the united states department of transportation for one or more of six intrinsic qualities. Oregon has four route designation categories allamerican roads, national scenic byways and tour routes which comprise the most beautiful scenery in oregon. That means theres a lot to see with at least 32 designated scenic byways or backcountry drives to explore. The talimena national scenic byway provides many turnouts to take in the views of the kiamichi mountains and ouachita national forest in southeastern oklahoma. One of the shortest scenic byways on this list, youll want to stop during this 19.
Discover americas best scenic drivesplus 25 new drivesmile by mile, in this photofilled, detailpacked travel book. The scenic route passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. This drive starts about 25 miles west of cody, wyoming, and follows us highway 141620 for 27 miles. While itd be easy to pick a city and book a flight, then youd be missing out on half the journey. The kaibab plateaunorth rim parkway, a scenic route beginning at jacob lake, will take you through the pine, fir, and aspen trees of the kaibab national forest and leave you gazing in wonder on. Take time to enjoy a hike or a stay at a historic lodge before. The formerly comprehensive federal roads website byways. Taking a jog around a national park is a great way to refresh both your body and mind. Jun, 2016 one of the shortest scenic byways on this list, youll want to stop during this 19. Descriptions, maps and links to related information for over 800 americas most scenic roads. The fhwa publishes a guide book for every round of scenic byway nominations. Scenic byways new york state department of transportation.
The north carolina scenic byways consists of roads in the state of north carolina that travel. Motorists will see little or no development along the routes, enhancing the natural character and quality of the byways. Secretary of transportation as americas byways, which gives colorado more national designations than any other state. The dinosaur diamond national scenic byway is more than just a prehistoric highway. If following the byways in reverse order from the descriptions given, please. National geographic guide to scenic highways and byways, 5th edition. Discover the dramatic and rugged beauty of these wilderness areas. The byways include about 387 miles of scenic state highways within forest boundaries in the state.
Scenic highways and byways takes you on quick escapes, weekend getaways, and alluring detours and tells you about the landscape, hisstory, plants, and animals along the way. Running along the hudson river and palisades cliffs between fort lee and the new york border on the palisades interstate parkway and henry hudson parkway, the. The byway routes are carefully selected as safe and interesting. Find all the books, read about the author, and more.
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