As someone who loves road trips around the United States, some of the most beautiful and interesting routes are along America’s Byways®. America’s Byways is the collective term for more than 180 roads designated by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. They were created to preserve and protect less-traveled scenic roads and promote tourism.
The Federal Highway Administration website allows you to search for byways by state and provides maps and a description of their qualities. Some states have ten or more byways while some currently have none.
National Scenic Byways
To be a national scenic byway, the route must meet criteria for at least one of the following qualities: Archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic. These features are recognized throughout the area and are considered regionally significant. Byways are not always a single highway – they can be a series of connected roads.
Most of my favorite National Scenic Byways are lovely for their natural and scenic views such as Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, Kancamagus Scenic Byway, Outer Banks Scenic Byway, Talimena Scenic Drive, and Wichita Mountains Byway. Waterfalls are plentiful along scenic byways in the mountains and I never miss an opportunity for a beautiful cascade.
Others, like Trail of the Ancients, are amazing for their archeological and historical significance. The Four Corners area has Mesa Verde National Park and Monument Valley. Mesa Verde gave me an interest in exploring tribal lands and monuments.
All-American Roads
All-American Roads have to meet criteria for at least two of the above qualities that are nationally significant and have one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or highway must provide an amazing travel experience, making the drive a “destination unto itself.”
The Blue Ridge Parkway has dazzling waterfalls and incredible mountain and valley views. Also a National Parkway, its 469 miles start near Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and end near Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Historic Route 66 exists in multiple states with historical sites and charming atmospheres. It was the first national highway to cross the Midwest through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
The next time you are planning a road trip, consider including one of America’s Byways. They can add so much to your experience! Plus, they are often away from big cities and off the main highways – less traffic and open spaces are always good in my book.