America’s byways provide unparalleled opportunities to experience the cultural, historical, ecological, recreational, or scenic qualities of the area.
There are several designations used to honor these routes. The most common type of designation is the National Scenic Byway, though there are also state scenic byways.
If a particular scenic byway is especially outstanding, it may also be recognized with the additional title of “All-American Road.”
Find the routes of your choice and get ready to hit the open road.
Arizona: Red Rock Scenic Byway
All-American Road
Length: 7.5 miles
Take 20 minutes to drive, but allow several hours to include all activities along the byway.
All-American Road 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.
Ohio: Amish Country Byway
National Scenic Byway
Length: 76.2 miles
Allow 1-2 days to enjoy the byway, or 3-4 hours to drive it.
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.
South Dakota: Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
National Scenic Byway
Length: 68 miles
Allow four hours to drive the byway or one day to experience the entire byway.
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 Mount Rushmore, Harney Peak, Sylvan Lake, the Needle’s Eye, and Cathedral Spires rock formations.
Virginia: Colonial Parkway
All-American Road
Length: 23 miles
One hour to drive the byway.
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.
South Carolina: Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
National Scenic Byway
Length: 16 miles
Drive the Edisto Island Scenic Byway and enjoy the peaceful barrier Edisto Island provides from the hectic 21st Century world of today. The route traverses salt marsh, creeks, maritime forests, farm fields, and historic churches from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Atlantic Ocean. Stop at a roadside stand and buy a handmade sweetgrass basket, fill it with fresh local produce at a roadside market and fresh seafood dockside.
Go for a picnic on the beach, keeping an eye out for dolphin and horseshoe crabs. Go shelling. But most of all, take your time and breathe deep: this “Edis-slow ramble” is a visual delight, with much that will soothe the spirit and awaken the senses.
North Carolina and Virginia: Blue Ridge Parkway
All-American Road
Length: 469 miles
Four days to enjoy the byway
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.
Worth Pondering…
There is adventure in any trip; it’s up to us to seek it out.
—Jamie Francis