There’s nothing quite like packing up your car or recreation vehicle and heading out onto the open road. With over four million miles of roads crisscrossing the country, how do you choose where to travel?
In much the same way Congress set aside lands to be protected as national parks, the Department of Transportation has designated a network of spectacular drives that are protected as part of America’s Byways collection. Currently, the collection contains 184 National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads in 48 states. To become part of America’s Byways collection, a road must-have features that don’t exist anywhere else in the United States and be unique and important enough to be destinations unto themselves.
Without further ado, here are 10 of the most scenic and culturally significant byways in America for your spring road trip adventure.
Cherohala Skyway
Designation: National Scenic Byway (1998)
Intrinsic Qualities: Scenic
Location: North Carolina, Tennessee
Length: 41 miles
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. Popular stops along and near the Skyway include Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Santeetlah Lake, and many Cherokee sites. This byway in particular is known for its fall colors.
Related Article: Introducing New Scenic Byways and All-American Roads
Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway
Designation: National Scenic Byway (2000)
Intrinsic Qualities: Scenic
Location: Georgia
Length: 40 miles
The beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds this route as it encircles the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Winding through the valleys and mountain gaps of the southern Appalachians, you will find vistas atop Brasstown Bald that are jaw-dropping and the cooling mists of waterfalls are plentiful. Everywhere scenic wonders fill this region. Colorful wildflowers, waterfalls, and dazzling fall colors are some of what you will see. Hike the Appalachian Trail or fish in a cool mountain stream.
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
Designation: All-American Road (1996/2002)
Intrinsic Qualities: Cultural, Natural
Location: Louisiana
Length: 180 miles
As you drive the Creole Nature Trail, the prairies and marshes of Louisiana’s Outback may appear peaceful and tranquil, but don’t be fooled. These lands and waters—both salt and fresh—are teeming with life and activity. There are 28 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, 35 amphibians and reptiles, 132 species of fish, and thousands of migrating butterflies in the spring and fall.
Designation: All-American Road (1996)
Intrinsic Qualities: Historic, Scenic
Location: North Carolina, Virginia
Length: 469 miles
Related Article: Scenic Route It Is
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic roadway offering stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands. The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals and providing a variety of recreation opportunities for enjoying all that makes the Blue Ridge Mountains so special.
Norris Freeway
Designation: National Scenic Byway (2021)
Intrinsic Qualities: Recreation
Location: Tennessee
Length: 21 miles
The Norris Freeway, located in eastern Tennessee, is steeped in American innovation history. The byway crosses over the Norris Dam which was built to control the flooding in the Clinch and Powell River Watershed. Nearby is the Museum of Appalachia. A Smithsonian affiliate, the museum portrays an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village and offers cultural and historical exhibits as well as a home-style restaurant.
Related Article: Road Trip: The 15 Most Scenic Drives in America
Designation: All-American Road (2005)
Intrinsic Qualities: Scenic, Recreation
Location: Arizona
Length: 8 miles
Winding through Sedona’s Red Rock Country, this route is often called a “museum without walls.” The byway winds through the evergreen covered Coconino National Forest and past two famous and beautiful vortexes—Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Stop at the several scenic pullouts for great views and enjoy the prehistoric Red Rocks with nearby parking (RV friendly). There are all levels of hiking and biking trails.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Designation: National Scenic Byway (1998)
Intrinsic Qualities: Scenic
Location: South Carolina
Length: 112 miles
One of the best ways to see the Upcountry is to hit the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (SC-11). This will take you from the Georgia/South Carolina border at Lake Hartwell through the rolling hills of Piedmont all the way to historic Gaffney. A replica of the city’s founder homestead, The Michael Gaffney Cabin, is located in the heart of downtown.
Bayou Teche National Scenic Byway
Designation: National Scenic Byway (2021)
Intrinsic Qualities: Cultural
Location: Louisiana
Length: 183 miles
Related Article: Life is a Byway: The Roads Less Traveled
Located along the Bayou Teche National Water and Paddle Trail in the heart of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area, the byway is home to an incredibly beautiful natural landscape and winds through three parishes, St. Martin, Iberia, and St. Mary, along LA-182 and LA-31. With an authentic, walk-able oil rig; stately historic homes; swamp and paddle tours; and tasty Cajun fare, the scenic self-guided tour has something for everyone from the history buff to the avid outdoorsman.
Designation: All-American Road (2002)
Intrinsic Qualities: Historic, Scenic
Location: Utah
Length: 123 miles
Scenic Byway 12 takes you to the heart of the American West. This exceptional route negotiates an isolated landscape of canyons, plateaus, and valleys ranging from 4,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level. This All-American Road connects US-89 near Panguitch on the west with SR-24 near Torrey on the northeast. It is not the quickest route between these two points but it far and away the best.
Designation: National Scenic Byway (2002)
Intrinsic Qualities: Cultural
Location: Ohio
Length: 160 miles
Related Article: Get in your RV and Go! Scenic Drives in America
The 160-mile Amish Country Byway boasts views of natural vistas along winding curves and over rolling hills. In addition, this charming country byway offers visitors a fine selection of Amish country cooking as well as sites featuring the culture and history of Amish and German people. Celebrate the lifestyle of a place and people who defy modern conveniences while enjoying the simple pleasures of farm life and country living.
Worth Pondering…
Our four simple rules: No Interstates, no amusement parks, no five-star accommodations, and no franchise food (two words which do not belong in the same sentence!)
—Loren Eyrich, editor/publisher Two-Lane Roads