America is linked by a vast network of nearly four million miles of roads. Most are not four lanes of concrete carrying fast-moving vehicles. They're roads that twist and turn, conforming to the path dictated by the river flowing alongside. They cut a path through canyons, dense forests, and mountains. They'll take you to fishing holes and small towns. They are roads that take you through the heart of America, the best she has to offer! Consider this your invitation to get off the fast lane and experience the America we're proud to call home.

About The Scenic Drives

On January 28, 1985, President Ronald Reagan established the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. The Commission reviewed public and private outdoor recreational opportunities and made recommendations to ensure the future availability of outdoor recreation to the American people. Results of the study found that 43% of American adults identified driving for pleasure as a favorite leisure pursuit, second only to walking. In response to these findings, scenic byway programs were born.

National Forest Scenic Byways

In 1988 the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) began designating routes as National Forest Scenic Byways. The Forest Service manages more than 190 million acres of public land in 156 forests. Officially designated byways represent the best of the 100,000 miles of roads running through the national forests.

BLM Back Country Byways

The Bureau of Land Management manages more than 270 million acres of public land, over 40 percent of all federal land. Their Back Country Byways program started in 1989 and provides a unique opportunity for traveling the more remote areas and back roads of America.

When traveling through remote areas, it is always a good idea to be prepared for your journey. Carry plenty of water for you and your vehicle's radiator. Be sure to start each trip with enough gasoline to drive the entire route. It is also a good idea to have a spare tire, jack, shovel, blanket, and tools for emergency road repairs. Many of these byways become impassable during winter or after periods of heavy rain. Inquire locally about road conditions and any vehicle limitations before attempting to travel the route.

Back Country Byways are classified into four types that determine the level of difficulty, road surface, and type of vehicle required. Listed below are descriptions of each classification.

Type I - Roads that are paved or have an all-weather surface and have grades that are negotiable by a normal touring car. These roads are usually narrow, slow speed, secondary roads.

Type II - These roads require a high-clearance vehicle such as a truck or four-wheel drive. They are usually unpaved but may have some type of surfacing. Grades, curves, and road surface are such that they can be negotiated with a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle without undue difficulty.

Type III - These are roads that require a four-wheel drive vehicle or other specialized vehicle such as a dirt bike or all-terrain vehicle (ATV). These roads are usually not surfaced, but are managed to provide for safety considerations and resource protection needs. They have grades, tread surfaces, and other characteristics that require specialized vehicles to negotiate.

Type IV - These are trails managed specifically to accommodate dirt bikes, mountain bikes, snowmobiles, or all-terrain vehicles. They are usually single-track trails.

National Scenic Byways & All-American Roads

The National Scenic Byways Program was established under the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). The Scenic Byways Advisory Committee, working with the Federal Highway Administration, recommended that the program designate a system of National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads.

National Scenic Byways are chosen by the Secretary of Transportation for their scenic, historic, natural, cultural, recreational, or archaeological qualities. All-American Roads are chosen for the same qualities but are considered to be the "best of the best." These scenic byways represent the finest examples of scenic drives in America, making them "destinations unto themselves."

National Parkways

The National Park Service has designated four routes as National Parkways. Initial efforts for funding Parkways began as early as 1930. Today, these ribbons of land flanking the designated roadways offer an opportunity for a leisurely drive through areas of scenic and historical interest.

Helpful Tips

As you drive these scenic byways, you may come across sites that seem to beg for closer examination. Many buildings or other attractions may be located on private property. Please respect the rights of landowners and obtain their permission before inspecting any sites of interest to you. Some byways will take you to sites of historic or archaeological significance, such as ancient Indian pictographs. Please enjoy the site and leave it undisturbed so others may enjoy it. Take only pictures and leave only footprints!