TOUR US NationalNational ForestForest ScenicScenic BywaysByways 2
ational Forests Scenic Byway system in 1987. the process for Nand Grasslands Byways, Our program has establishing a National offer a vast network of grown from these Scenic Byways system. highways and roads Naturally original ten byways to On May 11, 1995, the that access the a system of 138 National Scenic largest single Designated Byways National Forest Byways Program adventure-travel and provide amazing Byways, each announced its official nature-based tourism opportunities to administratively criteria for estate in America. designated by the establishing a Recognizing this trend, explore the beauty, USDA Forest Service designation and a USDA Forest Service history and natural Chief. grants program. initiated the heritage of our development of a The 1991 ISTEA Our programs goal of National Forest Scenic National Forests. highway bill created enhancing rural
Panorammic view of the Grand Canyon along the Kaibab Plateau North Rim Parkway (AZ) 3 community tourism Partnership with has been one of the Federal Lands most popular aspects Highways of byway designation among communities. Many National Forest The power of brand Scenic Byways are also recognition and a designated as forest marketing theme for highways and sharing stories from a administered under common destinations state, county or town many gateway villages jusrisdiction and have become maintenance important catalysts for responsibility. These The Jemez Mountain Trail in economic highways are DOT Federal Lands and the Santa Fe National Forest development and designated jointly with Scenic Byways (NM) is a designated forest highway unified grassroots Federal Highway programs. Most Forest efforts. Administration, Forest Service administered Service and State roads do not fit the Departments of criteria for FLH forest Transportation. They highways and are not are eligible for special eligible for these project assistance and funds. funding through both 4 Program Goals National Forest System activities Our goals for the National Forest Scenic Byways * Meet the growing program are still very demand of driving for supportive and mirror pleasure as a significant those of the Depatment of recreation use Transportation 1995 criteria. They are: * Increase use of National Forests by nontraditional * Showcase outstanding users, including minorities National Forest and and the elderly Grassland scenery * Contribute to the * Increase public nations overall scenic understanding of National byways effort Forests as a major provider of outdoor recreation View of mountain ridges * Support and enhance along Talladega Scenic Drive rural community tourism (AL) * Increase public economic development awareness and understanding of all 5 CLICK ON THIS SYMBOL for information on these particular byways
For maps, trip National itineraries and Forest detailed information on all National Forest Scenic Scenic Byways click here Byways www.byways.org 6 Selected National Forest Scenic Byways (listed alphabetically) 7
he Cherohala Cherohala TSkyway in Tennesee is peppered with Skyway places to stop and enjoy the view. Most of these scenic overlooks are marked with their own original stories and names. Although Length: 42.95 miles / 68.7 km the scenic overlooks remain the same, a Time to Allow: Allow 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive this Byway. glimpse of the Cherohala Skyway can Fees: Fees may be charged at vary from day to day. attractions along the way.
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limbing over the CSierras crest and Feather River through Beckwourth Pass to the east, the Scenic Byway Feather River Scenic Byway offers memorable sights such as waterfalls, gigantic Length: 130 miles / 208.0 km rock outcroppings, Time to Allow: 3 ½ hours forested slopes, and delicate meadows. Fees: There are no fees to drive The Byway traverses the byway itself. steep canyon walls and high mountain valleys, past grasslands, oak woodlands, mixed conifer, and high desert chaparral. Wintertime offers fantastic skiing and snowmobiling.
Click here to return to map page 9 ravel through a wild Tand undeveloped Highland portion of the Monongahela National Scenic Highway Forest on the Highland Scenic Highway in West Virginia. When you stop at any of the four scenic overlooks Length: 43 miles / 68.8 km along the Byway, you Time to Allow: Allow 2 to 4 will see rolling, hours to tour this Byway. mountainous terrain Fees: There are no fees for covered by hardwood driving the Byway. Fees for forests and capped by campground use vary by site. dark spruce at higher elevations. This view is one you wont want to miss, especially during the fall season when the mountains are ablaze with color.
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kaleidoscope of A color and a Highway 12 - national gem at each end - Highway 12 is a Journey Through showcase of sandstone sculpted by Time Scenic nature where people have lived and Byway explored for thousands of years. Drive this Byway connecting Length: 124 miles / 198.4 km Bryce Canyon and Time to Allow: At least one day Capitol Reef National due to steep grades, Parks, and you will switchbacks, and scenic stops. soon see that you are Two to three days strongly on no mere recommended to even start to enjoy this Byway! transportation route the views and stops Fees: Fees at campgrounds and along the way are just parks along the way. as enthralling as the two stunning Parks at each end.
Click here to return to map page 11 iscover the highest Dconcentration of snowcapped volcanoes McKenzie Pass - in the lower 48 states on the McKenzie Pass- Santiam Pass Scenic Santiam Pass Byway! Enjoy the breathtaking sight of Scenic Byway Broken Top Mountain and the Three Sisters, Length: 82 miles / 131.2 km along with their waterfalls, towering Time to Allow: Allow 3 to 5 hours, including time to stop at gloriously above the overlooks. route.Ancient lava fields lying next to Fees: Parking passes can be calm, clear lakes, will purchased from the ranger station, allowing you to park and provide you with a hike the trails along this Byway gentle reminder of the areas violent beginning. This area really illustrates how the Cascade Range was built. Click here to return to map page 12
he North Shore of TMinnesota has what North Shore no other place in the Midwest can offer - an inland sea, a mountain Scenic Drive backdrop, an unspoiled wilderness, and a unique feeling all its own. Enjoy the natural treasures of eight state Length: 154 miles / 246.4 km parks and the Superior National Forest The Time to Allow: Take a day to beautiful trails of the enjoy this shoreline drive. parks and the 200 mile Fees: There are no fees along Superior Hiking Trail the Byway itself. Charges may offer unlimited opportu- apply at various points of nities to experience this interest. magnificent landscape.
Click here to return to map page 13 ee the rugged Sbeauty of the Black Hills by Peter Norbeck traveling this Byway. You will circle through the Black Hills Scenic Byway National Park and Custer State Park, taking in the gorgeous forested mountainside. Dont Length: 68 miles / 108.8 km forget to visit Mount Rushmore, one of the Time to Allow: Allow for 2 to 4 hours up to 1 day to tour this most intriguing Byway. attractions in the country. The pristine beauty of the pine- clad mountains of the Black Hills National Forest with their dramatic granite pinnacles will be sure to inspire you. Click here to return to map page 14
ool in the summer, Cmild in the winter, Russell - lose yourself in its luscious timberland. Brasstown Linger atop Brasstown Bald (Georgias tallest Scenic Byway mountain) to absorb all 360-degrees of rolling highlands. Escape the crowds and retire to the cooling mists of the Length: 40.64 miles / 65.0 km Byways numerous waterfalls. Sparkling Time to Allow: Allow at least 3 waterfalls and hours. secluded valley views Fees: No fees are required to are just a short stroll drive the Byway. from the main road. The average weekend hiker could spend years exploring these trails and never retrace a step.
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iscover history Dand high times in the streets, gold San Juan mines, and railway stations of towns like Skyway Durango, Silverton, and Telluride. Enjoy rafting and water sports on the Animas River, or fish and boat on McPhee Lake, the second largest lake in Length: 233 miles / 372.8 km Colorado. The Skyway Time to Allow: Youll want to is your open invitation give yourself 1 or 2 days to see to five million acres of everything this Byway has to the San Juan and offer. Uncompahgre Fees: There are no fees for National Forests. driving the Byway. However, Enjoy it all on this 236- there are park entrance fees, mile sampler of the area use fees, and fees for best the southwest attractions along the Byway. has to offer.
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hether you drive Wfor pleasure or Seward Highway you fish, hunt, backpack, camp, or ski, the Seward Highway can take you there. And its all against the backdrop of spruce forests, wildflowers, and extraordinary wildlife. The Highway has been recognized for its natural beauty as a designated All- Length: 127 miles / 203.2 km American Road. This is Time to Allow: At posted speeds your invitation to touch with minimal stops, allow 2.5 hours Alaska in all of its (one way). As a leisure driver with splendor along the one or two stops at visitor sites, Seward Scenic allow 5-8 hours (one way). Highway. Fees: Some attractions may charge fees. Click here to return to map page 17 riginally a trail Owhich followed the Clark Fork River St. Regis - between St. Regis and Paradise, the St. Regis - Paradise National Paradise Forest Scenic Byway lies within the Lolo Scenic Byway National Forest. This scenic route takes Length: 30 miles / 48.0 km motorists through spacious, rolling flats to Time to Allow: Allow at least 1 steep canyon walls hour to tour this byway. where it winds through Fees: The Forest Service the Coeur dAlene campground is $6 per night, no Mountains. other fees apply. With the spectacular scenery, plentiful wildlife, and many recreational opportunities the byway is a destination unto itself. Click here to return to map page 18 enture onto the VTurquoise Trail, a back road to glorious scenery and Turquoise Trail great discovery. See central New Mexico laid out before you from your birds-eye view atop Sandia Crest, the magnificent summit of the Sandia Mountains on the Length: 61.2 miles / 97.9 km Cibola National Time to Allow: Allow at least 3 Forest. Drive back hours to tour this Byway. into history or revel in modern-day artistry in Fees: There are fees associated with special the old mining towns features (such as ski areas, of Golden, Madrid, etc.) and Cerrillos once ghost towns, but now coming alive with arts, crafts, theater. Click here to return to map page