National Scenic Byway

National Scenic Byways Program
Marker used for National Scenic Byways
Highway marker
All-American Roads highlighted with red dots, National Scenic Byways with blue dots
System information
Formed1991 (1991)[1]
Highway names
InterstatesInterstate nn (I-nn)
US HighwaysU.S. Highway nn, U.S. Route nn (US nn)
StateVaries by state
System links
The Frontier Pathways National Scenic and Historic Byway as it passes through Wetmore, Custer County, Colorado
A sign indicating the National Scenic Byway designation for the Creole Nature Trail

A National Scenic Byway is a road recognized by the United States Department of Transportation for one or more of six "intrinsic qualities": archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic. The program was established by Congress in 1991 to preserve and protect the nation's scenic but often less-traveled roads and promote tourism and economic development. The National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP) is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Some scenic byways are designated All-American Roads, which must meet two out of the six intrinsic qualities. The designation means they have features that do not exist elsewhere in the United States and are unique and important enough to be tourist destinations unto themselves. As of January 21, 2021, there are 184 National Scenic Byways located in 48 states (all except Hawaii and Texas).[2]

  1. ^ Federal Highway Administration. "About the National Scenic Byways Program". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Archived from the original on December 4, 2003. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  2. ^ Federal Highway Administration. "Designations, National Scenic Byways Program". America's Byways. Federal Highway Administration. Retrieved February 18, 2021.