National Scenic Byways

To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of the scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, and/or natural Intrinsic Qualities . The significance of such qualities must be recognized through the multi-state region. National Scenic Byways Requirements* for national scenic byways designation are summarized below:

State Designation
Any highway or road submitted for designation under the National Scenic Byways Program by state or federal agencies should be designated as a State scenic byway. However, roads that meet all criteria and requirements for National designation but not state or federal agencies’ designation criteria may be considered for national designation on a case-by-case basis. Any road nominated for the National Scenic Byway will be considered to be a designated State scenic byway.

Vehicle Accommodation
A road or highway must safely and conveniently accommodate two-wheel-drive automobiles with standard clearances to be considered for designation as a National Scenic Byway.

Bikes & Pedestrians
Roads or highways considered for National Scenic Byways designations should accommodate, wherever feasible, bicycle and pedestrian travel.

Corridor Management Plan Submittal
A scenic byways Corridor Management Plan, prepared in accordance with Paragraph 9 of the Interim Policy for National Scenic Byways (published in the Federal Register on May 18, 1995) must be submitted in order for any road or highway to be considered for the National Scenic Byway designation.

Continuity
An important criteria for the National Scenic Byways is continuity. They should not have too many gaps but rather should be as continuous as possible and should minimize intrusions on the visitor’s experience.

Regional Significance
National Scenic Byways Criteria: To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road or highway must significantly meet at least one of the six scenic byways Intrinsic Qualities . The characteristics associated with the intrinsic qualities are those that are distinct and most representative of the region. The significance of the features contributing to the distinctive characteristics of the corridor’s intrinsic quality are recognized throughout the region.

* Source: Interim Policy for National Scenic Byways (published in the Federal Register on May 18, 1995)