New All-American Roads, National Scenic Byways Designated In National Forests

Eight of 30 newly designated All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways are located in or pass through national forests, the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service have announced. The roads are recognized for their important scenic, natural, historical, cultural, archaeological or recreational qualities.

“The Forest Service is pleased that the inspiring scenic beauty of the national forests continues to receive recognition,” said Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck. “The All-American Roads and National Scenic Byways are national treasures for all to enjoy. Many of these roads, while not entering national forests, provide easy, nearby access,” Dombeck added.

All-American Roads provide motorists an exceptional traveling experience that makes the byway a primary reason for the trip. National Scenic Byways are exceptional roads that offer regionally distinct cultural, historic, natural or other qualities.

Anyone can nominate a road for the special designations. The nominations are made through states and reviewed by a national panel of experts. DOT’s Federal Highway Administration manages the National Scenic Byways Program.

Today’s announcement adds to some 7,700 miles of existing nationally recognized scenic roads in national forests.

The following are the newly designated scenic byways in or through national forests:

1) Alaska: The Seward Highway All American Road runs 127 miles from Seward to Anchorage, as it traverses Chugach National Forest’s diverse meadows and mountain vistas.

2) Georgia: Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway National Scenic Byway loops more than 40 miles through the mountains and fields in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

3) Minnesota: The North Shore Scenic Drive All American Road runs more than 122 miles from Two Harbors to Grand Portage through Superior National Forest along the shore of Lake Superior.

4) Montana and Wyoming: From the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Beartooth Scenic Byway All American Road weaves through Custer and Shoshone National Forests. The spectacular Alpine highway runs almost 69 miles to Red Lodge, Montana.

5) New Mexico: The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway begins in two branches east of Albuquerque near the Sandia Mountain Wilderness and in the Cibola National Forest. At San Antonio, the two branches become one byway passing through unique geological formations before ending at Interstate 25 southwest of Santa Fe some 61 miles from the start.

6) Oregon: The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway All American Road curves eastward from La Grande around and through parts of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

7) Oregon: West Cascades Scenic Byway National Scenic Byway traverses Mount Hood and Willamette National Forests, twisting 220 miles through lush ancient forests.

8) Utah: The Energy Loop: Huntington and Eccles Canyons Scenic Byways National Scenic Byway winds 86 miles through the Manti-La Sal National Forest through striking vistas and historic cultural sites.

For additional information on the National Scenic Byways Program, contact: Lori Irving, DOT, 202-366-0660.