Share Your Story

Have you visited Historic National Road? Share your story with your fellow travelers.

Home : Explore Byways : America's Byways :

Historic National Road

States: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
Length: 824.1 mi / 1326.3 km
Time to Allow: Use daytrips or multi-day itineraries to enjoy portions, or allow 2.5 days to simply drive the entire byway.

The Historic National Road was the nation's first federally funded interstate highway. It opened the nation to the west and became a corridor for the movement of goods and people. Today, visitors experience a physical timeline, including classic inns, tollhouses, diners, and motels that trace 200 years of American history.

come CLOSER
to Experience...

Step Onto the Appalachian Trail

Updated May 10, 2013 in Get Outdoors! And Go Hiking

America's Byways take you to some of the best hiking trails across the nation, including the greatest of them all, the Appalachian Trail. As you begin the ambitious journey, you'll wind your way across 2,160 miles of the East's most impressive terrain.
The Historic National Road--A Route into America's Roots

Updated Jan 18, 2013 in Getaways: Byways on a Budget and Goodyear’s Top 50 Scenic, Comfortable Drives

Whether you're an enthusiastic history buff or a more future-oriented individual, you will find a visit to the Historic National Road an exciting way to spend your present. Follow the "road that built the nation" through six states--Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois--and find yourself caught up in the spirit of the byway.

See all 8 Stories for Historic National Road

come CLOSER
to Enjoy the Ride...

1-Day Trip: Historic National Road - Pennsylvania Tour
(Pennsylvania)

Travel the Pennsylvania section of the Historic National Road and discover some of the region’s compelling history. Your tour will take you...
2-Day Trip: Culture and History Along Historic National Road
(Maryland)

Experience American history and natural beauty while on the Maryland section of the Historic National Road.

See all 9 Road Trips for Historic National Road

The following byways are part of the designated byway Historic National Road:

America's Byways

Local Information

Indiana National Road Association
765-478-3172
Send E-mail

National Road Association of Illinois
217-849-3188
Toll-free: 888-268-0042
Send E-mail

Maryland National Road Association
410-489-9100
Send E-mail

Ohio National Road Association
937-324-7752

National Road Heritage Corridor (PA)
724-437-9877
Send E-mail

Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau
1-800-828-3097
304-233-7709

Historic National Road - Pennsylvania:: Travelers will find more information about places and sights along the Pennsylvania section of the Historic National Road. This site provides maps, photographs, and intriguing descriptions.
Indiana's Historic National Road - The Road that Built the Nation:: Find out about the history of Indiana's section of the Historic National Road. At this site you can also access maps, points of interest, photos, and more.
Ohio National Road Scenic Byway:: This website, run through the Ohio Historical Society, provides information regarding the byway including point of interest, contact, and preservation information.
The Historic National Road in West Virginia:: Visit this attractive site to learn the history of this remarkable road. The site also contains maps, a calendar of events, a photo gallery and more.
The Illinois National Road:: Check out stories and events about the Illinois National Road, as well as the vision and goals of the National Road Association of Illinois.
Maryland's Historic National Road:: Find out about the organization, history and events happening on Maryland's section of the Historic National Road.