America's Byways® Press Room
In the News 2007
Detroit Institute of Arts Reinvented in 2007
This article describes the hopes for the future of the Detroit Institute of Arts on Woodward Avenue, after an enthusiastic reception by the public during its grand opening held during Thanksgiving 2007.
Ohio River Byway Features Multitude of Attractions
Two new additions to the many attractions along the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Illinois are described in this article: an overlook to Mound City and a re-creation of Fort Defiance in Cairo.
Council Defers Action on Loess Hills Route Change
The Sioux City Council's proposal to change the route of the Loess Hills Scenic Byway was delayed upon objection from several organizations. As a result, city staff will meet with groups involved with the current byway to discuss the issue.
Take a Web Trip Along Illinois Waterways
This feature article by AP Press writer Roger Petterson describes plenty of websites to plan your trip in Illinois. It includes a link to the Illinois River Road pages on byways.org.
Creole Nature Trail Takes You to Cajun Country Cooking
"It's the food that everyone talks about long after they return home."
This mouth-watering article about dining in Cajun Country describes the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road for those who want to see their dinner right at the source, in the bayous, marshes and ocean.
Volcanic Legacy, Trinity Scenic Byway Road Trips
"...there are plenty of side trips and other distractions that will demand your attention."
This recent Associated Press article touts the benefits of a northern California road trip along the Volcanic Legacy, one of the America's Byways, and the Trinity Scenic Byway, a Forest Service byway. The road trip includes a trip to Redding to see waterfalls and volcanoes and recreation on public lands.
Matchless Beauty of Southern Mountains
"The trees. Do they do this color every year?"
This article offers an anecdote about a foreign visitor's astonishment at the annual fall foliage display, and a personal testimonial about the beautiful mountain scenery along with some fun facts.
Teacher uses Blue Ridge Parkway to Teach about History
This article is about workshops that use the Blue Ridge Parkway as a case study of how to use historic landmarks to teach important topics in American history.
Author Explains Death Valley's Mysterious Sliding Rocks
"...the only place on Earth where geology itself has made me laugh out loud."
In an excerpt from November's National Geographic, travel writer Tim Cahill explains the mystery of Death Valley's Racetrack Playa. The playa's stones and the paths they've left behind often confuse travelers, but according to the book Geology Underfoot in Death Valley, the movement is the result of a combination of soil weakening due to flooding followed by 90 mile per hour winds.
Autumn Drive on Midland Trail Full of History
"...dotted with historical towns and carved through mountain terrain."
The story of the history and beauty of the Midland Trail, one of the oldest trail in the U.S., is told in this article. Historic figures associated with the byway include George Washington, Daniel Boone, and Booker T. Washington.
Hike Autumn Trails on Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive Byway
Trails along Lake Tahoe - Eastshore Drive take you on hikes among gorgeous multi-colored leaves. Put on some extra layers and enjoy crisp mountain air on the eastern side of Lake Tahoe.
Apple Orchard Preserves Appalachian History on Blue Ridge Parkway
"Varieties of red and green apples dot the trees as orange and purple butterflies flutter along the flowers, while a local bluegrass player strums his banjo in the background."
An mountainside orchard saved from developers in 1993 has become a preserve of Appalachian culture and history. Located in Spruce Pine on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Historic Orchard at Altapass was given its name by the railroad “Alta” meaning high and “pass” after the McKinney Gap.
Florida's A1A - the "Margarita Golf Trail"
"...a blaze of beaches and Florida golf courses..."
Looking for a different way to drive the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Highway? How about a drive from north to south, with a little golf thrown in? This article details many of the great golfing getaways along this memorable highway.
Lesser-known Fall Drives in Arkansas
"Lesser-known scenic drives provide great opportunities for fall foliage viewing."
All three of the America's Byways in Arkansas are mentioned in this fall foliage article, but the real focus is on the roads less traveled by. The writer asked his friends and colleagues (including Nancy Clark of the Arkansas Great River Road) to share their favorite, less-known routes for beautiful fall foliage viewing.
Catch the Last Glimpses of Fall in Minnesota
"...you can enjoy the great views at a slower pace."
Minnesota's fall color season is winding down but the pastel scenery is still majestic and awe-inspiring. This online article mentions the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway as one of several fall-color byway destinations.
Fall Journeys from the Georgia Mountains to the Chattahoochee River
"...an ideal destination for viewing dazzling fall color in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest."
The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway in Georgia is one of the many fall travel destinations described in this article. As it says, the "sight of the leaves along the Georgia mountains during their annual transition is absolutely incomparable."
Fall Color in North Georgia Mountains
"'In the fall you get these crisp days and you can see forever.'"
Georgia has its share of wonderful fall color in its northern mountains. This article mentions several prime viewing area, though the drought may shorten the season. The Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway is mentioned as a scenic drive to complement the fall foliage viewing experience.
New Hampshire Scenic Byways Offer Great Fall Colors
Kancamagus Scenic Byway and White Mountain Trail attract nature lovers to see fall foliage in New Hampshire. In addition to the fall explosion of reds and oranges, the byways are the best in the region to see moose.
Take the Natchez Trace One Scenic Step at a Time
"Follow the steps of historic travelers through three states on this scenic trail."
This feature article writes briefly about the history of the Natchez Trace Trail and describes several of its features in each of the three states it traverses. A 3-day itinerary, photos, contact information and interesting facts are highlighted as well.
Western Maryland Has Autumn Wonders
"Catoctin Mountain is 95 percent covered by regional hardwoods."
This article weekend-by-weekend where folks can enjoy fall foliage long after the more famous forests of Vermont and New Hampshire have faded into winter. Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway is one of the stops.
MSNBC Readers Share Favorite Fall Drives
"Hey, fall colors don’t just happen in New England!"
Travel writer Rob Lovitt writes about the favorite fall drives which his readers point out were missing from a previous article. The drives include several America's Byways, such as the 200-year-old National Road through the Allegheny Mountains of Maryland, the Highland Scenic Byway of West Virginia, and Wisconsin's Great River Road from Prescott to La Crosse.
Mountain Huts and Yurts in Growing Demand for Fall Recreationalists
"A lot of people think of these places as 'skiing only.' But fall really is one of the nicest times of the year to be up here."
This article discusses the growing popularity of "mountain huts" and yurts for fall foliage and shoulder-season recreationalists. They aren't just for ski trips anymore. One such hut near Mts. Elbert and Massive is reached via Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway.
Byways are the Question of the Day in Nevada
On Sept. 28th, the Las Vegas Advisor website's Question of the Day was about America's Byways, Nevada's in particular. The question asked was, "I’ve heard that the Las Vegas Strip is a National Scenic Byway. Is this just an official designation, or does it actually mean something?" The answer describes the Las Vegas Strip as the first nighttime scenic byway, and mentions Pyramid Lake and Lake Tahoe-Eastshore Drive, among other Nevada byways.
Native American Scenic Byway Promotes Culture Without Kitsch
"... something rare and revolutionary -- Indian cultural tourism."
World Hum contributing editor Frank Bures recently spent some time on the Lower Brule Reservation with Scott Jones, leader of the tribe’s cultural protection and tourism efforts.
Take Autumn Trip Up Trail Ridge
"Skiffs of fresh snow edges rocky crags in white. Bursts of turning aspen splash colors from the highest reaches near tree line..."
Guest commentator Tom Adams describes ephemeral autumn on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Two Byways Mentioned as Great and Unusual Fall Foliage Destinations
This article by Peter Greenberg, a contributor to the TODAY Show, describes 8 fall foliage destinations, several of which are in byway areas such as Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Yakima and Leavenworth in Washington state. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway in South Carolina and the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina and Tennessee are specifically mentioned.
Touring the Tamiami Trail
Discover history and activities along the Tamiami Trail in Florida, from gators, birds, strangler "pigs" and the elusive "swamp ape", to the smallest post office in the U.S.
Idaho: Idyllic Isolation
This article on the attractions of southern Idaho mentions the Pioneer Historic Byway as one of the routes to see historic landmarks in southern Idaho, such as the Oregon Trail.
Autumn Set to Show its True Colors
"...one of the best foliage years Oklahoma has seen in a long time."
The Talimena Scenic Drive in Oklahoma and Arkansas is mentioned as a popular fall color route, especially for motorcyclists, in this article.
Fall Colors Unfold on Scenic Autumn Drives
"Fall is the nicest season for rolling down the car windows, taking a drive and enjoying the scenery."
The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great River Road, and the Connecticut River Byway are among those byways mentioned in this article about fall foliage drives in the eastern and midwestern United States. The article includes links to byways.org.
Day Trippin' on the Turnagain Arm Trail
"...get up high and see out over Turnagain Arm which has some spectacular views..."
This article tells of another way to enjoy the Seward Highway, high on the slopes and away from the traffic noise -- on the Turnagain Arm Trail in Chugach State Park.
Ten Ways to Enjoy Ohio
"These roadways cover some of the most picturesque and historic regions of the state."
The Amish Country Scenic Byway is specifically mentioned as a relaxing drive, as is the fact that five of Ohio's byways carry the National Scenic Byway designation. The Ohio byways website is referenced.
Road Across the Roof: the Beartooth Highway
"...a high performer on those exclamation-point lists of greatest roads in America."
The author describes her drive on the Beartooth Highway in May of 2007.
Gold Digging in Colorado: Fall Drives
"...when autumn alchemy transforms leafy hillsides into mother lodes of gold."
It's hard to miss fall brilliance in the Colorado Rockies. Drive over nearly any mountain pass, and behold the exciting array of hues. This article describes the author's favorite Colorado drives, discovered over a quarter century of Rocky Mountain roaming. Trail Ridge Road and the San Juan Skyway are both mentioned.
Keep An Eye on the Sky
"the Natchez Trace Parkway...one of the best places in north Alabama to see migrating hummingbirds..."
The article focuses on the area of the Tennessee Valley Authority and its birding opportunities. The Rock Spring Nature Trail on the Natchez Trace Parkway north of Cherokee is one of those mentioned.
The Frontier Spirit Lives on in Red Lodge, Montana
"A high-spirited frontier town [that] had its share of fistfights and gunfights."
This article describes the rich history of Red Lodge, one of the endpoints of the Beartooth Highway, in an area that hosted such celebrities as Calamity Jane and Buffalo Bill.
Hit the Road for a Scenic Fall Drive
"...a few routes around the country to consider as you plan your autumn outings. "
In this article about many wonderful fall destinations around the country, the Great River Road, Connecticut River Valley, the Old Canada Road, Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway are listed. The article also mentions the National Scenic Byways program, with links to byways.org.
Fall Foliage Fills Forecast in Oklahama
"Here you'll find mile after mile of fall color and splendor."
The lengthy article describes the wonders of autumn in Oklahoma, with particular mention of the beautiful Talimena Scenic Drive in the Ouachita National Forest.
Seasonal Gold on the Gold Belt Tour
A brief article about viewing the golden aspens on the Gold Belt Tour in Colorado.
New York Waterways with RoadRUNNER Magazine
James Parks and Bruce Read highlight an 1,100 mile tour of the Seaway Trail in upstate New York. The motorcycling duo share their experiences and photos during their exploration of the series of marked roads that connect Erie, Pennsylvania to Massena, New York. Ride along with them as they visit the shores of Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River.
Vacation Buzz: Route 169
"...panoramic views of farms and fields and village greens..."
Dubbed one of the 10 most beautiful roads in the United States, it is one of the state's last unspoiled places, a glimpse of what New England looked like more than 100 years ago.
71 Miles Travel Guide - Big Sur
"...a jaw-droppingly beautiful 90-mile-long stretch..."
Read a quick overview of all Big Sur has to offer, then dig a little deeper to find fun. Scan down the page to find a few useful tips on driving the Big Sur Coast Highway.
Au Sable River Offers Fall Color Tour on Paddlewheel Boat
"It's a beautiful ride..."
For a different autumn experience, come aboard a paddlewheel riverboat for a cruise on the Au Sable River beside the River Road Scenic Byway in Michigan.
Three Byways Mentioned in Midwest Fall Tour
"Five easy places for a weekend with the leaves"
This article talks in detail about several splendid places to see fall foliage color in the Midwest. Three America's Byways are named, along with many of their attractions and the best times to visit for fall color.
Day Trippin' at Portage Valley
"...one of the best places... to bring friends that haven't been in Alaska."
Inside the Chugach National Forest and not far from Anchorage, Alaska, Portage Valley near the Seward Highway gives explorers access to half a dozen glaciers, an ever-changing natural wonder.
Time to Travel Wisely - Take the Slow Road
""Taking the slow road is the best way to taste and feel the country, to use all your senses...""
This article discusses how historic roads are becoming as much targets for protection and preservation as are historic buildings or places. Michael Wallis and Dan Marriott are quoted, and the National Scenic Byways program and website are mentioned.
Scenic Roads That Deserve a Detour
This list of "slow roads with special attractions" includes several of the America's Byways: Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway in SC, Historic Columbia River Highway in OR, McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway in OR, Merritt Parkway in CT, and the Natchez Trace Parkway in AL, TN and MS.
Visiting Virginia's Skyline Drive
Take a few minutes to see how easy it would be to extend your travels outside the city for a road trip to Virginia's Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains and through the rural countryside of the Shenandoah Valley.
Religious Freedom Byway Seeks National Designation
"It links together historic sites...tells a better story."
Two Southern Maryland counties, St. James and Charles, hope to persuade federal transportation officials to designate the Religious Freedom Byway as a national scenic corridor.
In the spring, the counties plan to make their pitch for entry in the America's Byways program. They expect to learn in mid-2008 whether they've earned that distinction, joining such corridors as Maryland's Catoctin Mountain Scenic Byway and Virginia's Skyline Drive.
Ebbetts Pass Remains in Promoter's View
" National recognition puts the pass on the map."
The Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway Association is taking full advantage of its natural beauty in many marketing avenues. The benefits of national designation are listed.
Columnist Lauds Scenic Byway 12
"...awe-inspiring, adjective-defying beautiful..."
Columnist Lee Benson is bicycling through Utah's five National Parks, beginning at Arches and ending at Zion. In this column he goes from Capitol Reef National Park to Bryce Canyon National Park, on Scenic Byway 12.
Byways Mentioned as Reasons To Visit Colorado
"Trail Ridge Road...the longest continuous stretch of road above tree line in the entire U.S."
Every season offers different reasons to visit Colorado. The state is home to more than 25 scenic byways that can take anywhere from 90 minutes to several days to explore.
Beartooth Highway Mentioned in Top Ten List
At Number 8 on the list, the Beartooth Highway. "For sheer beauty, no road in America tops the Beartooth Highway, which climbs to 11,000 feet in elevation between Red Lodge and Cooke City. Make a loop back to Billings on Chief Joseph Scenic Byway along the Clarks Fork River, past a dramatic canyon and red-rock hills."
Towboat Tours at Festival on Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway
"It's a cool adventure."
The old river town of Grafton, Illinois, strutted its stuff the weekend of June 23-24, 2007, as it welcomed several thousand people to its annual Great Rivers Towboat Festival.
Official Wary of Wildfires on Natchez Trace Parkway
"The potential for a...wildfire is high to very high. "
All of Mississippi is in at least a moderate drought, with the northeastern and east-central parts of the state in a severe or exceptional drought. Dan Mapstone, fire management officer for the Natchez Trace Parkway, said the drought has led to the risk of a potentially large fire breaking out in Northeast Mississippi. Normally, soil moisture helps protect trees and shrubs from fires and fire damage, but Mapstone said there is not adequate moisture.
El Camino Real on List of Endangered Historic Places
"Spaceport America...could harm the trail's serene nature."
Every year, the National Trust for Historic Preservation compiles a list of endangered sites. This year, El Camino Real is listed in the top 11 most endangered historic places in America. Plans for Spaceport America place the project within three miles of one of the most pristine sections of byway. The project has almost guaranteed potential for increased noise and traffic, which would harm the byway’s peaceful nature.
Potters Marsh: a Bird Lovers Paradise
"A bird lover's paradise at the...Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge"
Potter Marsh in the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge near Anchorage, Alaska on the Seward Highway is one of the most accessible and scenic wildlife viewing areas in all of Alaska. The 2,300-acre viewing area has a long, raised 1,550-foot boardwalk where visitors can access the protected wetland without disturbing the birds.
Route 66 on List of World Endangered Landmarks
"These are areas that represent a part of history, the way people used to live and what people used to care about."
The World Monuments Fund, a not-for-profit preservation group based in New York, added Route 66 to its list of 100 most endangered historic, cultural, and architectural sites worldwide this year. The U.S. Park Service nominated the byway for the Fund’s list in response to the gradual erosion of Route 66 landmarks, noting that the route’s vast size makes it even more challenging to preserve. Not only the road itself, but the motels, cafés, gas stations, and trading posts are threatened by big development or economic neglect.
Forbes Top 10 Motorcycle Trips
"...represent a geographic spread of Great American Rides..."
Half of the roads cited as Forbes Top 10 Motorcycle Trips in the United States are America's Byways; namely, San Juan Skyway, Cherohala Skyway, Big Sur Highway, Glenn Highway, and Santa Fe Trail.
Scenic Byways Featured for Friends of the Forest Subscribers
"Thousands of miles of roads...provide breathtaking vistas..."
The America's Byways program is featured in the June 2007 issue of the "tree list" for Friends of the Forest.
Jurassic Journey
"...something I don’t say every day: A dinosaur just spit on me..."
An account of a visit to __Dinosaur Journey__, an exhibit consisting of lifelike, robotic dinosaurs at the Museum of Western Colorado in Fruita, Colorado.
Indian Head on White Mountain Trail Gets Attention
"...interest in the Indian Head has surged since the Old Man crumbled."
Four years after the demise of the Old Man of the Mountain on the White Mountain Trail, another of New Hampshire's rocky profiles is getting a little more attention.
Historic Route 66 Station to be Business
"...a point of pride..."
Route 66 enthusiast plans to remodel a Pine Street gas station in Normal, Illinois, into a Route 66 visitor center, gift shop, restaurant, bed and breakfast and tea room. It's one of few Route 66 gas stations in the country with an owner’s apartment and a tenant’s apartment on the second floor.
Old Kansas, Still Growing Tall
"...what this highway offers most is wide-open space..."
The drive takes you past fields of wheat, corn, soybeans and grain sorghum, past round hay bales dotting pastures, past what could be Dorothy’s house before she was swept off to Oz.
66 Takes Center Stage
The 20th Annual Route 66 Fun Run starts this Friday at noon in Seligman.
CEOs to Run Marathon in Death Valley for Charity
"It's the toughest footrace in the world."
Ninety competitors from throughout the world will compete this year in the Kiehl's Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley, CA, the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet. One of the ultra-athletes, a 42-year-old Fortune 1,000 CEO, is running to help wounded vets back on their feet.
Jamestown Prepares for Arrival of Queen
Williamsburg businesses and residents are preparing for the arrival of the Queen of England on May 3rd. Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh will arrive that Thursday and visit Williamsburg and Jamestown on Friday.
Oregon Byways Leading the Way
"Oregon...is setting an example for other states to follow."
Oregon is tied with Colorado for the most recognized scenic byways (10) in the nation, says Pat Moran, manager of the state's scenic byways program for the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Wander Wisconsin's Great River Road
"...a gem in southwestern Wisconsin..."
WBAY TV, a station in northwestern Wisconsin based in Green Bay, presents the Great River Road in a feature article on their website.
Volcanic Legacy Discovery Center on Hold
"The Center will be there if people want it to be there."
Proposed as one of the anchors for the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, the proposed Mount Shasta Discovery Center was unable to obtain matching funds to build the necessary sewer and water infrastructure. The city council is now exploring alternate ways of bringing the utilities to the property.
Canal Group to Restore Historic Akron Home
"The history of the Howe house illustrates the evolution of a city."
The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition has selected an architect to transform the Richard Howe House into a visitors center and offices for the organization. The historic house rests in Akron along the Ohio and Erie Canalway. The building is significant to the Akron area because it illustrates the evolution of that city. The project should be complete by May 2008.
Washington Heritage Trail Links Stories
"The Panhandle is so interesting...It has all this rich history — sometimes people don’t even know it’s there."
By traversing through the mountains, valleys, cobbled streets and trickling streams of the Eastern Panhandle, it’s fairly easy for anyone in this day and age to follow in the footsteps of the nation’s first president.
Nature-based Tourism Discussed at Extension Workshop on Illinois River Road
"Nature-based tourism is the fastest growing segment of tourism. "
Illinois River Road described several nature-based tourism features and activities on their byway and plans for more using recently-awarded federal grant monies at a tourism workshop held recently at Dickson Mounds Museum.
Ohio River Scenic Byway Country Lauded in Chicago Tribune
"...scenery and solitude hike hand in hand in this hilly, tree-covered, southernmost tip of Illinois..."
Phil Marty, a staff reporter for the Chicago Tribune, describes the attractions of southern Illinois for a winter getaway, land of the Ohio River Scenic Byway.
America's Byways in Trailer Life
The January 2007 issue of Trailer Life magazine, a monthly publication for RV enthusiasts, lists National Scenic Byways as a resource under its Before You Go section.
