Happy 10th Birthday, America's Byways!

September 2006 marks the tenth anniversary of the designation of the first National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads. Since 1996, the program's noteworthy America's Byways, which at present number 126, have brought travelers to some of the nation's most intriguing locales. In the beginning, the program consisted of just twenty of America's finest routes. Today, these classic drives offer new adventures in addition to the qualities that earned them their status as America's Byways. Wherever your travel plans take you, chances are you won't be far from one of the original National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads.

The northeastern corner of the United States hosts some of its greatest drives. In Connecticut, both Connecticut State Route 169 and Merritt Parkway will show you the New England experience. Each drive combines early American history with lovingly preserved natural landscapes. West Virginia's Highland Scenic Byway lures you into some of the wildest parts of the state, including wetlands, hardwood forests and cascading waterfalls across a jumble of rolling hills. Visit world-famous lighthouses and historic war sites on the Seaway Trail in northern New York, along with such varied destinations as Niagara Falls, Boldt Castle, or the Adirondack Mountains. If you are lucky enough to visit in autumn, round out your tour of the Northeast on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, and witness the fall foliage splendor of New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Farther south along the eastern coast, enjoy byways showcasing several pivotal moments in American history, Appalachian life, and evidence of pre-Columbian societies. Both the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and the Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee explore Cherokee settlements set among the mist-covered Appalachian range and the natural splendor of pristine public lands.

In the Deep South, explore the rich wetlands of Creole Nature Trail in Louisiana. You'll find plenty of thrills as you marvel at, photograph, and keep a safe distance away from its thriving wildlife, which includes sharp-toothed alligators and colorful rare birds. Alabama's first scenic byway tells the harrowing and inspirational tale of the Civil Rights Movement. Trace the path of 500 marchers led by Dr. Martin Luther King in 1965 on the Selma to Montgomery March Scenic Byway, and marvel at the unshakable collective will of protesters who marched through beatings, tear gas, and mockery in pursuit of equal voting rights.

Continue west, as early American settlers did, and discover the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Now a three-state byway through Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, the Indiana part was the first section to be officially designated as a National Scenic Byway. This route follows the northern shore of the wide Ohio River, through a land of steamboat towns and Native American civilizations, a land where one of our nation's most revered presidents, Abraham Lincoln, lived. In Minnesota, visit some of the state's 12,000 lakes on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway through the recreational haven of Chippewa National Forest. Further west, travel South Dakota's Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway and see two of the largest, most awe-inspiring sculptures in the world, Mount Rushmore and nearby Crazy Horse Monument.

September of 1996 was a good year for Colorado Scenic Byways, as three famous routes received national designation. Starting north and moving down, these were Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road, Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway, and San Juan Skyway. Ski through some of the state's most famous national parks, forests and mountains, wander through the sprawling ruins of ancient civilizations, and imagine yourself back in the boom days of old mining towns on your Colorado Old West adventure.

The Southwest nominated some jewels of their own, including Pyramid Lake Scenic Bywayand Lake Tahoe – Eastshore Drive. Guiding you through arid Nevada landscapes, both offer their own unique take on the state's treasures. Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway claims the distinction of being the only National Scenic Byway located entirely on tribal reservation land, making it a journey of culture and wonder. Drive Lake Tahoe – Eastshore Drive and discover the beauty of this renowned mountain lake on the Nevada/California border.

Crossing that border takes you to the last two National Scenic Byways on our journey from east to west across the United States. In 1996, California added two famous drives to the list. Tioga Road/Big Oak Flat Road bisects the nation's first federally protected land: Yosemite National Park. Here unrivaled views, outdoor activities, and geological marvels await just off the paved pathway. Finally, on the matchless California coastline you'll find yourself gazing off into the deep blue Pacific while traveling the Big Sur Coast Highway. Wild and remote even today, the coastline is home to rare wildlife and crashing surf, as well as centuries of Native American, Spanish American, and modern American culture.

Though these twenty original National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads have since been joined by over a hundred more, they are remembered as pioneers in a new program. As the first wave in an effort to bring Americans off the beaten track and closer to their public lands, shared history, and unparalleled resources, these byways open eyes and minds of those who travel them. Come closer and experience America's Byways for yourself.