National Forest Scenic Byways Program

Partnership Success Stories

Prepared in 

partnership with:

Federal Highway 

Administration

Federal Lands Highway

Washington DC Office

October 2008

United States

Department of 

Agriculture

Forest Service

National

Forest

Scenic Byway

FS-916
National Forest 

Scenic Byways: 

A Catalyst for Forging 

Far-Reaching Partnerships

Scenic byways connect the public to destinations and special 

places. These designated roads traverse some of our country’s most 

unique landscapes, noteworthy for their scenery and natural and 

cultural features. Planning for scenic byways requires a community 

conversation that brings many diverse partners together; byway 

implementation keeps that conversation going. Once a byway is 

designated, communities, businesses, governmental agencies, and 

nonprofit organizations work together as a byway organization to 

carry out a wide variety of projects that promote stewardship and 

benefit local economies. 

The National Forest Scenic Byways Program is a success because 

it unites rural communities, empowers collaboration among 

diverse partners, and offers travelers a way to “make the journey as 

important as the destination.”

This report highlights a few of the many success stories made 

possible through key partnerships along the byways and through 

funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 

U.S. Department of Transportation, for byway planning and 

project grants. 

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon
onnecting the American Public to Their National Forest System Lands

National forest scenic byways connect the American public to some of this country’s most spectacular 

landscapes within our public lands. They are the gateways to access attractions such as hiking trails, 

overlooks, historic sites, waterfalls, wilderness areas, and wild and scenic rivers. The quality of their 

facilities and settings helps instill a sense of public stewardship for our natural and cultural resources. 

Partnerships with rural communities for collaborative planning on these corridors provide much needed 

funding and resources for many small gateway communities to market and conserve these special places. 

The Chief of the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, can designate routes traversing National 

Forest System lands as national forest scenic byways. The first 10 national forest scenic byways were 

designated in 1989. In just 20 years, the system has grown to 137 national forest scenic byways that 

encompass over 9,000 miles of highways and roads on National Forest System lands. A majority of the 137 

forest byways are classified as “forest highways” through a formal triparty agreement between the State 

departments of transportation, the Forest Service, and the Office of Federal Lands Highway. As a result, 

these byways qualify for Forest Highway Program funds and other FHWA funds. 

 ational Forest Scenic Byways: Part of a Larger Byway Community

National forest scenic byways are part of a larger community that includes National Scenic Byways, AllAmerican Roads, State-designated byways, backcountry byways, and other local byway designations. 

Funding for the National Scenic Byways Program was first incorporated into the Intermodal 

Transportation and Efficiency Act for the 21st Century (ISTEA) of 1991, and has been continued since 2005 

under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEALU). The FHWA uses this funding to provide grants to States and Indian tribes to carry out eligible projects 

on roads designated as scenic byways by States or Indian tribes and to develop byway programs.

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation designates National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads based 

on their outstanding scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological, and recreational qualities. An AllAmerican Road is considered a “destination unto itself,” because it provides such an exceptional driving 

experience that travelers would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip. The 

FHWA refers to the 126 National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads collectively as the America’s 

Byways® collection. 

Because almost half of the 126 roads designated as America’s Byways® are located partially or entirely 

on National Forest System or other public lands, the Forest Service is a major partner with the FHWA, 

State departments of transportation, Federal land management agencies, and byway organizations in 

developing and promoting the National Scenic Byways Program. 

C

N
A woman stops to peruse the wares at a roadside 

stand along the Amish Country Byway, Ohio

Behind every good 

byway is a good 

partnership.
oals of the National Forest Scenic Byways Program

The goals of the National Forest Scenic Byways Program are to: 

•	 Support and enhance rural community economic development.

•	 Showcase outstanding national forest and grassland scenery.

•	 Increase public understanding of national forests as a major provider of 

outdoor recreation.

•	 Increase public awareness and understanding of national forest activities and the 

importance of sustaining healthy, productive ecosystems.

•	 Ensure that people remain socially connected to public lands so they become better 

stewards of our natural resources.

•	 Meet the growing demand of driving for pleasure as a significant recreation use.

•	 Increase use of national forests by nontraditional users, including minorities and 

the elderly.

•	 Contribute to the Nation’s overall scenic byways effort.

The National Forest Scenic Byways Program emphasis on promoting community tourism 

has been one of the most popular aspects of byway designation with rural communities. 

Through the relationships built amongst a diverse group of byway entities, designating 

a highway or road as a national forest scenic byway can be the catalyst to new marketing 

and funding opportunities available through the National Scenic Byways Program and 

State transportation agencies. In addition, the relationships built early-on result in longterm goodwill to foster future byway endeavors.

The National Forest System includes more 

than 6,000 campsites and picnic areas; over 

193 million acres of forests, lakes, ponds, 

and reservoirs open to recreational activities 

such as fishing, hunting, hiking, geo-caching, 

camping, rock climbing, and more; and 

5,400 trailheads providing access to more 

than 143,000 miles of trails. Communities 

along national forest scenic byways serve as 

gateways and provide enhanced access to 

many of these public resources. These byways 

provide a way to educate visitors about the 

unique qualities and characteristics of each 

byway region.

Navigating a tunnel along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, 

South Dakota (©Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, 1996)

G

Visitors enjoy the fall colors along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway
wo Funding Sources for National Forest Scenic Byways

1. The National Scenic Byways Program (HTBW)1. The FHWA provides 

funds annually on a competitive basis for projects along national, State, 

and Indian tribe designated byways. Funds may be used for Scenic 

Byway Programs, corridor management plans, safety improvements, 

byway facilities, access to recreation, resource protection, interpretive 

information, and marketing programs. Only national forest scenic 

byways that are also designated as All-American Roads, National Scenic 

Byways, State scenic byways, or Indian tribe scenic byways are eligible 

for National Scenic Byways Program grants.

Since the beginning of the National Scenic Byways grants program 

in 1992, the Secretary of Transportation has awarded more than 

$308 million for 2,450 byway projects located in all 50 States and 

U.S. Territories. In Fiscal Year 2007, the Department of Transportation 

awarded a total of about $1.7 million to the Forest Service for 13 byway 

projects in 11 States. In addition, a total of about $1.9 million was awarded to 13 States for 45 

other projects associated with byway organizations working collaboratively with the Forest Service.

2. Each year since 2005, the Department of Transportation, through the Office of Federal Lands Highway, 

has allocated $200,000 of National Forest Scenic Byway Transportation Planning (HTFB)2 funds to 

the Forest Service. The Forest Service has used these funds as a primary source of funding for planning 

and development of the National Forest Scenic Byways Program. HTFB funds are especially important 

because many national forest scenic byways are not eligible for National Scenic Byways Program 

discretionary grant funds to States. 

For the past 3 years, the Forest Service has used HTFB funds for projects such as developing corridor 

management plans, interpretive planning, wayside exhibits, byway organizational development, 

community outreach, Web site development, and production of brochures and other byway publications. 

Although the annual allocation of HTFB funding is relatively small, it serves as an important catalyst for 

byway partnerships. 

T

1

HTBW—Federal aid grants to the States (Federal sites qualify) for National Scenic Byways Program under Section 162, Title 23 

for qualified byways.

2

HTFB—Federal Lands Transportation Planning Assistance Funding to agencies under Section 204, Title 23, Section 204 (h)(1) 

specifically to classified “forest highways.”

Front cover photo: Swan River NWR (Margaret Gorski); next page photo: Historice Route 66 through AZ (Mark Turner); back 

cover photos: Mt. Shasta (public domain); peregrine falcon (Tom Kogut). Copyrighted photos are used with permission of the National 

Scenic Byways Program Digital Library (www.byways.org). All other photos are public domain.

A visitor pauses at an interpretive site at 

Sparks Meadow along the Cascade Lakes 

Scenic Byway, Oregon

Byway travelers are often fortunate to spot local 

wildlife along the route (Alan Dyck)
Case Studies

Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway ~ Minnesota

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway ~ North Carolina

Kancamagus Scenic Byway ~ New Hampshire 

Logan Canyon Scenic Byway ~ Utah

McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway ~ Oregon

North Shore Scenic Drive ~ Minnesota

Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway ~ South Dakota

San Juan Skyway ~ Colorado

Silver Thread Scenic Byway ~ Colorado

Crown of the Continent Geotourism Project

National Forest Scenic Byways & Backcountry Recreation Roads Project

National Scenic Byways Program Web Site
Edge of the Wilderness

Scenic Byway 

Minnesota

Chippewa National Forest

Byway Designations

 National Scenic Byway, 1996

 Minnesota State Scenic Byway, 1994

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1989

Byway Snapshot

 “The Edge” begins in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and traverses through the 

Chippewa National Forest, and the rural Minnesota towns of Bigfork and 

Effie. This 47-mile byway winds past pristine lakes, mixed hardwood forests, 

swamps, and rolling hills. During autumn, the forest is adorned with red 

sugar maples, bronze oak trees, and golden aspen and birch. Although the 

Edge of the Wilderness 

offers some of Minnesota’s 

most popular sporting 

and resort opportunities, 

including hiking, camping, 

fishing, cross-country 

skiing, and snowmobiling, 

visitors will probably see 

more trees than people.

Birch decorate the edge of Pughole Lake
elping Partners Come Together for a Cause 

Marcell is a small town halfway along the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway in the 

heart of the Chippewa National Forest. In 2001, the Marcell Ranger Station was closed 

in an effort to consolidate Chippewa National Forest administrative offices. The Forest 

Service wanted to keep a presence in the community and preserve the historic ranger 

station and other Civilian Conservation Corps era buildings. Byway partners and local 

community organizations—including the Chippewa National Forest—needed a way 

to better engage the traveling public with interpretive and environmental education 

programs and to provide information about services and attractions available to 

byway travelers. 

In 2006 and 2007, the Chippewa National Forest received $20,000 in National Scenic 

Byways Program grants to convert the ranger station into a “discovery center” that 

would meet these needs. Byway partners were instrumental in obtaining over 

$400,000 in funding as a SAFETEA-LU High Priority Project to implement the effort.

Byway partners renovated the existing Marcel Ranger Station 

building into the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center. 

The center now offers recreation information and interpretive 

displays and serves as a wayside rest for byway visitors. The 

Highway 38 Leadership Board operates the discovery center in 

partnership with the Chippewa National Forest, Northern Itasca 

Joint Powers Board, Minnesota Department of Transportation, 

local governments, and many other partners.

H

“Byway projects are an opportunity 

to bring organizations and 

individuals together for a cause. 

Once people get involved they feel 

ownership for the byway and its 

assets.”

Dennis Parker, Technical Services 

Team Leader/Landscape Architect,

Chippewa National Forest

Site plan and architectural rendering of the 

new Wilderness Discovery Center
Forest Heritage 

Scenic Byway 

North Carolina

Pisgah National Forest

Byway Designations

 North Carolina State Scenic Byway, 1990

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1989

Byway Snapshot

Looping for 65 miles through the mountain scenery of North Carolina, the 

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway intersects the Blue Ridge Parkway twice and 

connects visitors with heritage sites marking the beginning of modern 

stewardship forestry in the United States. Most of the byway is located 

within the Pisgah National 

Forest. Attractions include 

the spectacular Looking Glass 

Falls, the Cradle of Forestry 

in America heritage site, the 

historic Allison-Deaver house, 

and a network of trails that 

provide access into Shining 

Rock and Middle Prong 

Wilderness Areas and many 

other parts of the forest.

Looking Glass Falls (© Karen Meadows-Rogers)

Cradle of Forestry in America
mproving Partnerships 

One of the most visited sites along the byway is the Cradle of Forestry in America, 

which was once part of the George W. Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate. Vanderbilt was 

the first private landowner in the United States to hire a forester. He selected Gifford 

Pinchot to restore and manage his vast forests, which became the proving ground for 

scientific forest management in America. The Biltmore Forest School, founded in 1898, 

trained many of the first leaders in the Forest Service. 

Today, the old school lives on as the Cradle of Forestry in America, continuing the 

early vision of scientific forest management. The facility attracts more than 40,000 

visitors annually. Educational programs reach nearly 10,000 visitors, including handson, curriculum-based instruction for school children; professional development for 

educators; and stewardship training for landowners. Pisgah National Forest works 

with the nonprofit Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association and other 

partners to manage and maintain the visitor center, historic structures, 

and educational programs. 

HTFB funding of $30,000 provided seed money for the forest to expand its partnership 

with the interpretive association. The result will be an expanded Forest Heritage Scenic 

Byway interpretive plan, interpretive signage, ecotourism brochures, and educational 

programs and materials at the Cradle of Forestry. Perhaps most important, the funding 

will leverage other grants for continued success and sustainability of the byway and 

the Cradle of Forestry. Ultimately, this project will help the Cradle of Forestry draw on 

its roots to play a national role in forest conservation and education. 

lanning Funds Spin Off Other Benefits

Planning activities made possible with the seed grant 

drew the Pisgah National Forest and the North Carolina 

Department of Transportation into further collaboration. 

Together, they are looking to the future of byway 

planning. The State plans to use the Forest Heritage 

Scenic Byway plan as a prototype to improve State 

byway scenic guidelines.

I

P

“Every byway includes a wish-list of 

projects—both major and minor. A 

good byway plan helps define the 

priorities.”

Steve Hendricks, Landscape Architect,

Pisgah National Forest

“Look what we found!” 

(Steve Kozlowski)

Pink lady slipper 

(Deborah Veen)
Kancamagus 

Scenic Byway 

New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest

Byway Designations

 National Scenic Byway, 1996

 New Hampshire State Scenic Byway, 1991 

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1989

Byway Snapshot

The Kancamagus Scenic Byway follows a beautiful and breathtaking 34-mile 

drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Visitors know it as one 

of the world’s most spectacular fall-foliage trips, but year-round natural 

beauty attracts 6 to 7 million visitors annually—more than Yellowstone 

and Yosemite National Parks combined. The road passes vast forests, river 

gorges, the Forest Discovery Trail, 

and numerous historic sites, such as a 

quaint New England covered bridge 

and the Russell Colbath Homestead. 

Hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and 

other recreational opportunities 

encourage travelers to park their cars 

and experience this northeastern 

forest ecosystem firsthand.

Cathedral Ledge looks over the 

White Mountain National Forest

Leaf-peepers snake along the Kancamagus Highway (Dennis Adams)
ostering Interagency Partnerships 

The entire route of the Kancamagus Scenic Byway runs through the White Mountain 

National Forest. The North Country Council, one of the key byway organizations, 

includes members such as community leaders, the Appalachian Mountain Club, White 

Mountain Attractions (hospitality and tourism), White Mountain National Forest, and 

many others. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is a major byway 

partner, providing highway maintenance and working closely with the forest and 

byway organizations in an ongoing effort to improve roadway safety and alternative 

transportation opportunities, while reducing environmental impacts. 

An example of this partnership is the recent redesign and renovation of the Rocky 

Gorge Recreation and Scenic Area. The renovation started in 2004 with the assistance 

of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. The White Mountain National 

Forest contributed funding and the services of its landscape architect for project 

design and visualization. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation provided 

construction documents, contractors, and contract administration. The resulting 

successful project moved the roadway and parking away from the fragile riverbank, 

provided safer entrance and egress from the site, improved stormwater treatment, and 

visually separated vehicle areas from the outstanding views of the gorge. 

Based on the success of this and other projects, the national forest 

and New Hampshire Department of Transportation have built a 

cooperative working relationship that encourages 

creativity and flexibility. Following realignment of 

the roadbed at Rocky Gorge, the national forest 

lacked funds to revegetate the side slopes and 

abandoned road prism from redesign of the new 

road. Knowing that the funds would be used 

appropriately, New Hampshire Department of 

Transportation was able to combine National 

Scenic Byways Program grant funds with another 

approved Forest Service project so that the forest 

could accomplish the revegetation project, as 

well as erect fencing along the river to reduce 

trampling and sedimentation. This work is to 

be completed during the 2008 construction and 

planting season. 

F

“When each partner brings their 

expertise to the table, it enhances the 

work of other partners and they get 

to shine in the public eye.”

Ken Allen, Landscape Architect

White Mountain National Forest

Rocky Gorge Recreation and Scenic Area 

Renovation (Ken Allen)

Black bear 

(Anan 

Interpretive 

Staff)
Logan Canyon 

Scenic Byway 

Utah

Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Byway Designations

 National Scenic Byway, 2002

 Utah State Scenic Byway, 1990

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1989

Byway Snapshot

Located north of Salt Lake City, the Logan Canyon 

Scenic Byway follows the Logan River along State 

Highway 89 for 41 miles. The byway offers access 

to four-season outdoor recreation and numerous 

natural and cultural heritage sites. Most of the 

byway is located within the Wasatch-Cache 

National Forest. The byway brings locals and 

visitors to the shores of Bear Lake at the tiny town 

of Garden City—where the population swells 

to 750,000 during summer months as visitors 

gravitate to one of Utah’s major recreational 

lakes. This canyon roadway also serves as a 

popular route to Yellowstone National Park.

Fall colors embellish Logan Canyon

Visitors receive a beautiful welcome to the Scenic 

Byway (Cache Valley Tourist Council)
rant-Funded Projects Guide Visitor Experiences

HTFB planning funds and National Scenic Byways Program grants help byway partners 

accomplish projects to manage the influx of visitors and guide them to worthwhile 

experiences. An example is the kiosk development project, made possible with a 

National Scenic Byways Program grant through a cooperative agreement between the 

Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Cache and Rich counties, and the Utah Department 

of Transportation.

Informational kiosks have been designed for placement at key locations along the 

byway during the summer of 2008. The kiosks will be available 24 

hours a day, 7 days a week, and will reach byway travelers even during 

off-hours when visitor centers in the gateway communities are closed. 

Interactive touch screens will offer directions, natural and cultural 

history interpretation, and information about services. The kiosks will 

also designate appropriate backroad motor vehicle routes that avoid 

sensitive areas and guide visitors toward local attractions important to 

local economies. 

mplementing Plans Leads to Other Successes

Implementing the byway plan is the current focus of Logan Canyon 

Scenic Byway partners. The byway committee includes representatives 

from the gateway communities, Cache and Rich 

counties, Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah 

Department of Transportation, State Institutional Trust 

Lands, and private groups and individuals. 

In the process of implementing the byway vision, 

partners bring their individual needs, issues, and 

recommendations to the table. This collaboration 

often results in creative solutions to difficult situations 

that can carry on to other projects. For example, 

the Utah Department of Transportation, through 

its participation with byway interests, has gained 

a heightened awareness of the value of designing 

highway projects that are “soft on the landscape.” 

G “If a byway is not a grassroots 

organization, it doesn’t work.”

Lisa Perez, Conservation 

Education Coordinator,

Wasatch-Cache National Forest

I Kiosks at overlooks provide 

after-hours information for 

gateway communities

An angler tests the 

waters at the 3rd dam
McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass 

Scenic Byway 

Oregon

Willamette National Forest, Deschutes National Forest

Byway Designations

 National Scenic Byway, 1998

 Oregon State Scenic Byway, 1997

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1989

Byway Snapshot

 The 82-mile McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is a journey through 

a land of contrasts. Visitors pass the highest concentration of snowcapped 

volcanoes and associated glaciers in the lower 48 States. Ancient lava fields 

provide a reminder of the violent 

volcanic activity that built the 

Cascade Range. From these higher 

elevations, the byway descends 

to forested areas, dominated by 

ponderosa pine east of the Cascade 

summit and Douglas fir to the west. 

The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass 

Scenic Byway is entirely contained 

within the Willamette and 

Deschutes National Forests. 

An interpretive mural fills an exhibit 

along the Scenic Byway

Obsidian slopes of the North Sister glow in the sun
Indian paintbrush 

(Teresa Prendusi)

Proving Ground for Planning Funds

The McKenzie-Santiam was one of the first byways to benefit from HTFB funds. The 

resulting comprehensive byway plan paved the way for creating a destination byway, 

linked numerous existing natural and cultural resources, and detailed a rough-hewn, 

Cascadian design style that drew on native materials. 

More recently, restoration of the popular Dee Wright Observatory 

was made possible with HTFB planning and enhancement funds. This 

“peak-finder” observation building was constructed of lava rock by the 

Civilian Conservation Corps. The Forest Service created a plan to stabilize 

the site and develop universally accessible features, while retaining 

the structure’s original historic character. The Oregon Department of 

Transportation was an important partner in improving the parking area 

and highway interface. 

HTFB funds were also instrumental as seed money for including a scenic 

byway orientation portal in the upgrade and renovation of the McKenzie 

River Ranger Station. National Scenic Byways Program grants and partner 

contributions provided funding for implementation. The National 

Association for Interpretation, Eugene Water and Electric Board, Civilian 

Conservation Corps Alumni Association, and other partners contributed 

to development of interpretive exhibits. Working with local school 

districts, the McKenzie Arts Forum designed and built an educational 

water feature. 

HTFB planning funds also helped develop an interpretive gateway facility to enhance 

and manage public access to the Fish Lake Remount Depot, a historic guard station 

where riders changed horses. Volunteers donated many hours of labor in return for 

learning historic maintenance and restoration skills.

atalyzing Creative Solutions

Projects funded through the National Scenic Byways Program grants 

and transportation planning funds have been the catalyst for continued 

successful collaborations with the Oregon Department of Transportation. The 

department has been flexible and creative in retaining the historic winding 

road corridor of Oregon State Highway 242 during highway reconstruction 

and maintenance projects.

C

A

“Forest Service Scenic Byway 

Transportation Planning funds 

allowed us to develop a longlived byway development plan 

that doesn’t sit on a shelf. All 

of our successes are closely 

tied to that effort. The byway 

plan allows us to reach out and 

touch both existing and future 

partners, linking volunteers 

and partners to the bricks and 

mortar projects that they are 

eager to accomplish.”

Stacey Smith, Scenic Byway 

Coordinator, Willamette 

National Forest

The newly remodeled 

McKenzie Ranger Station 

welcomes byway travelers

The Dee Wright Observatory was recently restored 

with HTFB funds (Dennis Stilwell)
North Shore 

Scenic Drive 

Minnesota

Superior National Forest

Byway Designations

 All-American Road, 2002

 Minnesota State Scenic Byway, 1997/1999/2000

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1989

Byway Snapshot

The North Shore Scenic drive is a 154-mile 

journey along the majestic shoreline of Lake 

Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake. 

From its starting point in Duluth, Minnesota, 

the byway passes through tourism-dependent 

small towns, historic sites and resorts, as well 

as eight State parks and the Superior National 

Forest. Within the national forest, the byway 

offers access to more than 2,000 lakes and 

rivers and opportunities to canoe, boat, fish, 

and camp. Hiking, biking, and skiing trails are 

abundant. Camping, picnicking, and riding 

snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are 

popular recreational activities. 

White water cascades over 

Gooseberry Falls (Chuck Kochmann)

Split Rock Lighthouse is a highlight along the North Shore Scenic Drive (Chuck Kochmann)
unding Opens Doors to Collaboration

The North Shore Scenic Drive Council (Council) is comprised of citizens and government agency 

representatives working together to advance the economic benefits of byway travel and improve the 

quality of the route, while preserving its cultural, social, and natural integrity. 

A major project of the council in 2006 was to revise and update the North Shore Scenic Drive 

brochure. Byway visitors were requesting more detailed information. In addition, an existing out-ofdate brochure did not mention the Superior National Forest and the 3 million acres of year-round 

recreation opportunities located on National Forest System lands. 

The Forest Service, through FHWA, provided $9,000 of HTFB funds for the project. A participating 

agreement between the Forest Service and the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission 

(ARDC) was signed in June 2006. ARDC is a regional development commission that supports the 

mission of the council.

This collaborative partnership to develop and print the North Shore Scenic Drive brochure included the 

following government agencies and organizations:

•	 Explore Minnesota Tourism—Noncash contribution of high-quality photos along the North Shore 

Scenic Drive.

•	 Iron Range Resources Board—Noncash contributions, including layout and design of the brochure.

•	 Arrowhead Regional Development Commission—Contribution of $28,000 for printing.

•	 Superior National Forest—Contribution of $10,500 for layout and design of the brochure.

•	 North Shore Scenic Drive Council—Provided overall logistical and technical support.

The resulting full-color brochure gives detailed information on the Superior National Forest, eight State 

parks, one national monument, visitor centers, historic sites, points of interest, 

and private resorts, ski areas, lodges, and other accommodations. The brochure 

meets the needs of byway travelers, promotes economic development for the 

many rural communities that depend on tourism along the north shore of Lake 

Superior, and connects citizens to the national forest and other public lands. 

asting Benefits

The brochure project proved to be a catalyst for the North Shore Scenic Drive 

Council to show that it could get something done in a short period of time. 

Now that the group has strengthened its partnership, it will be able to keep the 

brochure up to date and incorporate new ideas and information in future editions.

L

F “National Forest Scenic Byway 

Transportation Planning 

Funds helped the Superior 

National Forest participate in a 

meaningful financial way with 

byway partners to develop this 

much-needed visitor guide.”

Dennis Lula, 

Superior National Forest

Period-dressed servants welcome visitors to Glensheen, a turn-of-thecentury mansion located on Lake Superior (© Duluth Convention and 

Visitors Bureau and Seaquest Photography) 
Peter Norbeck

Scenic Byway 

South Dakota

Black Hills National Forest

Byway Designations

 National Scenic Byway, 1996

 South Dakota State Scenic Byway, 1991

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1991

Byway Snapshot

The roads of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway 

spiral through the rocky crags of the Black Hills 

National Forest, Custer State Park, and Mount 

Rushmore National Memorial, providing access 

to some of the most beautiful landscapes in 

South Dakota. The byway is a fitting tribute to its 

namesake, Peter Norbeck, who had the vision to 

build the roads needed to bring people close to 

these natural wonders. One of America’s premiere 

conservationists, Norbeck played key roles in 

protecting areas within the Black Hills of South 

Dakota and establishing Badlands National Park and 

Grand Teton National Park. 

Climbing is one of the most popular 

activities along the byway (Ron Olson)

Cyclists ride through the gray peaks and dark 

ponderosa pine of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway
anaging Recreation 

With 66 miles of road winding through cliffs and spires, it’s no wonder that the byway is 

known as the gateway to rock climbing in the Black Hills. However, rock climbers share the 

landscape with sensitive plants and animals, and climbing access routes traverse easily 

eroded soils. 

In 2006, $10,000 in HTFB funds provided the seed money for public agencies and local 

climbing groups to develop a rock-climbing project area management plan. Building on that 

success, partners developed a brochure that profiles climbing areas and history and educates 

visitors about regulations intended to protect the landscape. Custer State Park hired the 

graphic artist, climbing groups and agencies provided text, and the Black Hills National 

Forest financed brochure printing through a separate National Scenic Byways Program grant.

The partnership continued with a successful 2007 National Scenic Byways Program grant 

proposal. The new project will expand an existing rock-climbing trailhead, improve userdefined trails, and—in cooperation with the South Dakota Department of Transportation—

remove a parking area hazard. A portion of the trail system will provide access for persons 

with disabilities to view rock climbers in action and access the rock-climbing routes. 

xpanding Accessibility

Improved accessibility in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the 

goal of a series of projects funded through the National Scenic Byways grant program. At 

the Horsethief Lake day-use area, these grants helped construct a boardwalk with fishing 

platform and a trail connecting the day-use area to the campground. The grants also 

provided funds needed to convert an old highway to a fully ADA accessible trail—one of 

the few in South Dakota’s Black Hills. Parking lot improvements will provide 10 accessible 

van parking spaces. Along the southern segment 

of the byway, grant funds helped convert the 

Bismarck Lake day-use area to a fully accessible 

facility, including picnic tables, restrooms, 

boardwalk, and fishing access.

For more information, visit the Peter Norbeck 

Scenic Byway Virtual Tour at: 

http://peternorbeck.americasbyways.net/

M “The availability of National Forest 

Scenic Byway Transportation 

Planning funds provided the 

catalyst for byway partners to work 

cooperatively toward resolving 

natural resource issues in this 

rock climbing area along the Peter 

Norbeck Byway.”

Stephen Keegan, Landscape Architect

Black Hills National Forest

E Partners produced a 

climbing brochure

An accessible fishing trail was 

constructed at Horsethief Lake 

(Stephen Keegan)

Bison crossing on the byway (© Neil Li, 2006)
San Juan Skyway

Colorado

San Juan and Uncompaghre National Forests

Byway Designations

 All American Road, 1996

 Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, 1989

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1988

Byway Snapshot

The 236-mile San Juan Skyway in 

southwest Colorado spans elevations from 

6,200 feet to over 11,000 feet. It passes 

through five distinct life zones equivalent 

to ecosystems found from Alaska to 

Mexico. The landscape encompasses high 

ranching country, broad river valleys, miles 

of aspen-covered slopes, and high peaks. 

The skyway passes the entrance to Mesa 

Verde National Park, site of world-famous 

ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings, and brings 

visitors to the doors of historic mining 

towns and tourist destinations.

Autumn coats the shoulders of the

San Juan Mountains (© Robert Reinhard)
rants Leverage Millions

In the face of increasing growth pressures, San Juan Skyway stakeholders 

developed a vision to preserve and enhance the scenic, natural, historic, 

and agricultural heritage resource qualities that led to this byway’s national 

recognition. Over the last several years, these stakeholders have raised 

in excess of $30 million for a variety of successful land conservation and 

historic preservation initiatives and byway improvements. National Scenic 

Byways Program grants have been used as important matching dollars for 

this fundraising effort. 

Funds have been used to permanently protect over 10,000 acres through 

fee simple acquisition and conservation easements, develop positive 

working relationships with a variety of property owners throughout the 

corridor, and develop and upgrade campground facilities and winter and 

summer recreational trails and trailheads. 

The San Juan Skyway Initiative provides substantial and significant 

conservation of open space by protecting working ranches, important 

wildlife habitat, unique Colorado landscapes, and regional historic and 

tourism assets. Phase I of the Skyway initiative started in 1998 with the 

formation of the Red Mountain Task Force. Two national forests, as well as 

counties, historical societies, the Trust for Public Land, Fort Lewis College, 

and other partners, gathered to focus on land conservation on Red 

Mountain. One success led 

to another, and, in 2003, the 

Skyway coalition initiated 

extensive spatial analysis 

and mapping in order to 

further refine high-value 

resource lands in other 

Skyway landscape corridors. 

The analysis, mapping, 

and community priorities 

established the basis for 

other phases of the project, 

which still continue.

G “Byways are more than lines on 

a map. They can be a tool for 

community planning and a way for 

communities to accomplish things 

that need to be done. Financial 

support for byways ensures that 

the byways—and the benefits that 

accrue from them—don’t languish.”

Ken Francis, San Juan Skyway

Office of Community Services

Gold finch along the San Juan Skyway (Randy Roberts)

Hay bales lie scattered below the snow-tipped San Juan 

Mountains of the Dallas Divide (© Robert Reinhold)
Silver Thread 

Scenic Byway

Colorado

Grand Mesa, Uncompaghre, Gunnison, 

and Rio Grande National Forests

Byway Designations

 Colorado State Scenic Byway, 1990

 National Forest Scenic Byway, 1990

Byway Snapshot

The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a 75-mile drive 

between Lake City and South Fork, Colorado, and 

offers natural beauty amid a history forged at the 

height of the State’s mineral rush. This route was once 

a thoroughfare for prospectors and entrepreneurs, 

boasting towns of thousands of people and thriving 

businesses. Today, the highway still attracts visitors 

with alluring vistas, recreational opportunities, and 

abandoned mines and boomtowns. Five of Colorado’s 

“fourteeners”—mountains that reach above 14,000 

feet—mark the skyline. The town of Creede offers 

numerous attractions, including the historic mining 

district and the Creede Repertory Theater.

Clear Creek Falls thunder down a gorge (Sally Pearce)

Commodore Mine just outside the town 

of Creede (Sally Pearce)
oing the Extra Mile for Quality Design

North Clear Creek Falls is the most-photographed waterfall in Colorado and a major 

attraction along the Silver Thread Scenic Byway. However, the access trail, restrooms, 

and viewing area were outdated and in disrepair. Forest Service Capital Improvement 

Project Funds were available, but inadequate to meet both ADA standards and Built 

Environment Image Guide (BEIG) objectives for Forest Service facilities. The BEIG 

promotes sustainable designs built from locally harvested, renewable materials and 

stresses a rustic architectural style that reflects the natural and cultural landscape.

A series of National Scenic Byway Program grants—as 

well as the contributions of byway partners—provided 

the funding needed to go the extra mile for designing 

and building facilities that meet both ADA and BEIG 

guidelines at the North Clear Creek Falls viewing area. 

Local stonemasons and other crafters brought their 

expertise to the project. The result is a showcase area 

for the Silver Thread Scenic Byway.

In addition, $5,000 in HTFB funding has helped an 

effort to extend the byway in an area that crosses the 

Old Spanish Trail. The Forest Service used the funds to 

hire a graphic artist to develop a milepost brochure, 

which includes the new section of byway and 

interprets the historic trail.

unding for the Future

National Scenic Byways Program grants and 10 years of HTFB 

funds have helped byway partners interpret the most significant 

sites along the byway, develop a byway marketing plan, and 

forge lasting byway and community partnerships in this remote 

section of Colorado. These funds have put the rural byway on 

solid footing in terms of planning and implementation.

G “Silver Thread Scenic Byway 

partners have all the passion it takes 

to develop and maintain a byway. 

What we lacked was the funding. 

We wouldn’t have a byway without 

the National Scenic Byways grant 

program and the HTFB funds.” 

Kelly Ortiz, Landscape Architect, 

Rio Grande National Forest

Penstemon (Teresa Prendusi)

F Current conditions at the 

North Clear Creek Falls 

do not provide a quality 

visitor experience

Conceptual drawing of viewing area reconstruction
Crown of the Continent 

Geotourism Project

Regional Snapshot

More than 100 years ago, conservationist and author George Bird Grinnell 

coined the phrase “Crown of the Continent” to refer to the rugged peaks, 

plunging valleys, native prairie, and sparkling waters where the Rocky 

Mountain Range intersects the United States-Canadian border. The Crown 

of the Continent covers more than 10 million acres in northern Montana, 

southeastern British Columbia, and southwestern Alberta. This region is one of 

the most diverse and ecologically intact temperate ecosystems in the world.

Geotourism MapGuide Principles

•	 A “sense of place” creates a type of tourism that emphasizes the 

distinctiveness of its locale, benefiting both visitor and resident.

•	 Local businesses and civic groups work together to promote and 

provide an authentic visitor experience.

•	 Residents discover their own heritage and how things that are 

ordinary to them may be of interest to outsiders. 

•	 Travel businesses do their best to use the local workforce, services, 

and products and supplies. 

•	 Destination-savvy travelers seek out businesses that emphasize 

the character of the locale. Tourism revenues in turn raise local 

awareness of the value of local assets.

Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana 

(Margaret Gorski)
upporting a New Concept in Sustainable Tourism

The National Geographic Society Center for Sustainable Destinations Geotourism 

Initiative is a new approach to tourism that “sustains or enhances the geographical 

character of a place—its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the wellbeing of its residents.” The initiative supports businesses that provide products 

and experiences reflecting that unique character as a way of raising awareness and 

stimulating people to take action to preserve it. 

The center is working through the National Parks and Conservation Association to 

bring together six national forests, the National Park Service, tourism agencies, and 

other local agencies and partners to work on the Crown of the Continent Geotourism 

Project. Together, they are creating a Geotourism MapGuide for the Crown of the 

Continent region. Forest Service participation in this project was made possible, in 

part, with HTFB funds through the Montana Scenic Loop organization. 

Creating a Geotourism MapGuide is a continuing community-based process that 

invites dialogue among all stakeholders: community leaders, public land managers, 

food and hospitality sectors, native peoples, conservation and civic groups, historic 

preservation societies, artisans and artists, eco-tour operators, visitors and others. 

Through workshops and other methods, stakeholders nominate sites for the 

MapGuide, including wildlife and scenic viewing spots, recreational trails, local foods, 

historic districts, unique businesses and places to stay, and community festivals and 

traditions. In addition, the project highlights stewardship efforts that sustain and 

enhance the region’s character of place. 

asting Benefits

Access to HTFB funds is particularly important for byway and geotourism efforts in 

Montana because currently there is not an active State scenic byway program that 

can direct National Scenic Byways Program grant funds to local byway efforts. In the 

case of the Geotourism project, HTFB funds helped to open a community conversation 

about the value of scenic resources and public lands that would not have been 

possible otherwise.

More information 

•	 Crown of the Continent—http://www.crownofthecontinent.net

•	 National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations—

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/about_geotourism.html

•	 Montana Scenic Loop—http://www.montanascenicloop.com

S “Geotourism goes beyond making 

just a tourism map. The process 

brings together all the players who 

benefit from and manage tourism 

resources to raise awareness about 

the importance of protecting those 

resources that sustain us and make 

this area special and different from 

anywhere else in the world.” 

Margaret Gorski, 

Developed Recreation Program Leader, 

Forest Service Northern Region 

L
National Forest Scenic

Byways & Backcountry

Recreation Roads Project

Northern California and southern Oregon

Klamath, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta-Trinity, 

Six River and Winema National Forests

Byway Snapshot

Thousands of miles of paved and unpaved backcountry roads lace 

the landscape administered by the Forest Service. Built primarily for 

resource management and access to trailheads and other recreational 

areas, backcountry roads bring people closer to important—and often 

overlooked—natural and cultural heritage sites. 

Recognizing the untapped potential of these roads, the Forest Service 

teamed up with the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association to designate 

and promote 10 backcountry recreation routes 

in northern California and southern Oregon—a 

region known for vast open spaces, scenic beauty, 

and outdoor recreation opportunities. The routes 

are accessible by sport utility vehicles and offer the 

byway traveler opportunities for adventure-based 

recreation, such as hiking, mountain biking, fishing, 

camping, canoeing, and driving for pleasure within 

the backcountry of seven national forests.
ackcountry Routes: A New Twist on Scenic Byways 

The Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region worked with the Shasta Cascade 

Wonderland Association (SCWA)—1 of California’s 12 nonprofit Destination 

Marketing Organizations—to pilot the Backcountry Recreation Road Project. 

A cooperative agreement between the two organizations and $15,000 of HTFB 

funds awarded in 2006 allowed the planning to begin. 

Forest Service staff worked with seven national forests to nominate potential 

backcountry routes in the Shasta-Cascade region. SCWA provided in-kind 

contributions to survey each route and to map points of interest, natural 

and historic features, road conditions, and public safety issues. Based on this 

inventory, 10 routes were selected for the Backcountry Recreation Roads project. 

HTFB funds were also used to develop a full-color brochure with maps of each 

route. The association is developing a podcast for backcountry byway travelers. 

The routes will be marketed through the California Welcome Center located off 

Interstate 5 in Anderson, California. 

The Backcountry Recreation Roads project meets a number of important needs:

•	 Tourists with sport utility vehicles will have access to identified backcountry 

routes for safe, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

•	 Rural communities will benefit from sustainable tourism and promotion of their 

communities as “gateways” to national forests and other public lands. 

•	 By identifying roads that offer access to national forest lands in a socially and 

environmentally responsible manner, the Forest Service can highlight the 

need for funding to provide maintenance for public use.

rawing on Proven Partners

A small amount of National Forest Scenic Byway Transportation 

funds supported planning for this project. The Forest Service 

leveraged the value of these planning funds by partnering 

with the Shasta Cascade Wonderland Association to 

market and promote the backcountry routes.

B

“The success of this project is built 

on a couple of previous successes. 

First, the Eastern Sierra pioneered 

a similar project several years 

ago, and we built our project on 

their model. Second, the Forest 

Service and the Shasta-Cascade 

Wonderland Association have had 

an enduring relationship since 

the mid-1990s that allowed 

us to get a lot done with a 

small budget.” 

Trini Juarez, Forest Service 

Region 5 Landscape Architect 

and Recreation Planner

 Seasonal wildflowers decorate the byways and 

backcountry roads (Rose Lehman) 

D
National Scenic Byways Program Web Site

The National Scenic Byways Program 

Web site (http://www.byways.org) is 

the premier source of information about 

scenic byways in the United States. FHWA 

launched the Web site in 1996 as a way for 

the traveling public to plan their journeys 

on byways designated through the 

National Scenic Byways Program. 

One of the first tourism Web sites on the 

Internet, http://www.byways.org, has 

evolved from a simple online inventory to 

a cost-effective byway 

marketing tool that 

helps create a sense 

of identity for the 

America’s Byways® 

collection and each 

byway community.

A byway visitor 

experiences the open road 

through the heart of South 

Dakota (© South Dakota 

Department ofTourism/

Photography)

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge
Visit Byways on the Web

•	 For travelers and media: 

http://www.byways.org

•	 For grants, nominations, forums and 

national marketing: 

http://www.bywaysonline.org

•	 For education and resources: 

http://www.bywaysresourcecenter.org

Photos, maps, and information on visitor services are 

all available at http://www.byways.org

unds Pave the Way for Expansion 

HTFB funds were used in 2005 and 2006 for posting national forest scenic byways 

on the http://www.byways.org Web site. The Forest Service entered into a solesource contract with Utah State University in the amount of $60,000 over 2 years 

to perform Web site design, cartography, and other services necessary to post all 

137 national forest scenic byways on the Web site. The goal of the project was to 

provide a seamless, one-stop online resource for the byway traveler with maps and 

directions, visitor information, photographs, and other information about national 

forest scenic byways. 

The National Scenic Byways Online (NSBO) team researched and compiled 

information about all 137 national forest scenic byways and worked closely with 

Forest Service byway managers to ensure that the information posted on the 

national Web site was complete and accurate. The Forest Service now uses http://

byways.org exclusively as the official Government Web site for information about 

the National Forest Scenic Byways Program. 

The effort by the Forest Service led to the addition of the 54 national back 

country byways designated by the Bureau of Land Management. NSBO also 

is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to highlight the linkages 

between the America’s Byways® collection and national wildlife refuges. 

They have also posted State and locally designated byways on the Web site. 

NSBO maintains relationships with over 600 byway organizations from the 

full collection of byways in order to keep the information on http://www.

byways.org accurate and up to date. 

ong-Lasting Benefits

The work leveraged with the HTFB funds proved 

to be a critical turning point in making http://

www.byways.org the “one-stop shopping center” 

it has become today. In addition, http://www.

byways.org has helped position all scenic byways 

as important gateways to national forests and 

other public lands.

F “The success of this Web site is 

due to FHWA’s leadership and 

funding, which has enabled us 

to work closely with local byway 

programs, ensure accuracy of the 

Web site’s content, and help the 

byway communities feel like this 

is their Web site.”

Stephen Clyde, 

Project Manager 

Utah State University, NSBO

L
ational forest scenic byway projects range in scope 

from corridor management planning to renovation of 

historic sites, new visitor facilities, interpretive waysides, scenic 

overlooks, site identification signs, marketing plans, and other 

projects. Federal Lands Highways Transportation Planning 

Assistance funds have made an invaluable contribution to 

these projects and have also leveraged grant opportunities 

available through the FHWA National Scenic Byways Program 

competitive grants. These two funding sources have been the 

catalyst for the many outstanding community-based tourism 

development efforts highlighted throughout this report.

N

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and 

activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, 

marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, 

political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any 

public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with 

disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, 

large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice 

and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 

1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 

(voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

“I consider the evening twilight on 

Mount Shasta one of the grandest 

sights I have ever witnessed.” 

Theodore Roosevelt, 1908