The “National Scenic Byway” program in the US is designed to highlight the nation’s roads which have special significance for historical and/or aesthetic reasons. At this time there are 150 roads in 46 of the 50 states which have earned this designation. Take a tour with me of some of America’s Scenic Byways and see what they have to offer.
This group of America’s Scenic Byways includes stops in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia.
New York — Great Lakes Seaway Trail — This road parallels the St Lawrence Seaway in New York’s distant northwest. Included on the route is Niagara Falls whose river connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario.
Niagara Falls
Delaware/Pennsylvania — Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway — Beginning in Wilmington this route allows an exploration of wonderful museums and palatial houses, ending over the Delaware line into Pennsylvania at one of the world’s greatest gardens, Longwood Gardens.
Longwood Gardens
Virginia — Colonial Parkway — Take a leisurely ride on this road and visit some of America’s most historical locations. The road connects Yorktown, scene of the surrender of the British at the end of the Revolutionary War,
Yorktown Victory Column
with Jamestown, the first permanent European settlement in the New World. Along the way the road passes through Williamsburg where one of the first and best open-air museums greets visitors.
Governor’s Palace, Williamsburg
Virginia — George Washington Memorial Parkway— Paralleling the Potomac River, this significant byway begins at Mount Vernon, Washington’s fabulous estate.
Mount Vernon
The road then passes through Old Town Alexandria with its quaint charm and interesting history.
Alexandria Church of Christ
Arlington National Cemetery is another stop along this route.
Arlington National Cemetery
The Parkway ends at the Marine Corps Memorial, otherwise known as the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Iwo Jima Memorial
Virginia — Skyline Drive — This incredibly scenic drive winds through Shenandoah National Park and is a continuation of the Blue Ridge Parkway (see North Carolina below).
View from Skyline Drive
