Scenic Byways Showcase
the Beauty of Tennessee

What is a Scenic Byway?

A Scenic Byway is a road or route that has an authentic sense of place and intrinsic qualities and tells the story of Tennessee (and America!). Moreover, Scenic Byways have tremendous regional and national significance and are awarded a series of designations.

Designating Roadways in Tennessee

The State of Tennessee designates roadways as Scenic Highway and Tennessee Parkway. As a result, a state-level designated highway is eligible for federal designation and is included in the America’s Byways Program as a National Scenic Byway or All-American Road. The process by which a roadway receives a designation involves a lot of planning, preservation, and cooperation among stakeholders. Most important to these efforts is keeping the area beautiful.

Intrinsic Qualities of Tennessee’s Byways

Each Byway must have at least one of six federally defined intrinsic qualities. These designations are: historic, recreational, cultural, archeological, scenic or natural. Many of the Byways in Tennessee have more than one of these qualities, making them even more special to our state.

Thirteen Unique Journeys Across the Volunteer State

Thirteen routes make up the Tennessee collection of Scenic Byways, covering all regions of the state, and each Byway offers something different for the traveler who experiences it.

Great River Road

The Great River Road is winds through delta and the Chickasaw Bluffs, as part of a ten-state roadway network following the Mississippi River.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway follows a path taken by ancestors for hundreds of years. The route connects Middle Tennessee with the Mississippi River.

Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway literally reaches the sky, at elevations of nearly 5400 feet.

Cumberland National Scenic Byway

The Cumberland National Scenic Byway connects the Cumberland Gap to the Cumberland River and traverses through eight counties of Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region.

Walton Road

The Walton Road was an original wagon road over the Cumberland Plateau.

Norris Freeway

The Tennessee Valley Authority originally built the Norris Freeway to supply materials for its first hydroelectric dam project, the Norris Dam, in the 1930s.

Great Smoky Mountains Byway

The Great Smoky Mountains Byway is an extension of the scenery and dramatic views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Woodlands Trace

The Woodlands Trace cuts through the lush forests of Land Between the Lakes. The route offers a serene escape amid Tennessee’s natural beauty.

Sequatchie Valley Byway

The Sequatchie Valley Byway meanders through one of Tennessee’s longest valleys, framed by rolling mountains and pastoral landscapes.

East Tennessee Crossing

East Tennessee Crossing winds through historic towns and ancient trade routes. The road links the Appalachian Highlands with the Cumberland Plateau.

Newfound Gap Scenic Byway

Newfound Gap Scenic Byway climbs to scenic overlooks in the Great Smoky Mountains, reaching elevations that showcase breathtaking mountain vistas.

Ocoee River Byway

The Ocoee River Byway hugs the winding Ocoee River. It is famous for its thrilling rapids and the adventure of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events.

Tennessee River Trail

The Tennessee River Trail follows the curves of the majestic river through lush valleys and historic riverside towns, celebrating the region’s deep ties to the waterway.

The Best Time to Travel the Scenic Byways of Tennessee

Tennessee’s collection of Byways demonstrates a commitment to preserving the natural scenic beauty of the state. Each one is carefully managed, which includes keeping them litter-free!

Find Out More about the Scenic Byways of Tennessee

Ready to experience the Scenic Byways of Tennessee yourself? Download this beautiful booklet which includes maps, photos and more for each of the thirteen designated byways in our state.