A byway offers unique driving experiences:

• Encourages visitors to explore special features of an area
* Tells a story about America’s treasured places and people—its landscape, history and cultures
* Provides a gateway to memorable adventures

“Scenic Byway” Definition
“…A public road having special scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, and/or natural qualities that have been recognized as such through legislation or some other official declaration…”
– FHWA Interim Policy, May 18, 1995

The terms “road” and “highway” are synonymous, not functional classifications
The term “byway” refers to the road or highway and also to the corridor through which it passes

Do All Scenic Byways Need To Be Scenic?
• Most byways possess some scenic appeal, supporting the visitor’s visual experience
• All byways also possess archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, or recreational intrinsic qualities

What Are Intrinsic Qualities?
Intrinsic qualities are a byway’s particular combination of resources that define its character, interest and appeal
• Special views
• Special places
• Special buildings
• Special sites