North Carolina Scenic Byways
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NCDOT Scenic Byways Program
1557 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1577
Donations to the NCDOT Scenic Byways Program are appreciated.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has designated 54 scenic byways to give visitors and residents a chance to experience a bit of North Carolina history, geography and culture while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. The routes are carefully selected to embody the diverse beauty and culture of the Tar Heel State and provide travelers with a safe and interesting alternate route.
These byways are intended as an alternative to the faster-paced traffic and commercial areas found along our major highways and interstates. By following the byways, you will see some of the most breathtaking scenery from the Blue Ridge Mountains and the fertile plains to the crystal blue coastline.
NCDOT maintains a guidebook of the scenic byways:
NCDOT Scenic Byways Book (9mb)
Use your mouse to click and drag around the map. Use the zoom controls to see the byways in more detail.
Hold your mouse over each of the icons for more information.
Hands-on lesson plans and activities will help educators and students learn more about these byways while providing compelling information about their geographical, historical and cultural significance. The guide targets fourth grade teachers, because their curricula are compatible with the goals of the project. They can also effectively encourage children to be environmentally conscious.
This guide was written for teachers by teachers. The activities it offers may be copied and used by any teacher or group who wishes to learn more about the scenic byways of North Carolina.
Our scenic byways videos are available here as well as on our YouTube site.