The Alabama Scenic Byway Program is developed on the framework established by the National Scenic Byway Program and centers around six intrinsic resources: scenic, natural, historical, cultural, archaeological, and recreational. Identification, protection, preservation and enhancement of these resources form the requirements of the Scenic Byway Program.

Archaeological: Archaeological resources are visual evidence of the unique customs, traditions, folklores, or rituals of a no longer existing human group. Physical evidence of extinct plant and animal species is also included in this resource.

Recreational: Recreational resources can include the Scenic Byway itself if it is used for activities like biking, jogging, roadside picnics, or provides access to recreational sites like campgrounds, lakes, parks, recreational trails, etc.

Historic: Historic resources are landscapes, buildings, structures or other visual evidence of the past. It has to be something that can still be seen, not just the site of something that used to exist.

Cultural: Cultural resources are visual evidence of the unique customs, traditions, folklife, or rituals of a currently existing human group.

Natural: Natural resources represent opportunities to experience ecological features in the Byway region that are defined by minimal human disturbance.

Scenic: Scenic resources include both natural and man-made features that constitute the view from the road. Scenic resources include both the ordinary as well as the spectacular. The composition of the resources provides pleasure or inspires awe.

Benefits of a Byway Designation

A Scenic Byway designation at the state level provides official recognition that your community possesses outstanding Alabama resources worthy of protection and promotion for residents and visitors. In addition to this increased community pride and awareness, several other benefits may accrue to your community:

• Increased business, tax revenue, and jobs from tourist dollars;
• Development of a Community Vision to assist with protection of intrinsic resources along the Byway;
• Federal and state funding for developing a Corridor Management Plan to identify, protect, preserve and enhance the intrinsic resources along the Byway;
• Official protection for intrinsic resources potentially threatened along a Byway;
• Access to expert resources for managing and protecting intrinsic resources along your Byway;
• Identification on state, federal and auto-club highway maps leading to more tourism opportunities for your community;
• Money and other assistance from state and national offices of economic development and tourism. A National Scenic Byway designation can make your route eligible for federal Scenic Byway grants, technical assistance from the Federal Highway Administration and inclusion in national Scenic Byways promotion plans.

Applications: Eligibility (pdf file)     Applications: Designation (pdf file)

Alabama Scenic Byways | info@alabamabyways.org
c/o Alabama Association of Regional Councils
5900 Carmichael Road| Montgomery, AL 36117| 334.277.2221