Scenic Byways Designation and Preservation

AAA travel publications such as TourBook® guides and maps include information on some 30,000 miles of scenic roads in the United States. In addition, AAA's North America Road Atlas contains information on the top 60 scenic drives in North America with inset maps of national parks.

AAA believes the reasonable needs of recreation and tourism on such roads, particularly access to and within national parks and forests, should be accommodated and promoted in a manner consistent with the need to protect the natural beauty of the land.

No Hidden Agenda

Why does AAA support the preservation of scenic byways? It's simple, really. Because our members and the public deserve a chance to see America at its finest: its beauty, its history, its culture.

When AAA was formed, there were 17 million horses and only 23,000 cars in the United States. Most people never traveled more than 20 miles away from home in their lifetime.

With the advent of the automobile, all that changed. While the need was then - and still is today - to improve safety on our roads, our humble beginnings also remind us of the need to protect the natural beauty of our great land, to give future generations the same opportunities we have had to enjoy our national scenic treasures.

After all, this land is OUR land.

As part of our advocacy efforts, AAA participates in a variety of efforts and organizations. We do not always agree with all participants on every issue. However, we do believe there is more to be gained from working cooperatively with groups with differing opinions than by fostering divisiveness.