East Tenn. Crossing included in National Scenic Byways

East Tenn. Crossing included in National Scenic Byways

NASHVILLE (WATE/AP) -- Roads in East and West Tennessee have been designated National Scenic Byways.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation said Monday the East Tennessee Crossing and the Great River Road have received the designation from the Federal Highway Administration.

The crossing follows the original path of the Cherokee Warriors Path, the Wilderness Road across the Clinch Mountain and the Cumberland Gap, the Dixie Highway of the Civil War period and Thunder Road of moonshining lore.

The crossing begins with the nationally significant Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and links to the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Museum, with one of the most extensive Lincoln collections in the nation.

The crossing climbs to Clinch Mountain where it looks down across the Great Valley of Tennessee.

The crossing passes through Bean Station, perhaps the most well-traveled and visited trading post along the Wilderness Road during its heyday that became a posh hot springs resort in the 19th century.

The crossing continues through Newport, a historic railroad town of the early 20th century and home to some of the finest whitewater rafting in the East.

The Great River Road traces the Mississippi River through West Tennessee's charming river towns, metropolitan cities, historic sites and cultural artifacts.

To be included, roads must have values that are archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic that contribute to a visitor's unique traveling experience.

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