Massachusetts
Massachusett's Scenic Byways
Massachusetts is home to 14 scenic byways, four of which are designated as national scenic byways. All of Massachusetts’ byways play an integral role in the economic development of many smaller communities in the state by funneling visitors to historic seaports and village centers with a wealth of culturally significant architectural and historical landmarks. Overall, the Bay State’s scenic byways offer visitors from around the country and the world a unique and exciting experience while simultaneously benefitting local economies.
Key Points
- Massachusetts is home to 14 scenic byways, including four national scenic byways and 10 state scenic byways.
- Visitors to Massachusetts directly spent on $24.9 billion in 2019, generating $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue.
- Massachusetts’ parks generated $1.3 billion in total economic output in gateway communities in 2019, supporting 11,000 jobs and $502 million in labor income.
- The tourism industry supports over 155,500 jobs.
- Each dollar spent by a visitor generates 4.1 cents in state tax receipts 2.5 cents in local taxes.
Massachusetts Byways
Map Key:
- All-American Roads
- National Scenic Byways
- State Scenic Byways
All-American Roads
National Scenic Byways
Byways Provide Access to Public Lands
Maryland byways provide access to the state’s most spectacular public lands, including seven state parks, seven state forests, three national wildlife refuges, the Cape Cod National Seashore, and the Minute Man National Historical Park.
About the National Scenic Byways Program
The National Scenic Byways Program, established by Congress in 1991, recognizes historic, scenic, and culturally important roads, all of which promote economic development and tourism in communities around the U.S. There are more than 1,200 byways in all 50 states.
All scenic byways exhibit one or more of six core intrinsic qualities — scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, archaeological, or natural. For a road to be named a national scenic byway, it must first be designated a state, tribal, or federal agency scenic byway. Once achieving that, a road may apply for national scenic byway designation, but its intrinsic quality must be of regional significance. All-American Roads are the very best of the national scenic byways, demonstrating at least two intrinsic qualities of national significance.