Jacinto Reyes

Posted on August 19, 2015 by siteadmin

Jacinto Reyes is in southwest California, approximately 15 miles north of Ventura. The byway’s southern terminus is just west of Ojai on CA 150. The northern end of the byway is east of Cuyama on CA 166. Jacinto Reyes follows CA 33, a two-lane pave road suitable for all vehicles, for 56 miles. Thirty-seven miles are officially designated a National Forest Scenic Byway. The byway is usually open all year.

Traveling across Los Padres National Forest, the byway begins nearly at sea level, winds through the coastal mountains to an elevation of 5,020 feet, and makes a dramatic descent into Cuyama Valley. Views of the Pacific Ocean and distant Channel Islands are possible at times.

A portion of the byway is accompanied by Sespe Creek, of which 32 miles are preserved as a Wild and Scenic River. The creek runs through beautiful Sespe Gorge, a popular spot with rock climbers. Four wilderness areas surround the scenic byway: Sespe, Dick Smith, Matilija, and Chumash. A preserved wilderness setting where no motor vehicles are permitted, the areas attract hikers, back packers, and equestrians. An interesting spot worth visiting is Bellyache Springs. Contrary to its name, the spring produces water of exceptional quality. Visitors are also treated to a cascading waterfall.

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Forest Heritage

Posted on August 17, 2015 by siteadmin

Forest Heritage is in western North Carolina about 30 miles southwest of Asheville. The byway forms a loop drive through Pisgah National Forest. Byway travelers can begin at the forest visitor center located near the junction of US 64 and NC 280. Forest Heritage is 79 miles long and follows NC 215, US 276, and US 64. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. The byway is usually open year-round.

Forest Heritage scenic byway crosses the spruce and fir-covered mountains of the Pisgah National Forest. Many beautiful rivers and streams flow alongside the byway. Scenic waterfalls are seen such as Looking Glass Falls, which tumbles 60 feet to the creek below.

Adjacent to Pink Beds Picnic Area is the Cradle of Forestry in America, a National Historic Site commemorating the birthplace of scientific forestry and forestry education in America. The area offers a visitor center with exhibits and historical film, gift shop, snack bar, and two interpretive trails. The one-mile paved Biltmore Forest School Campus Trail leads visitors to reconstructed and restored buildings used by forestry students at the turn of the century. The other trail, Forest Festival Trail, features early 1900s exhibits including a 1915 Climax logging locomotive and a steam-powered sawmill. The historical site is open May through October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Campgrounds along the byway provide the perfect spot for staying overnight or longer. Davidson River Campground has 161 sites for tents and RVs. It is recommended that reservations for a campsite be made at least two weeks in advance. Sunburst is a smaller camp-ground situated on the banks of the West Fork of the Pigeon River; there are ten sites available. The White Pine camping area is a group campground that can accommodate groups of 25 or less.

Be sure to stop by Sliding Rock, a natural 60-foot smooth rock waterslide. You can watch others slide into the pool of cold water or take part in the activity.

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City of Rocks

Posted on August 17, 2015 by siteadmin

City of Rocks Back Country Byway is in south-central Idaho approximately 75 miles southwest of Pocatello. Travelers can begin in either Burley or Declo; both are just south of I-84. The byway follows portions of ID 27 and ID 77, which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. From Oakley to Almo, the byway follows a graded dirt road and is subject to closure in winter. From Almo to ID 77, the byway follows a two-lane paved road.

City of Rocks is a scenic journey around the Albion Mountains, through the granite spires and sculptured rock formations of the City of Rocks National Reserve. The byway also travels across southern Idaho’s sage-covered valleys and wide open spaces. You’ll also pass through patches of Lombardy poplars, first brought to this region by the pioneers. The trees almost seem out of place for this part of Idaho.

City of Rocks National Reserve is administered cooperatively by the National Park Service and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. This area is rich in history. Shoshone and Bannock Indians once traveled, hunted, and gathered pinyon nuts here. Emigrants following the California Trail or Salt Lake Alternate Trail passed through this area, often signing their names on the rocks with axle grease. Recreational opportunities for camping and rock climbing are among the attractions available.

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Longhouse

Posted on August 15, 2015 by siteadmin

Longhouse scenic drive is in northwest Pennsylvania 15 miles east of Warren. It is 29 miles long and follows PA 59, PA 321, and FSR 262. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Forest Service Road 262 is closed by snow from mid-December through March. The rest of the byway usually remains open year-round.

Longhouse scenic byway travels through the hardwood forests of Allegheny National Forest as it makes its way around the Kinzua Arm of Allegheny Reservoir. Scenic turnouts along the route provide beautiful vistas of the forest’s valleys, rugged rock outcrops, and the lake’s blue waters. Fall paints the byway in brilliant colors of red, orange, and gold.

Allegheny Reservoir is a 12,080-acre lake formed by the construction of a dam on Allegheny River. The dam was constructed by the Corps of Engineers. The lake provides excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, and waterskiing.

Wildlife observers will delight in the many species inhabiting the area. The best time for viewing white-tailed deer is early in the morning or evening. If you look above, you’re likely to spot an eagle, osprey, or hawk riding on the wind currents. There’s other forms of wildlife here including black bears, turkeys, an abundance of rabbits, and the great blue heron, usually seen fishing along the banks and streams of the reservoir.

Those interested in camping will find three developed national forest campgrounds. Red Bridge Campground offers 55 campsites with picnic tables and grills. Drinking water, restrooms, a dump station, shower facilities, and a playground are also provided. Kiasutha Campground is a little larger and has 90 sites for tents and RVs, drinking water, restrooms, a boat ramp, showers, trailer dump station, and playground equipment. The third camping area is the Dewdrop Campground with 74 sites, drinking water, restrooms, dump station, playground, and boat access to the lake. None of the campgrounds have hookups.

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Lake Valley

Posted on August 14, 2015 by siteadmin

The Lake Valley scenic byway is located in southwestern New Mexico, 50 miles northwest of Las Cruces. It begins south of Caballo at Exit #63 on I-25. It travels west to Hillsboro and then south to Nutt. Lake Valley is 44 miles long and follows NM 27 and NM 152, which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Both state highways usually remain open all year. Several low-water crossings are encountered; it is best to not attempt crossing when water is present.

Travelers may begin their journey on the Lake Valley Back Country Byway by taking the Hillsboro exit from I-25. From here the byway heads west across the desert landscape with views of distant Animas Peak and Black Peak to the north. Before reaching Hillsboro, you’ll see the remains of an open copper mine. You may want to spend some time in Hillsboro exploring the historic buildings.

From Hillsboro the byway turns south and heads toward the nearly deserted town of Lake Valley. The byway passes through mountain scrubland with stands of juniper and pinyon trees. This is an excellent area for spotting mule deer. Between Hillsboro and Lake Valley, you’ll be following the route of the Kingston-Lake Valley Stage Line, which ran through here during the 1880s. Soldiers were stationed in Hillsboro and Lake Valley to protect settlers from Apache attacks. Lake Valley was once a thriving mining town of over 4,000 inhabitants. The devaluation of silver in 1893 led to its eventual decline. A few historic structures remain, among them is the schoolhouse that is still used by locals for weddings and dances.

Once through Lake Valley the byway continues south with views of Monument Peak and Nutt Mountain. Among the wildlife in this area are antelope, deer, roadrunners, red-tailed hawks, and coyotes. The byway ends in Nutt, originally a stop on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway.

There are no public campgrounds along the byway, however, two state parks are near the byway’s northern terminus. Caballo Lake State Park has 130 sites for tents and recreational vehicles, many with electrical hookups. The Percha Dam State Park has 60 sites, some also with hookups.

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