Congratulations to our 2025
National Byway Award Winner
Communications Award – East Tennessee Crossing National Scenic Byway
Throughout 2024, the East Tennessee Crossing Byway team focused on improving how they reach and engage the public, starting with a major website upgrade in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Transportation’s “Market TN Byways” initiative. The new site replaced outdated content and broken links with fresh blogs, striking photography, and user-friendly navigation. The byway also launched active Instagram and Facebook accounts to showcase the route and share updates in real time
“This was about making the byway feel accessible and alive again,” said Julie Graham, who led the communications effort. “We wanted people to feel inspired to visit, and also to stay informed when travel plans needed to change.”
That mission was put to the test in fall 2024, when Hurricane Helene caused temporary closures along and near the route. Thanks to the upgraded website and social media channels, travelers received timely updates and safety information, helping to maintain a positive visitor experience even during unexpected disruptions.
https://nsbfoundation.com/nb/east-tennessee-crossing/
https://nsbfoundation.com/tennessee/
Case Studies Available (2020-2025)
The National Scenic Byway Association (NSBA) publishes case studies of its award winners to share best practices within the scenic byways community. These annual awards recognize excellence in categories such as byway enhancement, communications, interpretation, leveraging resources, and visitor experience. By providing detailed examples of successful projects, the association helps other byways nationwide to improve their programs.
https://nsbfoundation.com/byway-resource-library/case-studies-research/
2026 Awards
Next year, we encourage you to nominate a byway for one of our 8 National Awards for 2026. The application is typically due in February and the winners are announced in April. Applicants must be NSBA members.
https://nsbfoundation.com/nsbf-awards/
Thank you!
Thank you to the co-sponsors of our NSBA Byway Awards:
Boom or Bust National Scenic Byway – LA,
Cascade Loop National Scenic Byway – WA,
Colorado Scenic & Historic Byways,
Ohio Amish Country, and
American Road Magazine Subscription
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