Attachment B: Detailed Listing of COREs
For each of the following COREs, a descriptive phrase is presented to capture the spirit of the CORE. This is followed by a specific CORE description and identification of potential CORE resources. Each CORE showcases six representative byways to suggest relevance to the system and the potential for byways to be associated with more than one CORE. This is not suggested as an all-inclusive listing, nor should it suggest representative byways are limited to the COREs identified here. While the representative byway COREs are self-evident, clarifying explanations have been provided
Scenic COREs
1. Monuments of the Landscape (Scenic)
Sandstone towers, broad rivers, deep canyons, fjords; snow-capped mountains, polychrome cliffs.
The Monuments of the Landscape CORE reflects sublime beauty and timeless presence of landscape features that stands out as focal points within the larger landscape.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- mountain ranges
- rock formations
- volcanoes
- islands
- unique land forms
- rivers
- lakes
- bays
Representative byways:
- Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway-SD
- Pacific Coast Scenic Byway-OR
- Historic Columbia River Highway-OR
- Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway-AZ
- Acadia Byway-ME
- Blue Ridge Parkway-NC, VA
2. Shaped by Nature (Scenic)
The relentless surf, violent eruptions, slow moving glaciers and boiling waters, angry skies and blowing winds.
The Shaped by Nature CORE showcases the dramatic phenomenon and quiet processes that have created the physical landscape.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- natural phenomena
- weathering
- volcanic activity
- natural disasters
- erosion
- glacial activity
- environmental rebirth
Representative byways:
- Death Valley Scenic Byway-CA
- Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway-NV
- Kaibab Plateau-North Rim Parkway-AZ
- Red Rock Scenic Byway-AZ
- Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway-CA
- Historic Columbia River Highway-WA
3. Challenge Yourself (Scenic)
Shooting whitewater rapids, racing toward the setting sun, climbing, hiking, biking, stamina, testing yourself against others or against the elements.
The Challenge Yourself CORE captures the exhilaration, excitement and adventure of physically engaging with the landscape
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- paths and trails
- wilderness areas
- camping areas
- cliffs
- skiing
- boating
- ballooning
- fishing
- hunting
- diving
- swimming
Representative byways:
- Historic Columbia River Highway-OR
- Logan Canyon Scenic Byway-UT
- Top of the Rockies-CO
- San Juan Skyway-CO
- Lake Tahoe-Eastshore Drive-NV
- Kancamagus Scenic Byway-NH
4. Excursions to the Edge (Scenic)
The frontier, distant horizons, isolation, remoteness.
The Excursions to the Edge CORE explores distant and remote landscapes.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- wilderness areas
- limited services
- extremes in weather
- distant population centers
Representative byways:
- Top of the Rockies-CO
- Glenn Highway-AK
- Edge of the Wilderness-MN
- Flint Hills-IA
- Death Valley Scenic Byway-CA
- Trail of the Ancients-CO
5. Woodland Refuges (Scenic)
Ancient trees, blazing fall foliage, whispering winds, and soft needles underfoot.
The Woodlands Refuges CORE showcases the beauty and majesty of our forests.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- national and State forest lands
- wilderness areas
- parks
- preserves and plantations
- forestry and forest ecology.
Representative byways:
- Edge of the Wilderness-MN
- Highland Scenic Highway-WV
- Seward Highway-AK
- Blue Ridge Parkway-NC, VA
- Ohio River Scenic Route-OH, IN, IL
6. Seeking Serenity (Scenic)
Escape, peace and tranquility; gentle breezes, contemplation, sanctuary, thought, hope and inspiration, timeless.
The Seeking Serenity CORE identifies places of quiet and retreat where the cares of the everyday are reconciled with the solitude of the landscape.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- views and vistas
- water
- quiet
- remoteness
- individual perspectives
- spirituality
- night skies
- seasons
- light
- weather.
Representative byways:
- Indian River Lagoon Scenic Highway-FL
- Loess Hills Scenic Byway-IA
- Crowley's Ridge Parkway-AR
- Flint Hills Scenic Byway-IA
- Scenic Byway 12-UT
- Glenn Highway-AK
7. Land and Sky (Scenic)
Broad vistas, the open range, waving grasses, serpentine coast lines, endless mountains and frozen tundra, infinity.
The Land and Sky CORE showcases the vastness of the American landscape.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- prairies
- mountain ranges
- coastlines
- views and vistas
- wildlife migrations
- cloud formations
- weather
- remoteness.
Representative byways:
- Flint Hills Scenic Byway-KS
- Seaway Trail-NY
- Blue Ridge Parkway-NC, VA
- Route 1-Big Sur Coast Highway-CA
8. Pristine Shores (Scenic)
Rippling waters, lapping waves, a silent canoe, rocky shores, sandy beaches, mossy banks, reflected sky.
The Pristine Shores CORE identifies places where the water meets the land
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- oceans
- lakes
- bays
- inlets
- swamps
- rivers
- creeks and deltas
- riverbanks
- beaches
- dunes
- falls and rapids
- Wild and Scenic Rivers
Representative byways:
- Route 1-Big Sur Coast Highway-CA
- Acadia Byway-ME
- Historic Columbia River Highway-OR
- Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway-NV
- Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway-WA
- Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway-KS
9. Wildlife Within Reach (Scenic)
Dust clouds from migrating herds, a tortoise sunning on a still pond, whales breaching, colorful feathers and amazing camouflage, dangerous creatures and friendly pests, chirps, squeaks and roars.
The Wildlife Within Reach CORE introduces the animal kingdom and its ecology in its natural habitat.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- Habitat
- wildlife refuges
- endangered species
- migration routes
- watchable wildlife.
Representative byways:
- Seward Highway-AK
- Alaska Marine Highway-AK
- Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway-CO
- Trail Ridge Road/Beaver Meadow Road-CO
- Creole Nature Trail-LA
Heritage COREs
10. First Nations (Heritage)
Rich traditions, a rhythm with the land, the legacy of ancient civilizations and the aspirations of a modern people.
The First Nations CORE showcases the lives and spirit of the first inhabitants of the present-day United States.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- American Indian
- Native Alaskan peoples
- Native Hawaiian peoples
- traditions
- transportation
- communities
- language
- sacred places.
Representative byways:
- Cherohala Skyway-TN
- Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway-NV
- Native American Scenic Byway-SD, ND
- Jemez Mountain Trail-NM
- Straits of San Juan de Fuca-WA
- Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway-SC
11. Conflicts and Struggles (Heritage)
Pain and sorrow, loss and destruction, strength, rebirth and a rededication to a better future.
The Conflicts and Struggles CORE introduces people in conflict with one another and with the forces of nature.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- wars
- conflicts
- occupation
- adversity
- hardship
- commitment
- dedication to principles
- struggles for justice and equality.
Representative byways:
- Seaway Trail (War 1812)-NY, PA
- Old Canada Road Scenic Byway (War 1812)-ME
- Lakes to Locks Passage (Revolutionary War)-NY
- Selma to Montgomery March Byway (Civil Rights)- AL
- Lower Mississippi Great River Road (Civil War)-MS
- El Camino Real ( Pueblo Uprisings)-NM
12. Creative Expressions (Heritage)
Color and detail, line, form, texture, taste and sound, the richness, harmony and beauty of life.
The Creative Expressions CORE captures the inspiration to strive for art and design by moving from the ordinary to the extraordinary through thought and action.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- arts and crafts
- fine arts
- folkways
- foodways and slow foods
- music
- architecture
- engineering
- performing arts
- traditional ceremonies
- pageants
- festivals
Representative byways:
- Country Music Highway (music)-KY
- Merritt Parkway (architecture/engineering)-CT
- Columbia River Highway (architecture/engineering)-OR
- Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway (art/landscape/architecture)-DE
- Grand Rounds Scenic Byway (landscape architecture)-MN
- Jemez Mountain Trail (art/pottery)-NM
13. American Experience (Heritage)
The Fourth of July, hopeful immigrants, small town main streets, industry, innovation, people, movements and organizations.
The American Experience CORE showcases the national movements and shared aspirations of our nation from the first inhabitants to the present day.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- race
- religion
- ethnicity
- technology
- industry
- science
- social action
- national events
- migration
- politics
- notable personalities, places and events.
Representative byways:
- Selma to Montgomery March Byway-AL
- Coal Heritage Trail-WV
- Santa Fe Trail-NM, CO
- Washington Heritage Trail-WV
- Historic National Road-MD, PA, WV, OH, IN, IL
- Las Vegas Strip-NV
14. The Working Landscape (Heritage)
People toiling, smokestacks reaching to the sky and mines reaching to the core, fishing villages, factories and farms.
The Working Landscape CORE explores our dependence on the landscape for sustenance and our exploitation of the landscape for wealth.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- industrial sites
- manufacturing facilities
- extractive industries
- ports and transportation hubs
- rivers
- canals
- forestlands
- farm and ranch lands.
Representative byways:
- Great River Road-AR, IA, IL, MN, MO, MS, WI
- Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway-CO
- Coal Heritage Trail-WV
- Connecticut River Byway-VT, NH
- The Energy Loop-UT
- Little Dixie Highway-MO
15. Urban Excitement (Heritage)
Glistening towers of steel, sweeping motorways, bustling crowds, color, light, speed and energy.
The Urban Excitement CORE showcases our larger cities and communities.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- America's cities
- people and settlement
- transportation and movement
- parks and public spaces
- architecture and monuments
- festivals
- the arts
- industry.
Representative byways:
- Merritt Parkway-CT
- Grand Rounds Scenic Byway-MN
- Arroyo Seco Parkway-CA
- Woodward Avenue-MI
- Las Vegas Strip-NV
- George Washington Memorial Parkway-VA
16. Nation Building (Heritage)
Territory and authority, expansion, planned cities and a national grid to organize settlement, westward wagons, people, treaties and possibilities.
The Nation Building CORE explores the people, politics and decisions that define what we today know as the United States of America.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- Indian confederations and nations
- exploration
- colonial powers
- westward migration
- Manifest Destiny
- expansionism
Representative byways:
- Colonial Parkway-VA
- Mohawk Trail Byway-NY
- El Camino Real-NM
- Ohio River Scenic Route-OH, IN, IL
- Historic National Road- MD, PA, WV, OH, IN, IL
- Natchez Trace-TN, AL, MS
17. The Agrarian Landscape (Heritage)
Rolling hills, lush pastures, endless fields, white-washed villages, tractors, silos, grain elevators, pineapples and peppers, cows, collectives and ranch hands.
The Agrarian Landscape CORE represents the productive countryside, livelihoods from farm, ranch, forest, river and sea.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- farms
- ranches
- orchards
- fishing
- forest products
- agricultural support services and facilities
- communities
- institutions
- growing
- curing
- processing
- shipping.
Representative byways:
- Connecticut State Route 169-CT
- Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway-MD
- Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway-CO
- Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway-MN
- Washington Heritage Trail-WV
- Connecticut River Valley-VT, NH
18. The Auto Age (Heritage)
Fast cars, bright neon, motor courts, super highways and peaceful parkways, traffic, freedom and the open road.
The Auto Age CORE captures the innovation, energy and spirit of the motoring public.
Visitor experience characteristics and features:
- roadside architecture and services
- highway construction and technology
- travel and migration
- tourism
- promotion
- land use
Representative byways:
- Lincoln Highway-IL
- Route 66-AZ, NM
- Merritt Parkway-CT
- Woodward Avenue-MI
- Blue Ridge Parkway-NC, VA
- Arroyo Seco Parkway-CA
