A total of five scenic byways currently crisscross Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, passing waterfalls, lakes, forests and historic sites.

Waterfall Byway

• Route: U.S. 64 from Transylvania to Clay County

• Features: Two-hundred waterfalls surround this 98-mile route through five western counties. Passes Cashiers; Highlands; 310-foot Cullasaja Falls in Macon County; and Winding Stair Gap, one of the early western passages along the Appalachian Trail.

Nantahala Byway

• Route: U.S. 74 from Marble to Bryson City; U.S. 19 from Bryson City to Whittier

• Features: Takes travelers 43 miles through several unique mountain communities and past whitewater rafters in the Nantahala Gorge.

Indian Lakes Scenic Byway

• Route: N.C. 28 from Almond in Swain County to Fontana Dam; U.S. 129 to Robbinsville

• Features: This remote 60-mile stretch winds past Fontana and Cheoah Dams and whips visitors around the famously curvy Tail of the Dragon; also features views of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway

• Route: US 276 north from Brevard to Bethel; NC 215 south from Bethel to Brevard

• Features: Meanders a total of 65 miles past 85-foot Looking Glass Falls and the popular Sliding Rock swimming spot; numerous farms and streams near Bethel and Sunburst; and views of Cold Mountain.

Appalachian Medley

• Route: NC 209 from Waynesville to Hot Springs

• Features: The 45-mile route closely borders the Pisgah National Forest, taking visitors through the Haywood County communities of Crabtree and Fines Creek, before entering Madison County and crossing the Appalachian Trail into the famously rejuvenating Hot Springs.