Two new interpretive panels were unveiled Tuesday morning in Sequatchie County. Located at the SR-111 overlook near Dunlap and the US-127 overlook near Signal Mountain, these educational signs tell of the Sequatchie Valley's natural, geological, and cultural history. In addition, they highlight the Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway’s prestigious designation as a National Scenic Byway from the U.S. Department of Transportation in February of 2021, citing the route’s scenic intrinsic quality and regional significance.
The new Sequatchie Valley National Scenic Byway runs roughly 75 miles as SR-28 and US-127, from near Jasper to Crab Orchard.
Otherwise known as Tennessee’s Great Valley, the Byway features the communities of South Pittsburg, Jasper, Whitwell, Dunlap, Pikeville, and the Sequatchie River, framed on either side by the Cumberland Plateau and Walden’s Ridge.
“We look forward to sharing our natural resources, beautiful landscape, scenic byway, and friendly small towns with visitors,” said Sequatchie County Executive Keith Cartwright.
The Sequatchie Valley Scenic Byway was added to the collection of 144 American Byways that possess national or regional significance, as well as archeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational, and scenic intrinsic qualities. Communities in the Sequatchie Valley will now benefit from having greater access to upcoming federal grant funding through the National Scenic Byway Program and national marketing through America’s Byways program. In total, Tennessee has 10 nationally designated scenic byways, the fourth-most in the country.
The National Scenic Byways Program, established by Congress in 1991 and administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), was created to preserve and protect the nation's scenic byways while promoting tourism and economic development. More information about the National Scenic Byway Program can be found at https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation congratulates the Sequatchie Valley's local leaders and community members on this well-deserved honor.