Accessing the national parks, whether by train, bus, auto, horse carriage, bicycle, walking, boat, or any other means of conveyance, has defined the national park experience for generations of visitors. America's national park roads and parkways are outstanding design achievements that exemplify the harmonious integration of highway engineering and landscape architecture. The challenge of building roadways through remote and rugged terrain inspired some of the most spectacular feats in the history of American engineering, yet even in the most demanding locations, designers went to great lengths to make sure that park roads would "lie lightly on the land," encroaching as little as possible on their natural and cultural surroundings.

The national parks have witnessed growth in visitation rising from a few hundred thousand visits per year in the early 1900's to well in excess of 275 million visits per year today. Since most parks are accessed primarily by automobile, the increasing numbers of automobiles have stretched roadways and parking areas beyond their limits. The visitor growth curve has not leveled out and the National Park Service is faced with deteriorating and inadequate infrastructure, including its roads and transportation systems.

The Federal Lands Highway Program funds investments for transportation facilities and infrastructure that provide access to and within our nation's federal lands. The Park Roads and Parkways Program and the Alternative Transportation Program, both financed under the Federal Lands Highway Program, provide the support necessary to maintain our park road system and to explore alternative means of access that maintains a quality visitor experience and provides for protection of our natural and cultural resources.

Click the links below to find out more in-depth information regarding both the Park Roads and Parkways Program and the Alternative Transportation Program.