National Geographic Traveler magazine is teaming up with the Appalachian Regional Commission to promote driving tours in Appalachia.

A new driving-tour map developed by National Geographic and the commission features 28 suggested routes. All the routes reflect the diversity of the 13-state region from New York to Mississippi that includes southwest Virginia and West Virginia.

The routes include scenic staples like the Blue Ridge Parkway through North Carolina and Virginia, and lesser-known car trips such as the Crooked Road, Virginia's heritage music trail along the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coalfields region.

The new map will be distributed to 865,000 subscribers in the April issue of National Geographic Traveler. It also is available through the commission and state tourism offices.

Magazine editor Keith Bellows says rising gas prices won't stop people from traveling for pleasure. He says they will explore attractions closer to home.