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North Carolina is a state of dramatic contrasts. On the Western edge, you might be exploring mist-shrouded mountains, in its coronary heart, dense forests and plush farmlands unfold out, and within the East, the windswept barrier islands stretch towards the Atlantic.
It’s one of many USA’s most scenic states, and what higher method to be taught that than on a street journey? Since we moved to North Carolina over a decade in the past, we’ve explored a lot of the state by following its scenic roads.
Our favourite scenic drives in North Carolina are those that transcend the interstates and into the center of those landscapes — by winding forest roads that dazzle in Autumnal colours, meandering alongside river bends, and previous shoreline vistas.
Every route has proven us how numerous our home-state is. Behind these scenic drives is not only nature in full glory, but in addition historic cities, cute coastal cities stuffed with maritime tradition, and mountain cities the place the craft beer is pretty much as good because the climbing trails.
If you wish to discover North Carolina’s finest driving roads, listed here are those that invite you to decelerate, pull over, and actually see what makes this state outstanding.
Scenic Drives within the North Carolina Mountains
The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Size of street: 252 miles (the North Carolina portion solely; the complete parkway is 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina)
- Beneficial time to finish: 4 – 5 days
- Begin/Finish Level: Virginia–North Carolina state line close to Galax, VA | Cherokee, NC (on the entrance to Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park)
- Greatest season to drive: Fall (late September–October) for peak Fall foliage colours and clear mountain views; or spring (April–Might) for cool temperatures and wildflowers
The crown jewel of driving roads in North Carolina is undoubtedly the Blue Ridge Parkway. Operating 252 miles by the North Carolina Mountains, this legendary street delivers nonstop mountain vistas, entry to a few of the finest climbing trails within the state, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and interesting historic websites.
It’s considered one of our favourite roads for Fall foliage because it passes by each Shenandoah Nationwide Park in Virginia and the Nice Smoky Mountains in NC, each identified for his or her biodiversity and number of tree life.
We’ve pushed the Blue Ridge Parkway in phases, utilizing Asheville as our gateway. A few of our favourite stops alongside the route are Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls, and Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell State Park, Blowing Rock, Craggy Gardens (for rhododendron-filled views), Mount Pisgah, and the Smokies, after all.
The Tail of the Dragon (US 129)
- Size of street: 11 miles (the well-known stretch options 318 curves)
- Beneficial time to finish: 1 day. It takes 30 – 45 minutes with out stops, however permit additional time for pull-offs, pictures, and site visitors (particularly on weekends)
- Begin/Finish Level: Offers Hole, NC (close to the NC–TN border) | Chilhowee Lake / Tabcat Bridge space, TN (inside Cherokee Nationwide Forest)
- Greatest season to drive: Spring (April–Might) and fall (September–October) for gentle climate and clear roads. Summer season has heavy site visitors, particularly bikes, and within the winter, the street could also be closed on account of ice and snow.
For those who’re a motorcycle fanatic, or fancy testing your rally automobile abilities, then the Tail of the Dragon Street, which runs alongside the North Carolina/Tennessee Border is probably the most well-known driving route for precise driving.
It’s well-known for having 318 curves in 11 miles (fill up on movement illness meds should you’re a passenger), nevertheless it’s additionally as scenic as it’s thrilling.
It carves by the dense forest and mountain terrain of the Nice Smoky Mountains and has no intersections or driveways, so it’s straight up driving with the odd overlook thrown in to interrupt up the bends.
For bikers, it’s identified to be technically tough and has a number of nook names that sound a little bit ominous – Copperhead Nook, Wheelie Hell, Gravity Cavity, and my private favourite, Brake or Bust Bend, which requires a little bit of focus to drive round.
Nonetheless, if you would like a street that’s thrilling and framed by attractive woodland, that is it. Though thought of harmful, there’s a 30 mph pace restrict, and the quantity of site visitors does cease you from driving too quick, so it’s not as dangerous because it as soon as was.
Nice Smoky Mountains Scenic Byway (US 441)
- Size of street: 31 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: half a day to a day. It takes 1–2 hours with out stops, however plan for longer to incorporate stopping at overlooks and doing quick hikes.
- Begin/Finish Level: Cherokee, NC | Gatlinburg, TN
- Greatest season to drive: Spring (April–Might) for wildflowers and wildlife viewing, and Fall (October) for foliage. Winter usually has closures at Newfound Hole.
The Nice Smoky Mountains Scenic Street, also called Newfound Hole Street, is a brief scenic stretch that hyperlinks the city of Cherokee within the South to Gatlinburg within the North, passing by the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park.
This drive gives misty peaks, elk sightings, and entry to a few of the most biodiverse landscapes within the japanese US. Reaching an elevation of 5,046 toes above sea degree, it’s probably the greatest roads for views over the treetops of the Smokies, and getting that iconic view of the blue haze that drapes throughout the treetops.
It’s closely trafficked, since most individuals visiting the Smokies will discover themselves on this street sooner or later, however there are such a lot of stops that it doesn’t really feel congested. Not like the Tail of the Dragon street, this street is extra concerning the stops than the precise route (though the views are superb).
Some notable stops alongside this route are the Oconaluftee Customer Middle, overlooks at Newfound Hole and Kuwohi (previously often known as Clingmans Dome), the Chimney Tops hike, and Sugarlands Customer Middle.
Learn Extra: Methods to get pleasure from a weekend within the Nice Smoky Mountains and issues to do in Bryson Metropolis
Cherohala Skyway (NC 143)
- Size of street: 43 miles whole (roughly 20 miles in North Carolina)
- Beneficial time to finish: permit half a day to get pleasure from overlooks, picnics, and quick hikes, nevertheless it takes 1-2 hours to drive with out stopping
- Begin/Finish Level: Robbinsville, NC | Tellico Plains, TN
- Greatest season to drive: Late spring by fall (Might–October) for clear views and finest temperatures
One other mountain street in North Carolina with sweeping views, lengthy curves, and a distant really feel is the Cherohala Skyway, which connects Robbinsville to Tellico Plains.
It’s identified for having a number of climbing trails alongside the route, most notably the Huckleberry Knob hike, a simple 1.8-mile hike in Nantahala Nationwide Forest that takes you to a viewpoint with 360-degree views. Different notable stops are Bald River Falls, Hooper Bald, and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest to see historic hemlock and poplar bushes.
It’s near the aforementioned Tail of the Dragon street, so you would simply mix each these scenic roads in a single journey. Notice: There aren’t any providers on this street (no gasoline stations, eating places, or accommodations).
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway
- Size of street: Roughly 76.7 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: permit 1 day. It takes 2–3 hours with out stops, however permit extra time to discover waterfalls, climbing trails, and historic websites.
- Begin/Finish Level: Close to Brevard, NC (US 276 on the entrance to Pisgah Nationwide Forest) | Close to Rosman, NC (US 64)
- Greatest season to drive: Spring and summer time for extra highly effective waterfalls and plush forest surroundings
In Western North Carolina, the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway is a lesser-known offshoot of the Blue Ridge Parkway, winding previous waterfalls, climbing trails, and historic logging websites in Pisgah Nationwide Forest.
Once more, it’s one other street we’ve entered on with out realizing it whereas driving the Blue Ridge Parkway however found it whereas taking a detour to Wanting Glass Falls. We’re so glad we did, because it had a number of nice climbing trails and waterfalls to cease off at. An sudden gem was Sliding Rock, a pure waterslide the place you’ll be able to slide down a clean rockface right into a refreshing pool beneath.
That is considered one of NC’s oldest logging railroad routes, nevertheless it has been largely reforested, and you may see new bushes thriving alongside the Pink Beds Loop Path. Be sure you cease by the Pisgah Customer Middle earlier than you drive to be taught extra about this area’s historical past and the perfect waterfall stops.
Learn Extra: Waterfalls in North Carolina that appear like Bali
Piedmont & Central North Carolina Scenic Drives
Yadkin Valley Scenic Byway
- Size of street: Roughly 63 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: 1 day to go to wineries, small cities, and river viewpoints, however might be pushed in 1.5-2.5 hours with out stops
- Begin/Finish Level: Elkin, NC | Close to Pilot Mountain State Park, NC
- Greatest season to drive: Spring for blooming vineyards and gentle climate; Fall for harvest season and the Yadkin Valley Grape Pageant.
Transferring away from mountains and into rolling farmland crammed with vineyards and wineries, the Yadkin Valley Scenic Byway is a relaxed drive by North Carolina’s wine nation (sure, there may be one).
As NC’s premier wine space, you’ll be able to anticipate most points of interest to be based mostly round Vino. A few of the most notable wineries on route are Shelton Vineyards, Divine Llama Vineyards (nice for youths because it’s additionally a llama farm), Haze Grey Vineyards, Sanders Ridge, Adagio Vineyards, and Piccione Vineyards.
Most wineries have winery excursions, and you can even be taught extra about wine on this area on the Yadkin Valley Grape Pageant held yearly in October, should you can plan your go to for then.
Pilot Mountain Scenic Drive
- Size of street: 10-mile loop
- Beneficial time to finish: 1 day to go to overlooks, climbing trails, and close by cities
- Begin/Finish Level: Pinnacle, NC
- Greatest season to drive: spring (April–Might) for recent greenery and wildflowers.
This can be a quick however putting route circling Pilot Mountain State Park. The street lets you drive near the enduring Huge Pilot rock formation, providing dramatic views, and offers entry to the park’s many climbing trails.
If you wish to get out of the automobile and revel in a hike, then we suggest the Jomeokee Path, a brief hike that surrounds Pilot Mountain’s Huge Pinnacle. This scenic drive additionally simply connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Uwharrie Scenic Street (NC 109)
- Size of street: Roughly 20 miles by the center of Uwharrie Nationwide Forest
- Beneficial time to finish: half a day to discover lakes and climbing trails
- Begin/Finish Level: Troy, NC | Close to Badin Lake / Denton space, NC
- Greatest season to drive: Spring for wildflowers; fall for foliage. Summer season is lush however scorching and humid.
In Central North Carolina, one of many state’s oldest mountain ranges, is the Uwharrie Mountains. This scenic street winds peacefully by the Uwharrie Nationwide Forest, which is wealthy in wildlife and has an off-the-beaten-path appeal.
Though the street is brief, it has plenty of points of interest hooked up to it. You may go climbing, mountain biking, horseback driving, or take a four-by-four alongside an off-road automobile path.
Uwharrie Nationwide Forest made our record of most underrated locations in North Carolina on our Raleigh web site.
Coastal & Japanese North Carolina
Outer Banks Scenic Byway (NC 12)
- Size of street: Roughly 138 miles (together with ferry connections alongside NC 12)
- Beneficial time to finish: 1–2 days is good, however consider ferry schedules. Driving time with out stopping is about 3–4 hours.
- Begin/Finish Level: Whalebone Junction, Nags Head, NC | Cedar Island, NC (through ferry connections by Ocracoke)
- Greatest season to drive: Late spring (April–Might) and early fall (September–October) for heat climate, fewer crowds, and calmer ferries
We love the Outer Banks; it’s considered one of our favourite areas in North Carolina. Though a sequence of barrier islands, the NC Freeway 12 and some ferry crossings hyperlink them collectively, forming one epic coastal journey connecting lighthouses, wild seashores, ocean and sound views, and historic villages.
A few of our favourite stops on this route are Pea Island Refuge, Cape Hatteras State Park, and Ocracoke Island. It’s a journey by unspoiled pure magnificence and is soaked in small seashore city vibes.
Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore Drive
- Size of street: Roughly 67 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: 1 day, it takes 2–3 hours with out stopping, however it would be best to cease to discover seashores, lighthouses, villages, and wildlife areas.
- Begin/Finish Level: Bodie Island Lighthouse (close to Nags Head), NC | Ocracoke Village / Hatteras–Ocracoke Ferry terminal, NC
- Greatest season to drive: Might to November (closed within the winter)
Talking of Cape Hatteras, if you wish to take an elevated coastal drive, then you need to get your self a four-wheel drive and hit the Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore Drive, a seashore drive within the Outer Banks. This drive passes epic sand dunes, maritime forests, and iconic lighthouses.
You do want a allow to drive this “street,” and a little bit of cautious planning is required beforehand, as some elements of the street could also be closed on account of tides. A few of the street can also be inaccessible through the breeding seasons of protected birds and sea turtles, so verify the web site earlier than your journey to see if there are closures.
Pamlico Scenic Byway
- Size of street: Roughly 122.1 miles (together with a number of ferry crossings)
- Beneficial time to finish: 1–2 days is good, permitting time for ferry schedules, coastal cities, and wildlife refuges. The driving time with out stopping is about 4–5 hours
- Begin/Finish Level: Washington, NC | Cedar Island, NC
- Greatest season to drive: Summer season is scenic, however might be scorching and humid with occasional storms. Purpose for Spring for gentle temperatures and clearer skies.
Combining historical past, nature, and small city appeal, the Pamlico Scenic Byway is a watery, ferry-heavy route by fishing villages and coastal wetlands.
The title Pamlico was given to the route after the title of a Native American tribe that when lived on this area, although it was additionally colonised by Europeans in 1584. It passes by small cities that mirror this colonial historical past and a sequence of wetlands and forests.
A few of the most notable stops on this route are Washington, also called Little Washington (besides to not the locals, they hate it), the Pamlico Sound, Swan Quarter, Mattamuskeet, Alligator River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, and Cedar Island.
Learn Extra: The cutest small cities in North Carolina
Alligator River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge Street
- Size of street: Roughly 12 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: half a day to get pleasure from wildlife viewing, viewpoints, and quick strolling trails
- Begin/Finish Level: US 64 close to Manns Harbor, NC | Close to Swanquarter, NC (refuge boundary/entry roads)
- Greatest season to drive: Spring (March–Might) for migratory birds and blooming wetlands
If you wish to prolong the aforementioned street journey, then it’s effectively price including on the 12-mile street by the Alligator River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge.
This flat and atmospheric street cuts by swamp forests and wetlands, which is ideal for wildlife recognizing. Right here you might spot bears, migratory birds, and, because the title suggests, alligators.
The refuge is residence to one of the largest populations of black bears in japanese North Carolina and the japanese United States. We loved chook watching early on a winter’s morning right here with the women far more than we thought we’d!
Historic & Thematic Scenic Routes
Blue Ridge Music Trails
- Size of street: Roughly 200 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: We suggest 2 – 4 days to totally expertise dwell music stops, cultural websites, and scenic backroads, although you would simply spend weeks on this route.
- Begin/Finish Level: Asheville, NC (suggest doing a loop)
- Greatest season to drive: 12 months-round, although summer time and fall are finest for dwell music and festivals
Asheville is without doubt one of the most artsy cities in North Carolina, and should you’re a fan of Bluegrass and gospel music, then you definitely’ll wish to gasoline up right here and hit the Blue Ridge Music Trails, which begins and ends in Asheville.
This can be a loosely related loop drive by western North Carolina’s cities and backroads, tying collectively dwell music venues, festivals, and Appalachian tradition.
It passes by cities akin to Brasstown, Shelby, and Blowing Rock, which have year-round music venues, in addition to entry to the North Carolina Mountains. You may as well discover farmers’ markets, waterfalls, pit-smoked BBQ joints, and craft breweries alongside the route, too.
This can be a customizable street journey with a number of stops to select from; see the official map right here that can assist you plan your route.
Learn extra: The Final North Carolina to Tennessee Street Journey: From Mountains to Music
Waterfall Byway (NC 64)
- Size of street: 98 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: a day
- Begin/Finish Level: Murphy | Rosman
- Greatest season to drive: Spring (March–Might) for peak waterfall flows and wildflowers
Are you a fan of waterfalls? There are such a lot of scenic mountain waterfalls in North Carolina, and one of the best ways to see all of them is by driving alongside this hall linking Highlands and Brevard, passing a few of the state’s most accessible waterfalls.
Some notable falls on this stretch are Dry Falls, Rainbow Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Bust Your Butt Falls (kudos to whoever named that one). Nicknamed the Land of Waterfalls, this scenic street in Transylvania County is without doubt one of the most dramatic drives in Western NC.
King’s Freeway (US 17)
- Size of street: Roughly 180 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: 1-2 days to discover historic cities, colonial websites, and coastal views
- Begin/Finish Level: Wilmington | Edenton
- Greatest season to drive: Spring (April–Might) and fall (September–October) for gentle temperatures and fewer mosquitoes
The King’s Freeway is a serious colonial street that extends alongside the coast from Boston, Massachusetts, to Charleston, South Carolina, alongside US 17.
The complete size is 1300 miles, however the NC part is barely round 180 miles. The street hyperlinks all 13 unique colonies on the Atlantic coast that developed cities on orders from King Charles II, therefore the title.
These cities are identified for his or her colonial heritage, structure, and historical past, and lots of of those cities are a few of the oldest within the U.S. If you’re trying to pair historic cities with coastal magnificence, that is the street journey for you. Some notable stops for colonial historical past are New Bern, an early colonial capital and seaport, and Beaufort (considered one of our favourite cities in NC).
Learn extra: Greatest Issues to Do on the North Carolina Coast: Seashores, Cities & Hidden Gems
Wayah Street (NC 1310)
- Size of street: 15 miles
- Beneficial time to finish: permit 2–3 hours to get pleasure from overlooks, waterfalls, Wayah Bald, and quick hikes.
- Begin/Finish Level: Franklin, NC | Nantahala Lake / Wayah Bald space, NC
- Greatest season to drive: Fall (late September–October) for peak foliage
One other motorbike street in North Carolina, nicknamed “Thunder Street” by the locals, is Wayah Street. This quietly spectacular mountain drive hyperlinks Franklin to Nantahala Lake and winds previous waterfalls, forest overlooks, and the serene Wayah Bald stone tower.
Far much less trafficked than different driving routes in NC (like Tail of the Dragon), it’s a hidden gem trip the place you may get your thrills with out worrying about congestion.
