7 Best Road Trips to Take in North Carolina
North Carolina boasts some of the most scenic drives (63 with five designated as National Scenic Byways) in the country, where every curve reveals new vistas of mountains, forests, or the sea. The state's multitude of scenic drives, byways, and parkways traverse historic trading routes, ascend into the Blue Ridge Mountains, and wind along the coast. These road trips show North Carolina's natural beauty and local character, making them perfect for travelers who enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Known as "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Though this area is replete with scenic viewpoints, the Blue Ridge Parkway is especially impressive, passing through high peaks, deep valleys, and forested ridges. Overlooks such as Craggy Gardens, Waterrock Knob, and Linn Cove Viaduct offer clear views across the mountains. You can't miss the vibrant gold and red colors in the fall, drawing photographers from all over the country.
This drive is about more than scenery. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway route are trails, historic sites, and visitor centers that tell the story of the region's mountain culture. Drivers can stop at the Folk Art Center near Asheville, the Blue Ridge Music Center just over the Virginia border, or hike trails that lead to waterfalls and overlooks. Because the speed limit rarely exceeds 45 miles per hour, the parkway encourages a slower pace that lets travelers enjoy each view.
Cherohala Skyway
Crossing from Robbinsville, North Carolina, into Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the Cherohala Skyway climbs more than 5,000 feet through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. This 43-mile route is renowned for its long, sweeping curves and expansive mountain vistas, making it one of the most scenic drives in the southern Appalachians. The views stretch across dense forests that are often shrouded in mist, creating a calm and quiet atmosphere.
The Skyway is ideal for those who enjoy uncrowded roads and wide-open views. Several overlooks provide spots to stop and take in the landscape, and short trails lead to summits and waterfalls. The name combines "Cherokee" and "Nantahala," honoring the two forests it connects. In late October, the drive becomes a ribbon of color, with fall leaves reflecting across the ridges.
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway
The Forest Heritage Scenic Byway winds through Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina, following a 79-mile loop that links Brevard, Waynesville, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It passes waterfalls like Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, both of which are easy stops for photos or short hikes. The byway also crosses old logging roads and historic forest sites, including the Cradle of Forestry, where modern forest management began in the early 1900s.
This drive is a mix of scenic beauty and history. It follows the Davidson River and climbs to elevations exceeding 5,000 feet, offering a constant shift in scenery. Along the way are picnic areas, fishing spots, and forest trails, making it easy to spend a full day exploring. The route is popular with motorcyclists and photographers who want ot capture misty forest views.
Interstate 26 Scenic Highway
Most people do not expect an interstate to be beautiful, but the I-26 Scenic Highway in Madison County proves otherwise. This short stretch between Mars Hills and the Tennessee border climbs through the Blue Ridge Mountains, reaching nearly 5,000 feet at Buckner Gap. The highway cuts through rolling ridges and valleys, offering travelers expansive views of the layered mountain peaks.
Even though the interstate is easily accessible, this section of the highway still feels remote. If you want to capture the sunrise or sunset over the Appalachian Mountains, be sure to stop at the many overlooks, such as Sam's Gap, that offer a clear view of the mountains. The I-26 Scenic Highway is ideal for travelers who want to experience a taste of North Carolina's mountain scenery without a lengthy detour.
Highlands of the Roan Scenic Drive
The Highlands of the Roan Scenic Drive, also known as the Roan Highlands route, begins in the small town of Bakersville and climbs along NC 261 to Carver's Gap near the Tennessee border. The road gains more than 3,000 feet in elevation and leads to one of the most striking landscapes in the state. From Carver's Gap, visitors can see the rolling bald peaks of the Roan Highlands stretching across the horizon.
During summer, the high meadows bloom with rhododendrons, and in winter, the peaks are often covered in snow. The area is part of the Appalachian Trail, and short hikes from the parking areas lead to panoramic viewpoints. The drive itself is short, but the scenery feels endless. It is best for travelers who enjoy quiet roads, mountain air, and high-elevation views.
Nantahala Byway
The Nantahala Byway travels about 45 miles through the western mountains in Nantahala National Forest, following the Nantahala River and passing through the deep Nantahala Gorge. The river's name means "land of the noon-day sun," a fitting description since sunlight only reaches the gorge's floor for a few hours each day. The route connects the towns of Bryson City and Marble, offering a mix of forest, water, and rock walls that rise sharply on both sides.
Along the way are whitewater rafting centers, hiking trails, and picnic areas beside the river. This byway is ideal for those seeking a blend of scenic driving and outdoor activities. The sound of the river follows you almost the entire way, and the changing light in the gorge creates different moods throughout the day.
Alligator River Route
Far from the mountains, the Alligator River Route offers a completely different kind of beauty. This byway crosses eastern North Carolina's wetlands and coastal plains, connecting the mainland to the Outer Banks. The route passes through the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, where travelers might see black bears, red wolves, or migratory birds. The flat, open landscape and winding waterways create a peaceful contrast to the state's western drives.
This coastal route captures the quiet side of North Carolina. Drivers can stop at observation platforms, visit small coastal communities, or continue to the barrier islands for beach views. It is a reminder that the state's natural diversity extends from high mountains to sea level, all within a day's drive.
From misty mountain ridges to quiet coastal marshes, North Carolina offers road trips that cater to every traveler's mood. With soaring vistas that offer stunning photo opportunities to deep gorges that make you admire Mother Nature, North Carolina offers an amazing collection of scenic drives, byways, and parkways. Whether you follow the curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway or the straight stretches of the Alligator River Route, or go on any of these other drives, North Carolina invites travelers to slow down and enjoy the road itself.
