10 Best Scenic Spots in North Carolina
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- No. 10 - Whitewater Falls
- No. 9 - Vilas to Elk Falls
- No. 8 - Linville Gorge
- No. 7 - Running in Roanoke
- No. 6 - Tour of the inner shores
- No. 5 - Morrow Mountain State Park to Reed Gold Mine.
- No. 4 - Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
- No. 3 - Haintuga-Round Bottom Road.
- No. 2 - Blue Ridge Parkway.
- No. 1 – Cherohala Skyway
North Carolina is home to a diverse landscape that stretches from the Appalachians to the Atlantic coast. This quality makes the state an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy the more scenic side of their surroundings and are in no hurry to get to the next stop on a narrow route. Like the rolling hills of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, adventurers who truly appreciate our favorite scenic routes can ride everything they encounter and be even happier at the end of the day.
No. 10 - Whitewater Falls
Start Location: Highlands, North Carolina
Final location: Toxaway Lake, North Carolina
Length: Mile 24
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
This winding and paved route passes through North Carolina's waterfall country, which has more waterfalls than any other part of the state. The most impressive of these falls is Whitewater Falls, about halfway up the ticket office. This is one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States. There are also many marked recreational areas along the way, perfect for hiking, rock climbing or picnicking.
No. 9 - Vilas to Elk Falls
Start Location: Vilas, North Carolina
Final location: Banner Elk, North Carolina
Length: Mile 20
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
This mostly paved road passes through the Pisgah National Forest, and you have ample opportunities to pull over and head into deep woods. Because the route is not very long, those who want to extend it by a full morning or afternoon can stop in Buna to browse the historic Mast General Store and mingle with the locals. The Episcopal Mission between Boone and Banner Elk is another popular stop.
No. 8 - Linville Gorge
Start Location: Linville Falls, North Carolina
Final location: Table Rock, North Carolina
Length: Mile 16
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
The road may be too rough for SUVs or trailers, but the average car can handle this two-way traffic well with some care. During the winter months, stop at Jonas Ridge for family-friendly snowtubing. Autumn is when that drive really shines when the leaves change. Stop at Hawksbill Mountain for a photo opportunity, and the hiking trails are excellent in the Table Rock picnic area.
No. 7 - Running in Roanoke
Start Location: Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Final location: Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
Length: Mile 89
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
This little-known route passes through a largely undeveloped stretch of rolling hills and plains. It turns east to the edge of the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge before returning northwest on a light paved two-lane road. In the historic city of Roanoke Rapids, travelers can admire the Elizabethan Gothic and Tudor architectural styles of many of the local buildings, or go fishing in the nearby waters.
No. 6 - Tour of the inner shores
Start Location: God, North Carolina
Final location: Manteo, North Carolina
Length: Mile 195
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
This mostly offshore route explores the North Carolina coastline beyond the barrier islands on the mainland, providing a view of the relatively calm part of the Atlantic. The trip isn't just about salt water, it goes through forested areas like the Croatan National Forest. Travelers may want to stop by the sleepy village of Stumpy Point in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge to see the setting of Orson Scott Card's hit novel Ender's Game.
No. 5 - Morrow Mountain State Park to Reed Gold Mine.
Start Location: Locust, North Carolina
Final location: Midland, North Carolina
Length: Mile 54
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
This ride through the rolling hills of the Piedmont region is perfect for a day trip or even a weekend getaway. About halfway up is Tillery Lake, where you can stop for lunch or swim during the warmer months. The route then returns east on another road to the Midland, where the Reed Gold Mine is located, which was the first gold mine in the United States.
No. 4 - Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Start Location: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Final location: Hatteras, North Carolina
Length: Mile 62
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
Views of the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the white sand beaches abound along this route. There are plenty of places to stop, shop or eat on the first leg of the journey, but the stretch between Pea Island and Hatteras is largely undeveloped and full of natural beauty. A trip along this coast would not be complete without a stop at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is probably the most famous lighthouse in the United States.
No. 3 - Haintuga-Round Bottom Road.
Start Location: Cherokee, North Carolina
Final location: Balsam Mountain, North Carolina
Length: Mile 23
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
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This route may not be suitable for SUVs or trailers and can be a little challenging even for a sedan, but the trip makes up for any inconvenience with breathtaking views and little-known natural attractions. Be prepared to drive slowly (in the 15 mph range) and take the time to stop and enjoy this part of the Smoky Mountains that few get to see. Fly fishing on Straight Creek is legendary, and Balsam Mountain is the best photo spot on the trip.
No. 2 - Blue Ridge Parkway.
Start Location: Airy, North Carolina
Final location: Cherokee, North Carolina
Length: Mile 232
Best driving season: All
View this drive on Google Maps
While Blue Ridge Parkway actually stretches into Virginia, great views abound without ever leaving North Carolina, and the road is long enough to make for a weekend getaway. The parkway is actually the longest linear park in the United States and runs along the Appalachian Blue Ridge mountain range. Mount Mitchell, one of the highest points in North America, is a must-see along the way.
No. 1 – Cherohala Skyway
Start Location: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, North Carolina.
Final location: Robbinsville, North Carolina
Length: Mile 15
Best driving season: Spring, summer and autumn
View this drive on Google Maps
This trail from Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest to the Unicoi Mountains is the perfect trail to see the changing foliage in spring and fall, but offers breathtaking views even when everything is green in summer. Most of the trail passes through the undeveloped part of the Nantahala National Forest, which is replete with old growth and is a great spot for wildlife watching. There are many hiking trails in the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness, and hikers should hone their photography skills at the Maple Springs Lookout.
