The picturesque state of North Carolina is the perfect place to hit the road this fall. Whether you’re looking to peep the changing leaves or just take a ride along the coast, the Tarheel State is full of beautiful scenic drives that will help you leave the hustle and bustle of your normal life behind. Just pack some drinks and snacks, fill up the gas tank, and hit the highway for these memorable fall road trips.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive” because of its mass popularity with visitors from all over the country. The 469-mile drive twists and turns along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains through both North Carolina and Virginia. During the autumn months, you’ll see gorgeous views of the leaves changing and popping with bright reds, oranges, and yellows. But that’s not nearly all this drive has to offer. In addition to a wide range of plants and wildlife, you’ll also pass by (or stop at) some of the state’s best natural attractions, including Linville Gorge, the deepest canyon east of the Grand Canyon, and Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain peak in the eastern United States.
Nantahala Byway
Also located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the Nantahala Byway is a great scenic drive to take if you have less time or don’t feel like traveling very far. The byway stretches for 45 miles, so you can take your time enjoying the scenery and still do the whole thing in about an hour and a half. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Nantahala Gorge area, where you can stop for a whitewater raft adventure or a zipline tour through the trees. Enjoy lunch right on the riverside at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway is called “a drive above the clouds” for a reason. As it travels through both Tennessee and North Carolina, it ranges in elevation from 900 feet to over 5,400 feet at the state line between the two. Although the entire skyway, which is named for the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests that it passes through, is only 36 miles long, it is full of overlooks that offer amazing views of the surrounding scenery and fall foliage.
The Diamondback
If you think this scenic drive sounds more like the name of one of the advanced slopes at a ski resort, you’re not too far off. This short but intense drive is only 12 miles long, but it climbs 1,900 feet in elevation as it twists and turns up 190 steep curves. Some of them even loop back almost an entire 360 degrees, which means it’s even more exhilarating for motorcycle tourists. Take a pit stop in nearby Little Switzerland for a bite to eat.
Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway
History and music enthusiasts will want to check out the Appalachian Medley Scenic Byway, which starts at Lake Junaluska outside of Asheville and travels for 45 miles to Hot Springs, North Carolina. Along the way, you’ll wind your way through the Pisgah National Forest, where you’ll have plenty of opportunities for fall leaf peeping. But, the drive also takes you through beautiful stretches of countryside that offer glimpses of rustic barns and Appalachian culture. You can even stop along the way and visit an old general store and a historic chapel.
Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
You don’t have to stick to the mountains of North Carolina though to take a scenic fall drive. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway extends for 138 miles by car, and another 25 miles by ferry, and crosses over three islands (Cedar, Ocracoke, and Hatteras) and two inlets, as well as through 21 coastal villages. As you travel along this picturesque byway, you’ll be surrounded by water views, with the Atlantic Ocean to the East and the Pamlico Sound to the West. There are also plenty of beautiful places to stop along the way including the famous Hatteras and Bodie Island lighthouses.
