There’s nothing like hopping in the car in search of must-visit attractions in North Carolina. Here in North Carolina, we have several options of where to drive and what to see. Yet, so many options can sometimes be so overwhelming. To make the most of all the beautiful aspects our state has to offer, these seven road trips are ideal for discovering some of the state’s hidden secrets. All you have to do is click the links to plan yet another amazing trip, and be sure to make use of our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to help in your planning efforts. Some of the best road trips in North Carolina are all in one place and you’ll be in for quite a ride.

1. The Most Beautiful Waterfalls Road Trip
Flickr / Jim Liestman
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There's no doubt North Carolinians love all the beautiful waterfalls found in our state, but with over 300 it can be hard to narrow down which ones to visit. From waterfalls you can walk beneath, to classic views from Linville Falls, this road trip in North Carolina is one of the most beautiful and peaceful you'll find in the state.
2. A Spooktacular Haunted Road Trip
Flickr / US Fish and Wildlife and Service
Only In North Carolina
From haunted swamps to the Pink Lady at the Grove Park Inn, this road trip takes you to the most haunted locations in North Carolina. While it's not for the faint of heart, it clocked in at 55.3k shares, so certainly North Carolinians love a good scare. It's a great road trip to take in the fall to get in the mood for Halloween.
3. Fall Foliage Road Trip
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Come October, the Blue Ridge Parkway becomes illuminated with abundant fall foliage in North Carolina. Yet, even off the Parkway, there's beauty to be found. From Chimney Rock to waterfalls this fall foliage road trip was shared over 28k times, and a great alternative to simply cruising the Parkway. This is the only one of these North Carolina road trips that have a limited window of opportunity for taking the trip, so be sure to plan accordingly with your schedule if it's one you want to take. Also, remember to plan for the year's expected peak viewing times if you want to maximize your chances for seeing the most vibrant colors in the foliage!
4. A Haunting Road Trip Through North Carolina Ghost Towns
Flickr / Brian Leon

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There's something certainly eerie about ruins from the past left for modern-day explorers. The energy is palpable, and some on the list were even rumored to be haunted - like Henry River Mill Village which was also featured on the Hunger Games as District 12. Over 23.4k readers shared the road trip, that ranged from Colonial desolation like Brunswick Town to the beautiful Cataloochee that's home to a haunting past.
5. The Ultimate Lighthouse Road Trip
Flickr William Greene
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The Ultimate Lighthouse Road Trip totaled 9.7k shares and took North Carolinians along a beautiful ride to witness the historic and diverse lighthouses found along the coast. From the starting point of the Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton that is a different aesthetic than the rest to Currituck Lighthouse with gothic-revival architecture, and everyone's favorites - Cape Lookout and Cape Hatteras, it's the perfect road trip for a beach getaway plus learning North Carolina history.
6. Natural Wonders Road Trip
Flickr Matt Herring
Google Maps
North Carolina has no shortage of natural wonders - from the highest active sand dune on the east coast to the Grand Canyon of the east. There's so much natural beauty to be found here in this state, and especially the natural beauty of the jaw-dropping category. Over 5.2k people shared this, meaning they agree!
7. A Delicious Barbecue Road Trip
Flickr / Southern Foodways Alliance
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In North Carolina BBQ is more than a meal - it's a tradition, a culture, a great argument over which style of BBQ in North Carolina is better. This road trip takes you from eastern style to Lexington style while lickin' your fingers the whole time. The BBQ road trip you must do was shared over 3k times with readers and is a delicious pit stop for pit-cooked goodness.

What do you think about the best road trips in North Carolina? Which one is top on your list? Make sure to sound off in the comments section to let us know!

Are you looking for other fun day trips and things to do in North Carolina? How about driving across the state for the best shrimpburger you’ll ever taste?!

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Best Road Trips In North Carolina

Marisa Roman | July 16, 2021

What are the most unique things to do in North Carolina?

If you are looking for day trips in North Carolina that will take you to some exciting and out-of-the-ordinary places, then we have some options for you! These 12 weirdly wonderful attractions each offer something special and completely out of the box. From the hauntings of Devil's Tramping Ground near Bennett to Gravity Hill on Richfield Road, some of the coolest places are also the most unusual. Additionally, if you want some more exciting things to do in North Carolina that involve an overnight trip, then check out these 8 unique places to stay in North Carolina for an unforgettable experience.

What unique tours in North Carolina can I take?

There are so many wonderful things to do in North Carolina, it’s hard to choose where to start. But sometimes the simplest option comes in the form of a tour! What better way to see those must-visit attractions in North Carolina than with a guided tour from a trained professional. Start off by taking any of these four factory tours throughout North Carolina, which will immerse you in different settings around the state. The Ashe County Cheese Factory in West Jefferson is delightful for the dairy lover. But also the Black Mountain Chocolate Factory in Winston-Salem is an exciting way to see how chocolate is made!

What food trails can I take in North Carolina?

For anyone looking for more food-centric day trips in North Carolina, don’t worry, we have you covered. There is nothing like diving into the vast cuisines of North Carolina from the coastal freshness to the Southern traditions. Sometimes the best road trips in North Carolina revolve around food, like this Taco Trail for instance. The North Carolina Taco Trail takes guests to seven different restaurants, each specializing in tasty tacos. For anyone who wants a more sweet food trail, this Mouthwatering Ice Cream Trail In North Carolina is a dream come true.

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