The Stunning North Carolina Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America
Robin Jarvis
Author
Load up the car because one of the best road trips in North Carolina, maybe even America, awaits in the mountains of the Tar Heel State – and no, it’s not the Blue Ridge Parkway. Folks love exploring the Parkway and it can get a bit crowded during the height of vacation season. That’s why the Cherohala Skyway is a fantastic alternative. It’s much shorter, just as pretty, and takes about three hours to complete. What more do you need? Before you head out for this North Carolina road trip, get prepared with our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide.
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The Cherohala Skyway is both a National Scenic Byway and a National Forest Scenic Byway. It features 43 miles and 318 turns and connects Robbinsville, North Carolina with Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It’s definitely one of the very best road trips in North Carolina – and in America! Make sure your next North Carolina road trip is to the 12 weirdest places in North Carolina.
Of note: the Cherohala Skyway is a popular route for motorcycle enthusiasts. Be aware of that as you spin around turn after blind turn on the Skyway.
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More to Explore
The Best Attractions In North Carolina
What are the most bizarre roadside attractions in North Carolina?
These are the most bizarre roadside attractions in North Carolina:
- The Odditorium. Located in Asheville, this is a dive bar and a museum of the strange and unusual, like a two-headed duck and several other oddities.
- Maggie Valley. This area has attractions like the Death Tiki of Awesomeness and a Ghost Town in the Sky.
- Plastic Flamingo Petting Zoo. This Cedar Point attraction is a collection of pink plastic flamingos that you can pet or even adopt.
- Tobacco Museum Talking Robot. This animatronic farmer gives an uncanny valley feeling as it gives a talk on tobacco.
Find out more about these and several more of the most bizarre roadside attractions in North Carolina.
What are the best natural wonders in North Carolina?
The best natural wonders in North Carolina include:
- Whitewater Falls. These are the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies at 811 feet. It’s considered the most beautiful waterfall in North Carolina.
- Pilot Mountain. Part of the Sauratown Mountain chain, this is a popular spot for hiking and rock climbing and is a lovely landmark.
- Looking Glass Rock. This sheer, massive stone mountain is made of Whiteside granite and has been around for 390 million years.
- New River. Despite the name, it’s been found to be one of the oldest rivers in the world and stretches for 320 miles.
Discover more about these and more of the best natural wonders in North Carolina.
What are the best hidden gem attractions in North Carolina?
The best hidden gem attractions in North Carolina include:
- Mile High Swinging Bridge. Located at Grandfather Mountain, this swinging bridge is a gorgeous yet thrilling attraction.
- American Museum of the House Cat. This museum in Sylva shares the history of cats as pets and has a ton of strange cat items.
- Carova Beach. Hidden in Outer Banks, this beach is reached via 4X4 vehicles and has wild horses roaming about the area.
- Church of the Frescoes. There are two churches here, each with actual Italian painted frescoes that are absolutely beautiful.
Learn more about these and a few more of the best hidden gem attractions in North Carolina.