Researching “scenic drives near me“? If you’re in North Carolina — you’re in luck! There are endless scenic drives to enjoy in the Tar Heel State. Windows down, music loud – there’s nothing better than a long scenic drive through North Carolina. The best part is many of these drives provide unique stops along the way. From sipping vino in Yadkin Valley and climbing mountains to fishing beside a waterfall, these scenic drives in North Carolina offer so much more than a quick escape. They promise an entire adventure.

1. Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
Outer Banks Rentals
Hopping from beach town to beach town? The gorgeous Outer Banks Scenic Byway suspends you over the Intracoastal and sometimes between the ocean and sound. The total stretch includes 138 miles plus 25 ferry miles. Learn more about what to see and do while on the OBX Byway. Check out this beautiful drone footage of the Outer Banks for further travel inspiration:

2. Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA
Flickr / steviep187
Every North Carolinian knows the Blue Ridge Parkway as *the* drive through the Carolinas. From straddling you over mountainous peaks to weaving you through some of the best natural scenery the state has to offer. While we've all done our fair share of driving on the Blue Ridge, you might have never known these fascinating facts about the Blue Ridge Parkway.

3. Waterfalls Scenic Byway
French Broad River, United States
Flickr / Jim Liestman
North Carolina is home to so many beautiful waterfalls, it can be hard to decide how and where to see them all. One great byway with beautiful scenery is Waterfalls Scenic Byway that runs along the French Broad River and ends at Toxaway River and Toxaway Falls. A great place to stop and explore a bit along this drive is Panthertown Valley...just watch out for bears during this time of the year! Learn more about the lovely Waterfalls Byway.
4. Carolina Bay Lakes Byway
Matthew Molt Photographer / Only In North Carolina
The mountains are beautiful, but there's also unique beauty to the flat farmland abundant in Eastern North Carolina. If you're driving to the beach or just want to take a drive, this byway starts in Elizabethtown and takes you through the most fertile farmland found throughout the state. Learn more about driving the Carolina Bay Lakes Byway.
5. Conrad Road
Conrad Road, Conrad Rd, Lewisville, NC 27023, USA
Emory Rakestraw
North Carolina's "Tunnel of Trees" is magnificently beautiful, especially this time of the year! With trees planted and hanging over the roadside, and beautiful rolling hills and farmland in the distance, it's a hidden treasure for those living in the Piedmont. Learn more about where to find North Carolina's Tunnel of Trees.

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6. Pottery Road
Seagrove, NC, USA
Flickr / Samantha Hennekke
With Seagrove being home to one of the largest concentration of potters in the nation (thanks to the soil, history and rich natural materials), Pottery Road is more than a drive but also an education and firsthand exploration of America's Pottery Capital. From well-known potters and easy to access stores to more unique artists living down long country roads with the kiln firing, Pottery Road is a unique adventure and you might come home with some unique pieces too.
7. Tail of the Dragon
Tail of the Dragon, 17555 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA
Flickr / Matt Lehrer
Popular with motorcyclists and daredevil drivers, this drive features 318 curves in just 11 miles. Responses coming out of the 'tail' can range anywhere from, "I'm about to throw up," to "That was amazing." As one of the most popular motorcyclist and driving enthusiast destinations on the East Coast, try it if you dare! Learn more about the famous Tail of the Dragon.
8. Alligator River Route
Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / John Wenzelburger
Just like it sounds - the Alligator River Route takes you through some of the most remote places along the coastal plains of North Carolina. Along this drive explore gorgeous places like Frying Pan Landing, Gum Neck, and North Carolina's largest natural lake: Lake Mattamuskeet.
9. Hanging Rock Scenic Byway
Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
Flickr / Matt Machin
Stop off and spend the day hiking at Hanging Rock State Park or simply keep on driving along gorgeous stretches of the Piedmont and the last few remaining bits of the Sauratown Mountain Chain. The byway also takes you through quaint small towns like Danbury and Andy Griffith's Mayberry (ok, actually Mount Airy). Learn more about Hanging Rock State Park.
10. Mount Mitchell Scenic Byway
Mount Mitchell, Mt Mitchell, North Carolina 28714, USA
Flickr / Scott Gustin
For something a bit different but with that Blue Ridge Parkway feel, the Mt. Mitchell Scenic Byway takes you through some of the highest peaks on the East Coast while quaint art studios also dot the drive. Along the way stop by the charming mountain town of Burnsville.

11. Upper Yadkin Way
Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Ln, Dobson, NC 27017, USA
Flickr / Susan Smith
You might want to bring a designated driver for this one. The Upper Yadkin Way takes you through some of the best vineyards in North Carolina's very own "Napa Valley." While you're there, visit one of the largest vineyards on the East Coast, Shelton Vineyards.

What are your favorite scenic drives in North Carolina?  Which drives have you done, and which ones do you want to do? Join the conversation in the comments! And don’t leave on your trip without checking out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List!

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best scenic drives in north carolina

Beth Price-Williams | April 04, 2020

What are the best roadside attractions in North Carolina?

Some of the best roadside attractions in North Carolina include:

  • Blowing Rock
  • Maggie Mountaineer Crafts

 

If you’re looking for some of the best roadside attractions in North Carolina, you’ll definitely want to head to Blowing Rock in the town of Blowing Rock. The rock towers over the area, reaching heights of more than 4,000 feet. When the wind blows in the gorge, it hits the rock, sending the wind straight up in the air.

For a roadside attraction that includes delightfully delicious fudge, plan a visit to Maggie Mountaineer Crafts in Maggie Valley. Browse the fudge that’s available in 35 scrumptious flavors then check out the selection of candy that includes nut brittle and candy apples.

Are there any other scenic backroads to drive along in North Carolina?

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is an amazing scenic byway in North Carolina.

Escape the monotony of everyday life, even if just for a day, when you embark on a drive on one of the best scenic backroads in North Carolina. Gas up your car for a drive along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, an epic drive that also includes a beautiful 25-mile ferry ride and the chance to see wild horses.

For another scenic drive in North Carolina, set off on the Waterfall Byway. The drive will take you to such beautiful waterfalls as Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Cullasaja Falls.

Are there other similar things to do in North Carolina when you have a free afternoon?

How does a road trip to some of the best waterfalls in North Carolina sound? You can just do part of the road trip, if you only have a free afternoon, or you can embark on the full trip if you have a day or two to spare. This epic waterfall road trip spans 257 miles and includes stops at Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Moore Cove Falls.

If you’ve never been to the highest point in North Carolina, plan a leisurely drive to Mount Mitchell. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell holds the distinction as the highest point in eastern North America.

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