If there are two things North Carolinians love, it’s autumn and long drives through gorgeous country roads. When fall is in full force, you can make the most of the two by combining them! Blue Ridge Parkway is the most famous for fall drives, and for good reason. But there are plenty more. Let’s look at 10 wonderful options for scenic drives in North Carolina.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway
scenic drives in NC
Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA
Flickr / Matthew Paulson
Jason Cameron/Moment/GettyImages
Lightvision, LLC/Moment/Getty Images
The Blue Ridge Parkway is not only THE place to experience fall colors in North Carolina but possibly America. Spanning 469 miles, you're treated to mountain views, waterfalls within a short hike, heart-dropping overlooks, and continuous beauty all from the comfort of your car.
2. Whitewater Way
Whitewater Way Northwest, Whitewater Way NW, Concord, NC 28027, USA
Flickr / Jim Liestman
Named after Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, Whitewater Way is on HWY 281 between Sapphire and South Carolina. Points of interest include Gorges State Park and Nantahala National Forest.
3. Hanging Rock Scenic Byway
Hanging Rock State Park, 1790 Hanging Rock Park Rd, Danbury, NC 27016, USA
Flickr / jarnocan
Flickr / Jim Dollar
Flickr / Zach Frailey
The Hanging Rock Scenic Byway weaves you through gorgeous country roads with wide open spaces, the ancient Sauratown mountain chain, and historic towns like Danbury and Andy Griffith's Mayberry. With this one, the destination is just as gorgeous as the drive. Pay a visit to Hanging Rock, Pilot Mountain (or both) to make the most of fall in the Piedmont.
4. Pisgah Loop Scenic Byway
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / Melinda Stuart

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Flickr / Jeff Gunn
Journey through some of the most untouched and remote sections of the Pisgah National Forest. This byway both rivals and sometimes runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
5. Waterfall Byway
Flickr / Jim Dollar
Flickr / Frank Merenda
On US 64, for 98 miles you're treated to waterfalls just off the road, quaint small towns, and mountain views. Waterfall Byway is a nice escape from the crowded Blue Ridge Parkway...with equally beautiful sights and stops included.
6. Meteor Lakes Scenic Byway
Meteor Lakes Scenic Byway, North Carolina
Matthew Molt
For a completely different way to experience fall, the byway starts in Elizabethtown on the eastern side of the state and takes you through some of the most fertile farmland in North Carolina.
7. Mount Mitchell Scenic Byway
Mount Mitchell, Mt Mitchell, North Carolina 28714, USA
Flickr / Kolin Toney
Pay a visit to the highest point east of the Mississippi, then hop on this byway for some more incredible views. You'll travel through the highest mountain peaks and onto sweeping valleys. Artists will especially love this one as there are several galleries along the way.
8. Tail of the Dragon
Deals Gap, Tennessee 37885, USA
Flickr / donna_0622
If you love the scenic drive, but also consider yourself a bit of an adrenaline junkie, the Tail of the Dragon is home to 318 curves in only 11 miles...whoa!
9. Upper Yadkin Way
Yadkin Road, Yadkin Rd, Fayetteville, NC, USA
Flickr / Visit Winston-Salem
Winding through North Carolina's own Napa Valley, with several vineyards along the way, wine lovers will absolutely love this drive! You get rolling hills and valleys with the foothills in the distance (plus wine). You might have to bring a DD for this one.
10. Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA
Flickr / David Leavitt
Outer Banks Rentals
With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Pamlico Sound on the other, there's no dense forest with bright foliage and certainly no mountain views, but this drive treats you to completely different beauty. It's gorgeous year-round, but you can make the most of it in the fall when the crowds are at a minimum and temperatures are perfect.

What are some of your favorite fall drives in North Carolina?

Sure, the mountains claim most of the beauty this time of year, but the Outer Banks Scenic Byway could quite possibly be the most beautiful drive, year-round, in America. Read all about it here.

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Scenic Drives In North Carolina

Bill Hall | August 15, 2022

Does North Carolina have any natural wonders?

North Carolina certainly has some interesting natural wonders along its scenic drives. From sand dunes to caverns to ancient rivers to large granite mountains, there is plenty to see and explore. Read The 15 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In North Carolina to find out about these and more. 

What are the best beaches in North Carolina?

There are many wonderful beaches in North Carolina, but Lifeguarded Beach in Ocracoke has recently been named the best beach in America! Read all about it in the article, The Best Beach In America Is Right Here In North Carolina And It’s Only Accessible By Boat Or Plane. You might want to make some plans.

There are plenty of other beaches to visit too. 10 Amazing North Carolina Beaches Perfect For Your Next Summer Vacation will have you headed in the right direction. If you want something a bit off the beaten path, try 10 Little Known Beaches In North Carolina That Will Make Your Summer Unforgettable.

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in North Carolina? 

When taking scenic drives in North Carolina, it is only natural to want to climb out of the car and take a hike. You are in luck because there are many great options for pretty hikes throughout the state. There are mountains to walk through, waterfalls to photograph, historical homesteads to explore, and overlooks to rest upon. These 12 Trails In North Carolina Will Lead You To Unforgettable Places is a nice primer on places to try. 

If you are looking for a quick and beautiful excursion, you might check out The Hawksbill Mountain Trail Might Be One Of The Most Beautiful Short-And-Sweet Hikes To Take In North Carolina. Be sure to bring along your camera. This trail has something for everyone, and everyone can easily enjoy it. Let us know if you agree!

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