10 Country Roads In North Carolina That Are Pure Bliss In The Fall

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 of the best fall drives in North Carolina.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Searching for a "fall drive near me?" 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 and you can make the most of it in the fall when the crowds are at a minimum and temperatures are perfect. It's one of the most scenic byways in North Carolina.

Have you embarked on any of the best fall drives in North Carolina? Let us know! And make sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you hit the road.

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.