From Blue Ridge Peaks to Scenic Shores, Experience the Carolinas on This Picturesque Route

Asheville is a beautiful and resilient city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Spend time in the city itself; eat at a local restaurant and wander around its charming streets. But spend the rest of your time exploring the nearby hiking trails that take you to waterfalls, swimming holes, and stunning mountain views. This area of the Carolinas is filled with adventures, both big and small, and you can easily discover them just by driving along this route in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Since you’ll want to spend at least one full day in the Asheville area, plan to spend the night nearby before continuing on your journey. As the quintessential mountain getaway, this cabin has 220-degree views and so many amenities that you may just choose to extend your trip to spend more time in this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom activity-lover’s paradise.

As you leave the mountains and cross into South Carolina, you’ll arrive at the inviting city of Greenville. Plan on spending time in the town, exploring the waterfall and suspension bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy. Grab a bite to eat and chat with the locals about how they feel, living in what has often been called the “best place to live in America.”

The next stop takes you to one of the most unique national parks in the U.S. Congaree National Park is a large hardwood forest that is a great way to transition from tree-filled mountains to the waters of the coast. Take the 2.6-mile Boardwalk Trail, which is an accessible, flat path, winding through the trees. Other hikes can sometimes be closed due to flooding, but if the Boardwalk Trail is hit with rain, you may just get to experience the feeling of walking on water.

After adventures in the park, you’ll want to relax at nearby Lake Marion and the Club Wyndham. Book a night (or two) here and enjoy time on the largest lake in South Carolina. Get a room with a water view, take a dip in the pool, and rest up to continue your route to the coast.

When you leave the lake, you’ll drive for about 90 minutes to the South Carolina island of Port Royal and the historic city of Beaufort. Palm trees are tucked between antebellum mansions and charming shops and restaurants line the streets. Spend time downtown, walking along the water and exploring the many historic sites and views.

The last stop on this picturesque route through the Carolinas is Edisto Island. One of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, Edisto is quiet, a bit rustic, and the ideal spot to end your southern adventure. As you drive the final stretch to the beach, Edisto Island National Scenic Byway, you’ll have no doubt you are in South Carolina as the road is lined with ancient live oaks covered in Spanish moss.

Edisto is unlike other popular South Carolina beaches with very little retail stores and no hotels. What you will find are endless adventures, expansive beaches, plentiful wildlife, shells, and maybe even rare fossils. Explore the island by and fall in love with its serenity and picturesque, untouched scenery.

Since there are no hotels on the island, a rental property is the way to go. This lovely, renovated home is right on the beach and has plenty of outdoor seating to take it all in. It is also located within walking distance to Edisto Beach State Park and a few other island amenities. Be sure to wake up early for a front row view of the sunrise.