NC Car Tours: Top 5 Road Trips You Can’t Miss

Looking for an adventure that combines freedom with fantastic views? Maybe you’re considering exploring the open roads of North Carolina, like a road trip sounds like the perfect escape. In that case, I have put together five sensational car tours in NC to take your breath away.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway: The Quintessential NC Drive

Probably the Blue Ridge Parkway has to be, just a little, North Carolina’s most treasured scenic byway. That is to say, its fame is rightfully earned. The parkway stretches for 252 miles through North Carolina, too it’s almost, delivering an absolutely stunning view at just about every turn. This route typically provides sweeping mountain vistas, overlooks ideal for photographs, plus lots of hiking trails where you could, arguably, stretch your legs.

Imagine cruising, seemingly, down this famous road during peak fall foliage – wow! You might want to stop at Mabry Mill. That is a gristmill and living history museum which offers a glimpse into mountain life from years past. Another spot is Doughton Park. A bit different because that features open meadows which are almost perfect for picnics and some chances for spotting deer plus wild turkeys.

When planning this route, it might be useful to check for closures because, naturally, certain parts might get shut sometimes, especially during the winter months. Pack layers, naturally. This could be since mountain weather, well, is known to change quite rapidly.

2. Outer Banks Scenic Byway: Coastal Charm and History

Completely different from mountains is the Outer Banks Scenic Byway that, at the end of the day, offers, maybe, an unforgettable coastal experience. So, this byway is for roughly 138 miles of Highway 12 which really carries you, literally, through the iconic barrier islands. These islands are filled with sprawling beaches plus historic landmarks. If you like that kind of thing, consider stopping along the way to visit various attractions.

Take, for example, the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where the first successful airplane flight took place. Very historic. Another option? The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the nation’s tallest lighthouse. Climb to the top and maybe take pictures.

Try and leave time for the beaches. Honestly, some stretches are known as having some excellent spots for both swimming and shell collecting. In the little coastal towns that dot this byway, there can be great little seafood spots and places to grab souvenirs. Driving along Highway 12. Keep an eye on conditions due to storms, as this is really a low-lying area.

3. Waterfall Byway: Chasing Waterfalls in Transylvania County

To be honest, the Waterfall Byway goes through Transylvania County, which, kind of, makes it perfect for anyone chasing these cascading beauties. I mean, the county claims to have something like over 250 waterfalls, really making this, well, like your a water wonderland.

Actually, a particularly cool waterfall can be seen at Looking Glass Falls. That’s so named for its glassy appearance, where that water slides down over the rock face. Another worthwhile stop? The Sliding Rock. A natural water slide and great for family fun on warm days. The best thing about it may well be its located nearby.

For photographers? Like, do keep in mind that early morning or late afternoon light might, just a little, provide ideal conditions to grab great pictures. Hike a little, right? Well-marked trails go near many different falls, anyway offering great views without, say, long hikes.

4. Pisgah Forest Loop: Mountain Majesty and Forest Trails

Speaking of mountain majesty and beautiful forest trails, the Pisgah Forest Loop that’s, literally, an area brimming in outdoor opportunities for, you know, anyone. If, in short, your heading into this forest, it often might give you a way into tons of recreational activities surrounded in all forms of nature’s finery. Pisgah is very lush with green canopies, all thanks to its location in the Appalachian mountain range.

A visit to this vast land provides, sometimes, scenic drives. In that case, explore Looking Glass Hill over in Transylvania County. That gives beautiful glimpses into its landscape, but honestly it could be bettered if mixed together with the forest’s several rivers and waterfalls. These all could offer respite and provide amazing opportunities to grab that picture that inspires the others around us!

The Pisgah Loop experience might offer the traveler an insight into the forest’s vast biking terrain and even some fantastic hiking trails which stretch through some beautiful spaces and over terrains of diverse conditions and landscapes, really allowing them some peace within all nature is meant, so giving the spirit some respite from worldly stress. These natural spots could just well revitalize any tired soul through adventure. Outdoor activities may allow yourself connection to mother earth with trails that wind round big green leafy canopies or hills that boast natural water systems.

5. Cherohala Skyway: A Scenic Mountain Escape

A fairly unique roadway option might, just maybe, present the chance for experiencing, truly, grand sweeping scenery along this beautiful highland. That’s to say, the Cherohala Skyway provides amazing elevation levels ranging high along both the Cherokee, which almost matches, with its sister road. Not least does it connect with, as your maybe expecting, the Nantahala forest!

The drive from points beyond, like that one far off in the horizons, has spots dotted here, that is, along the roadside and near to each lookout point! These have views allowing visitors or anyone who stops over there, almost there in sight. Plus? Those beautiful forest surroundings makes, surely, great memory grabbers!

That the skyway boasts a height that’s well above almost many locations, maybe this offers both views, really, with vistas where green leafy sights cover all around like that of being enveloped in soft fabric – very snug. Be mindful now. Given such high mountain landscapes with steep roads along paths and lanes. If, in fact, driving becomes worrisome or even, at the end of the day, somewhat dangerous maybe don’t continue onto such dangerous locales!