Car adventures in North Carolina: set off on a journey right now

Some of the most scenic highways in the United States traverse the states of North and South Carolina. Tourists are captivated by the grand mountains, verdant forests, and stunning wildlife.

Travelers are offered top routes that will lead drivers through the most picturesque destinations. Among them is the Myrtle Beach - Nags Head route, which follows the Atlantic Ocean coastline, as reported by TheTravel magazine.

This route, which includes a ferry ride, takes travelers from Myrtle Beach to Nags Head, known for its fishing piers. Along the way, tourists will pass through Carolina Beach, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, and even New Bern before reaching Nags Head. Distance: 450 miles, route duration: 9 hours.

The route from Fort Sumter to Cape Hatteras features scenic stops that offer glimpses into the past. Tourists can enjoy visits to popular sites such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the USS North Carolina battleship.

The itinerary includes stops at Kings Mountain, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Cowpens National Battlefield. Distance: 822 miles, route duration: 14.5 hours.

The journey from Cherokee to Marietta showcases some of the most beautiful parks. Travelers will encounter numerous renowned hiking trails, unique wildlife, and the serene backdrop of forests and waterways. Nature enthusiasts will delight in knowing that this is one of the most picturesque road trips in the Carolinas.

Hikers will commence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to several popular AllTrails hikes, and continue to Chimney Rock State Park, featuring the iconic Chimney Rock summit accessible via hiking trails. The route also includes stops at Sandhills Nature Preserve, Fort Macon State Park, Congaree National Park, and concludes at Jones Gap State Park. Distance: 935 miles, route duration: 17 hours.

South and North Carolina offer one of the most distinctive road trips in the United States—the Boone Mountain Road Trip. During this Carolina road trip, vacationers can explore the vast expanse of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and the scenic Oscar Wigington Road.

This route winds through numerous mountain communities and several major cities, with scenic stops including Oconee State Park, Kings Creek Falls, the Chattooga River, Smoky Mountain National Park, Asheville, and ultimately Boone. Distance: 347 miles, route duration: 7.5 hours.

The Honest Road to Boone. The interstate highways connecting the Carolinas are notable for offering direct views of mountains and numerous state parks. Starting at Highway 11 in South Carolina and continuing to North Carolina via US 221, this route is one of many unique road trip ideas. Ultimately, it provides a leisurely and relaxed drive, surrounded by wildlife.

For travelers seeking beautiful scenery, fresh air, and tranquil rivers, these roads deliver just that, beginning at Lake Hartwell and concluding in Boone. Distance: 220 miles, route duration: 5 hours.

Columbia - Raleigh: The capitals of North and South Carolina boast numerous cultural, historical, and scenic attractions. However, the trail that connects these two iconic cities offers incredible views of many monuments, wildlife, and the beautiful landscapes of the Carolinas.

This Carolina road trip itinerary includes stops in cities of various sizes, including a visit to the Atlantic Ocean. Distance: 372 miles, travel time: 6.5 hours.

The route between Durham and Charleston offers a scenic journey with stops at eight popular lakes spanning two states, featuring beautiful sandy beaches and calm blue waters. These stops include Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, Salem Lake, Tomahawk Lake, Lake Keowee, Lake Murray, Lake Marion, and culminates at Lake Moultrie. Distance: 580 miles, route duration: 10.5 hours.

The route from Georgetown to Bath combines the beauty of these cities with exquisite natural landscapes. Travelers have the opportunity to explore charming small towns in the south, immersing themselves in the local culture while traversing different parts of the two Carolinas. The route commences in Georgetown and proceeds to Beaufort, Bluffton, Travelers Rest, Beach Mountain, and Bath. Distance: 890 miles, route duration: 15.5 hours.

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The route from Bodie Island to Hilton Head Island offers a journey through beautiful local islands, making it one of the unique tourist routes in the Carolinas. This coastal journey presents travelers with opportunities to create lasting memories while visiting Bodie Island, Emerald Isle, Bald Head Island, Capers Island, Kiawah Island, Bear Island, and Hilton Head Island. Distance: 664 miles, route duration: 16 hours.

Lastly, the Charleston-Wilmington trip stands out as the best route. One of the most unique attributes of the South is its plantations. Observing the scattered houses and expansive squares evokes memories of bygone years, transporting visitors to a significant yet tumultuous time in history.

Many of these historic homes offer tours, where guides provide insights into the lifestyle when the plantation was originally built and operational. This tour commences in Charleston, South Carolina, at Magnolia Plantation and concludes in Wilmington, North Carolina, at Poplar Grove Plantation. Distance: 694 miles, route duration: 12 hours.