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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth USANorth CarolinaCullasaja River
Cedar Forest

Cullasaja River Road Trip

Hendersonville - Balsam Grove - Wolf Mountain - Highlands - Franklin

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Wildlife Wildlife
Urban life Urban life
Cullasaja River Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km215 h/stage1.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Cullasaja River Road Trip in North Carolina?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 323EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 413EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 108EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 242EUR eat & more 216EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 496EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 604EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 180EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 396EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 734EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 914EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 450EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 110EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 317EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 767EUR
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Cullasaja River Road Trip Itinerary

The Cullasaja River Road Trip is a 215km journey from Hendersonville to Franklin in the United States. It is recommended that you take two days to complete the trip and the best time of year to take it is in the spring or summer months when the weather is warm and the scenery is at its most beautiful. The route takes you through Balsam Grove, Wolf Mountain and Highlands, offering spectacular views of the river, forests and mountains. The roads are in excellent condition, although some parts can be narrow and winding. This trip is an excellent way to experience the beauty of nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. It is suitable for all levels of driver and can be done on a moderate budget.
number of days 2 number of days
route length 215 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Hendersonville

Distance 215 km Driving time 4.1 h Pace: modest 55.9 kWh Airports CLT
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Hendersonville, North Carolina is the perfect starting point for the "Cullasaja River Road Trip". Located 40 miles from Asheville, Hendersonville is a scenic mountain town that offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its charming downtown district, friendly locals, and a variety of attractions, it's easy to see why Hendersonville is one of the most popular destinations in the area. When visiting Hendersonville, be sure to check out the Historic Courthouse, Panther's Peak, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, and the Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The town also boasts a variety of outdoor activities, including golf, fishing, and hiking. For those looking for a unique experience, the town also offers a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. The closest international airport to Hendersonville is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located 40 miles from town. From the airport, car rentals are available for those who would like to explore the area by car. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable "Cullasaja River Road Trip" that starts in Hendersonville!

1 Hendersonville - Balsam Grove

Distance 118 km Driving time 2.1 h Pace: modest 30.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Hendersonville to Balsam Grove? This 74-mile journey takes less than two hours and will take you through some of the most scenic routes in the United States. On your way, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the winding roads. Make sure to take your time and soak in the beauty of the area. Your first stop should be Chimney Rock State Park, where you can take in the stunning views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. After that, you can take a break at the Green River Adventures, where you can go whitewater rafting and kayaking. Then, you can head to the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site to learn about the life of poet Carl Sandburg and enjoy the beautiful gardens. Your final stop should be at Balsam Grove. Here, you can take a hike on the Art Loeb Trail and enjoy the beauty of the Nantahala National Forest. Don't forget to take a break at the Catheys Creek Falls to enjoy the peacefulness of the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

2 Balsam Grove - Wolf Mountain

Distance 14 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: slow 3.3 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Balsam Grove to Wolf Mountain! This 9mi drive will take you less than 1 hour and will be full of surprises. The road is scenic, winding in some sections, and narrow in others. While on the road, make sure to take in the views of the amazing landscapes that surround you. Once you reach Wolf Mountain, you will find plenty of attractions to explore, such as the Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Wolf Mountain Nature Preserve, and the Wolf Mountain Scenic Overlook. For those looking for a place to stay, Wolf Mountain offers several accommodation options. There are also several restaurants and campsites along the route. For more information, including attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Wolf Mountain - Highlands

Distance 53 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 13.9 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road stretches of winding road accommodation options
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Embark on a thrilling road trip stage and explore the captivating beauty of Wolf Mountain and Highlands! This 33-mile drive will take you less than an hour, and you will be amazed by the winding roads and the scenic views that you will encounter along the way. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the journey, as there are many stunning sights that you won't want to miss! Once you reach Wolf Mountain, you can explore the breathtaking hiking trails, and take in the stunning views of the mountains. Then, you can head to Highlands, where you can marvel at the scenic views of the lakes, rivers, and forests that surround the area. Don't forget to check out the local shops and restaurants for a unique experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

4 Highlands - Franklin

Distance 29 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: modest 7.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Highlands to Franklin? This stage of your journey will cover 18 miles in less than an hour. As you drive, you'll be able to take in the breathtaking scenery of the area. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the views! In Highlands, take a moment to explore the Highlands Nature Center and learn about the region's ecology and history. You can also take a stroll around the Highlands Lake, where you can find a variety of birds, turtles, and other wildlife. As you make your way to Franklin, you'll pass a few small towns with unique attractions. Stop in at the Macon County Historical Museum and explore the area's past. You can also visit the Cowee Valley Historical Museum to learn more about the area's Cherokee heritage. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Franklin. Here, you can explore the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, and the Franklin Gem and Mineral Park. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip. Enjoy your journey!

  Franklin

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The town of Franklin, located in the mountains of western North Carolina, is the perfect place to finish your road trip along the Cullasaja River. With its stunning mountain views, quaint downtown, and friendly locals, Franklin is the perfect place to enjoy the end of your journey. Start your trip by exploring the picturesque downtown, where you can shop in one of the many antique stores, grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafes and restaurants, or take a stroll along the river. Art galleries, local breweries, and music venues are all available to explore. If you're looking to get out in nature, Franklin has plenty to offer. Take a drive along the scenic Cullasaja River Trail, where you can take in the stunning mountain views, or explore the Nantahala National Forest, where you can take a hike or go for a swim. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Franklin, you're sure to have a great time. If you're flying in, the closest international airport is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL). So, if you're looking for the perfect place to end your road trip along the Cullasaja River, Franklin is the ideal destination. With its unique downtown, stunning mountain views, and plenty of outdoor activities, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the end of your journey.

Cullasaja River Road Trip at a glance

Cullasaja River Road Trip is waiting to be tried out in real life – grab the steering wheel and make use of it!
The itinerary we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original beauty spots.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around North Carolina, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a bunch of things to keep in mind to make your trip safe. These tips will surely become useful for travellers who are considering vehicle hire or camper hire.
When sightseeing around North Carolina, there are multiple traffic rules to be remembered. When moving around North Carolina in a car, it is best to avoid spirits at any cost. Holidaymakers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol you can consume is rather low and cannot exceed 0.5‰. Exceeding the maximum permissible speed, which is 40km/h, when driving around the urban areas may lead to speeding offence. In non-build-up areas, there is a possibility to travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. On highways, 129km/h is the speed limit that you should never exceed. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your vehicle with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher increase the safety.
How about the costs of the trip? Depending on the budget option that you aim for, the money that you have to spend on your trip expenses will differ. Let’s have a look at the budget options.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 215km across North Carolina will amount to 25 EUR. Within the economy offer, accommodation will cost about 154 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option may cost up to more or less 144 EUR. If you also choose the cheapest hire car option, you will pay approximately 90 EUR. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from approximately 323 EUR to approximately 413 EUR.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 38 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses may amount up to about 242 EUR. Drivers may expect that the standard option in terms of restaurants and food will cost roughly 216 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental vehicle can expect a cost of more or less 108 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 604 EUR for the whole Cullasaja River Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend more or less 496 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 914 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle hire will spend more or less 734 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium hire vehicle should expect a cost of around 180 EUR. In the premium configuration of the itinerary, the fuel cost will equal as much as 50 EUR. Holidayers should expect to pay more or less 288 EUR for food and restaurants and about 396 EUR for overnight stays if they are interested in the exclusive standard of services.
Our tour is also an ideal opportunity for all camper fans. When it comes to this travel means, it costs more or less 450 EUR. You have to spend the maximum of 63 EUR on the fuel required to cover the trip in a camper. Tourists who are interested in camper rental should expect to pay more or less 110 EUR for accommodation and around 144 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above details in an easy to follow way.
The period between May and September is superb to explore the part of North Carolina mentioned in our itinerary idea. There are plenty of picturesque road adventures that we offer on our website if you like Cullasaja River Road Trip. Hopefully, the great diversity of trips will surely come up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers.

Facts for safer driving in North Carolina

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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