North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary
Take a 14-day North Carolina Road Trip and explore the best of the state! Start in Charlotte, the largest city in the state, and drive 2432 km through Hendersonville, Franklin, Waynesville, Spruce Pine, Boone, Elizabeth City, Cape Hatteras, and Emerald Isle, before you return to Charlotte.
The best time to go on this road trip is during the summer months, when you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes, beaches, and overall excellent road conditions.
This road trip offers a high level of experience and memories, and is suitable for every driver. With a moderate budget, you can enjoy all the sights and sounds North Carolina has to offer. So, don't wait any longer and start planning your North Carolina Road Trip today!
14
number of days
2,432 km
route length
fair
budget
family
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on the right
traffic direction
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START
Charlotte
Distance 2,432 km
Driving time 36.2 h
Pace: fast
729.6 kWh
Airports
CLT
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Charlotte, North Carolina is the perfect place to start your North Carolina road trip. Located in the heart of the Carolina Piedmont, the city of Charlotte is a vibrant hub for culture, the arts, and entertainment. Home to the Carolina Panthers NFL team, the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte provides a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
For visitors traveling by air, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the closest international airport, located just 6 miles from the city center. From there, travelers can easily rent cars and begin to explore the city and its surrounding areas.
With so much to see and do, Charlotte is a great place to start your North Carolina road trip. Be sure to explore the city's various neighborhoods, such as historic Dilworth and Fourth Ward, and visit nearby attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Levine Museum of the New South, and the Mint Museum Uptown. Be sure to visit the Carolina Panthers' Bank of America Stadium, the Billy Graham Library, and the vast array of shopping, dining, and entertainment venues located in SouthPark.
No matter how you choose to spend your time in Charlotte, you're sure to find plenty of things to do and see. So, start your North Carolina road trip in Charlotte and discover the many wonders that await!
1
Charlotte
- Hendersonville
Distance 168 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: fast
50.5 kWh
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Welcome to one of the stages of your road trip, from Charlotte to Hendersonville! This stretch of the journey is 105 miles long and will take you less than 2 hours to complete.
Start your trip in Charlotte, North Carolina, and take some time to explore the city's attractions, such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Next, you'll be driving through the beautiful countryside of North Carolina, passing by small towns and lush green forests.
The end of your journey will be Hendersonville, a charming town with a vibrant downtown area. Stop by the Historic Johnson Farm and take a stroll through the picturesque grounds, or head to the Hendersonville Little Theatre for a unique theatre experience.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Hendersonville - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Hendersonville
- Franklin
Distance 214 km
Driving time 4.4 h
Pace: modest
55.6 kWh
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Welcome to the Hendersonville-Franklin road trip stage! This stage of your journey will take you through the beautiful Tennessee countryside, covering a distance of 133 miles and taking fewer than 5 hours to complete.
Start your trip in Hendersonville, where you can visit the Historic Rock Castle and the Hendersonville Memory Gardens. For a unique experience, visit the Sumner Crest Winery and learn about their award-winning wines.
Continue your journey to Franklin and explore the Carter House, a historic Civil War site, and the Lotz House Museum, which was a witness to the Battle of Franklin in 1864. You can also take a stroll along the Harpeth River Greenway and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Make sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Franklin - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Franklin
- Waynesville
Distance 216 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: fast
64.8 kWh
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Are you planning a road trip to explore the beautiful countryside of North Carolina? Then you should definitely consider Franklin to Waynesville as part of your itinerary! This 134 mi drive will take you less than 3 hours and you'll get to see some of the most interesting places in the area.
Start your journey in Franklin, a charming town with a rich history and plenty of attractions to explore. Visit the Old Jail Museum, the Historic Franklin Train Depot and the Macon County Historical Museum to learn more about the local culture.
Continue your journey to Waynesville, a picturesque small town nestled in the mountains. Take a stroll through the Main Street and admire the historic buildings, the local art galleries and the many shops. Visit the Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts to learn more about the area's traditional crafts.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Waynesville - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipédia
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4
Waynesville
- Spruce Pine
Distance 198 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: modest
51.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Start your journey in Waynesville, United States and enjoy the 123mi drive to Spruce Pine. You’ll be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the area in less than 4 hours.
In Waynesville, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Lake Junaluska, a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing. Then, head to the Wheels Through Time Museum, a unique collection of vintage motorcycles and memorabilia.
On your way to Spruce Pine, you’ll find the picturesque Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, with its sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and trails. Once you arrive in Spruce Pine, visit the Mineral and Lapidary Museum, where you can learn about the area’s rich mining history.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Spruce Pine - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.piqsels.com
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5
Spruce Pine
- Boone
Distance 155 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: modest
40.4 kWh
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Are you ready for a spectacular 97mi road trip from Spruce Pine to Boone? Get ready to explore some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the Appalachian Mountains.
Start your journey in Spruce Pine, a picturesque small town in North Carolina. Here you can admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, visit the charming local shops, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Continue your journey to Boone, the largest town in the area. Here you can find numerous attractions like the Mast General Store, the Appalachian Cultural Museum, and the Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park. You can also explore the stunning scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, take a hike in the Pisgah National Forest, and enjoy some of the best outdoor activities in the area.
The entire journey should take you less than 3 hours and you won’t regret it. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains and take in the fresh mountain air. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Spruce Pine to Boone!
Boone - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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6
Boone
- Greensboro
Distance 183 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: fast
54.8 kWh
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Greetings, road-trippers! Are you ready to explore the 113mi stretch between Boone and Greensboro? This is one of the most interesting stages of your tour, and it will take you fewer than 2 hours to drive.
First, you will visit Boone, a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Here you can explore the Appalachian State University, the Tweetsie Railroad and the Grandfather Mountain State Park.
Then, you will drive to Greensboro, the third-largest city in North Carolina. Here you can visit the Greensboro Science Center, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, and the Greensboro Arboretum.
We hope you enjoy this stage of your tour and that you have an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a safe journey!
Greensboro - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Greensboro - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Greensboro
- Raleigh
Distance 129 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: fast
38.6 kWh
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Greensboro to Raleigh road trip is the perfect way to explore North Carolina. This 80mi stretch is full of beautiful sights and exciting activities that can be enjoyed in fewer than 2 hours of driving.
Start your journey in Greensboro, the third largest city in the state, and visit the Greensboro Science Center, the Greensboro Historical Museum, and the Bog Garden.
Continue your drive to Raleigh, the state capital. Here, you can explore the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, the North Carolina Museum of Art, and the Pullen Park.
This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore the beauty of North Carolina!
Raleigh - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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8
Raleigh
- Elizabeth City
Distance 311 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: fast
93.4 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip from Raleigh to Elizabeth City? This is one of the most beautiful stages of your tour, only 193 miles away and you can do it in less than 4 hours.
In Raleigh, you can visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, a great place to learn about the natural environment of the state. The Pullen Park is also a great place for a picnic or for a ride on the historic carousel.
As you drive to Elizabeth City, you'll come across the Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. This is a great place to observe the wildlife and take some amazing pictures.
When you arrive in Elizabeth City, you can visit the Museum of the Albemarle, a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region. You can also visit the Elizabeth City Waterfront and take a boat tour of the Pasquotank River.
This stage of your road trip is full of interesting places to visit and will be a great experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Elizabeth City - United States - North America - Road Trip - Coast Guard Historian's Office
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9
Elizabeth City
- Cape Hatteras
Distance 196 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
58.7 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Elizabeth City to Cape Hatteras! This 122mi route will take you less than 3 hours to complete, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the most interesting places along the way.
Start your trip in Elizabeth City, home to the Museum of the Albemarle, a great place to learn about the history of the region and the first settlers. Then, head to the Dismal Swamp Canal Visitor Center, a great place to learn about the swamps and the wildlife that inhabits them.
Continue your trip to Edenton, where you can visit the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse and the 1767 Cupola House Museum. Then, make your way to Plymouth, where you can check out the Roanoke River Lighthouse.
Finally, you’ll reach your destination, Cape Hatteras. Here, you can explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Cape Hatteras - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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10
Cape Hatteras
- Emerald Isle
Distance 178 km
Driving time 5.6 h
Pace: slow
41.0 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your amazing tour starts in Cape Hatteras, United States and ends in Emerald Isle, covering a distance of 111mi and a driving time of fewer than 6 hours.
In Cape Hatteras, you can find the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the largest protected area of the U.S. Atlantic coast. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including kayaking, swimming, and fishing. You can also explore the historic lighthouses and the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
On your way to Emerald Isle, you can stop at the Fort Macon State Park, a 19th-century fortification with a museum and a beach. In Emerald Isle, you can visit the Emerald Isle Woods Park, a beautiful park with walking trails and picnic spots.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!
Emerald Isle - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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11
Emerald Isle
- Wilmington
Distance 131 km
Driving time 1.8 h
Pace: fast
39.2 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Are you ready for an amazing journey from Emerald Isle to Wilmington? This stage of your road trip is 81 miles long and takes a little less than two hours to drive.
Your first stop should be the Emerald Isle Woods Park. Here you can take a leisurely stroll through the trails, observe the wildlife, or take a dip in the ocean.
Next, you'll drive to the Fort Macon State Park. This historic site has an old Civil War fort, a museum, and plenty of beach access. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset!
As you continue your journey, you'll pass through the charming town of Morehead City. This quaint fishing village is full of seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and art galleries.
Finally, you'll arrive in Wilmington. This vibrant city is home to the USS Battleship North Carolina, the Cape Fear Museum, and the Airlie Gardens.
There are many other attractions to explore along the way, but these are some of the highlights. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Wilmington - United States - North America - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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12
Wilmington
- Charlotte
Distance 354 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: fast
106.1 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Are you ready to embark on a journey from Wilmington to Charlotte? This stage of your tour will cover a distance of 220 miles and should take you no more than 4 hours to complete.
In Wilmington, be sure to visit the Riverwalk, a 1.75-mile long path along the Cape Fear River. There, you can take a stroll, dine in one of the many restaurants, or take a boat tour. Don’t forget to take a picture of the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, a must-see attraction in Wilmington.
On your way to Charlotte, make a stop in Fayetteville, where you can explore the Airborne & Special Operations Museum and the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.
Once you reach Charlotte, you will be able to visit the U.S. National Whitewater Center, a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking. You can also take a stroll in the Freedom Park, where you will find a lake, a pedestrian bridge, and a playground.
Make sure to check out the itinerary of this stage for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Charlotte
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Charlotte, North Carolina, is the perfect place to end any North Carolina road trip. An exciting and vibrant city, Charlotte is home to a plethora of interesting sites to explore.
For those looking to learn more about the city's history, the Levine Museum of the New South is an excellent place to visit. Here, visitors will learn about the city's transition from a rural agricultural area to a bustling metropolitan hub. Other historical sites include the Charlotte Museum of History and the Carolina Military Museum.
Those looking for outdoor activities can explore the McDowell Nature Preserve, which is home to hiking trails as well as a lake. Visitors can also take a stroll through the historic Fourth Ward, which is lined with historic homes.
Nature lovers can also explore the Freedom Park, a 98-acre park that includes a lake, gardens, and a variety of nature trails. The park is also home to a number of events throughout the year, from concerts to farmers markets.
Shoppers can explore the SouthPark Mall, which is home to a variety of stores and restaurants. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is also a great place to visit, with a variety of events throughout the year.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
Charlotte is the perfect place to end any North Carolina road trip. With its rich history, outdoor activities, and vibrant shopping, it's sure to be a memorable experience.
North Carolina Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Charlotte
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End:
Charlotte
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Distance:
2,432 km
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Stay:
14 days
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Getting there:
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Set off on an enthralling 14-day Road Trip in North Carolina, circling back to the buzzing metropolis of Charlotte, the state's most populous city. Spanning a total of 2432 km, this adventure allows you to encounter a tapestry of landscapes and cultural experiences, from the quaint mountain towns of Hendersonville and Waynesville to the historic charm of Elizabeth City and the natural splendor of Cape Hatteras. This journey is perfect for drivers of all levels and is designed to fit a moderate budget.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Charlotte: Dive into the city's vibrant scene with a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center for outdoor activities.
- Hendersonville: Stroll through the delightful downtown, and don't miss the nearby Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.
- Franklin: Venture into the heart of gem mining country and access the famous Appalachian Trail.
- Waynesville: Soak up the Smoky Mountain scenery and browse through the charming local shops.
- Spruce Pine: Embark on a journey along the Blue Ridge Parkway known for its breathtaking views and hiking trails.
- Boone: Delve into Appalachian history and culture, and find outdoor thrills in the High Country.
- Elizabeth City: Step back in time at the historic waterfront and explore the Museum of the Albemarle's regional exhibits.
- Cape Hatteras: See the towering Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, America's tallest lighthouse, and partake in a variety of water sports.
- Emerald Isle: Unwind on the serene beaches and soak up the tranquil coastal ambience.
Best Time to Go:
Summer is the prime season for this Road Trip, offering travelers warm weather and optimal conditions for beachgoers, along with vibrant greenery across the state.
Potential Risks:
During summer, it's important to stay alert to the possibility of thunderstorms and hurricane threats on the coast. Regularly check the weather forecast and be prepared to adjust your itinerary if necessary.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- North Carolina is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
- The state's diverse geography includes the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Mount Mitchell, which is near the route through Spruce Pine.
- North Carolina has a rich tradition of craft brewing, and many local breweries can be found along your Road Trip route.
- The Outer Banks, including Cape Hatteras, are known for being the site where the Wright brothers made their first successful powered flight in 1903.
A good choice for:
Embark on an unforgettable North Carolina Road Trip and indulge in an array of experiences that blend serene beaches with lively cityscapes and the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. This journey is not just a Trip but an exploration of North Carolina's heart and soul.
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