North Carolina is home to some of the country’s most exquisite scenery: craggy mountains, green rolling hills, and white sandy beaches. Sometimes, the best trips you’ll ever take are the ones where the only destination you have is that of the road itself. Named America’s Favorite Drive, this one scenic parkway in North Carolina was recently recognized as being not only one of the best scenic drives in North Carolina but also one of the most scenic roads in the country. Here’s more on what you can look forward to when taking this breathtaking journey.

Filled with winding roads and views of some of North Carolina's most beautiful mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the perfect place to take a drive.
Jim B./Yelp
Long considered to be one of the best scenic drives in North Carolina, the parkway covers 469 miles of road, connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to our beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
With plenty of places to stop along the way and breathtaking overlooks, you'll never forget a drive down this parkway.
JIm B./Yelp
Over 252 miles of the parkway fall in North Carolina territory, America's longest linear park runs right through our Blue Ridge Mountains! It's the perfect way to take in the views of our mountains without having to strain yourself by actually climbing any of them.

Related Stories

9 Enchanting Spots In North Carolina You Never Knew Existed

9 Enchanting Spots In North Carolina You Never Knew Existed

 Take The Blue Ridge Parkway Through North Carolina For An Incredible 460-Mile Adventure That Ends On A Mountaintop

Take The Blue Ridge Parkway Through North Carolina For An Incredible 460-Mile Adventure That Ends On A Mountaintop

Paid Content Nissan
There's Nothing Quite As Magical As The Stone Face Tunnels You'll Find On The Blue Ridge Parkway In North Carolina

There's Nothing Quite As Magical As The Stone Face Tunnels You'll Find On The Blue Ridge Parkway In North Carolina
The parkway's headquarters is located right in Asheville, making the official Visitors Center a great place to stop along the way.
Jim B./Yelp
The Visitors Center features a ton of information about the parkway and also has a free 20-minute movie that's fascinating to watch. The center even has a 22-foot long interactive map of the parkway. Mind blown. If you're looking to soak in more of the history of this scenic parkway, then you'll want to stop in here.

How to get here: 195 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC, 28803
It's featured on the National Park Service website, so you can view the full map of the parkway.
Jim B./Yelp
The map can be printed out from home and also found at the Visitors Center, a useful tool to have in this great age of technology! You never know when a battery is going to run out or service will be lost, it's always handy to have the real hard copy to know where you're going. To view the printable map of the parkway, click here.

Want to experience a 3-minute tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway? Then watch this beautiful and informative video put together by finleyholiday on YouTube!

So what do you think? Do you agree that the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best scenic drives in North Carolina? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! Want to discover more amazing places within our state? Then check out This Charming General Store In North Carolina That Will Make You Long For The Good Old Days!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best scenic drives in North Carolina

Beth C. | August 13, 2021

What are the most scenic places in North Carolina?

From the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina to the white sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, North Carolina is positively brimming with beautiful scenery. Pinpointing some of the most scenic places in North Carolina can be a bit overwhelming, but fortunately, you've come to the right place! We've spent a lot of time researching the most scenic places in North Carolina. One of our top recommendations is the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. This suspension bridge allows you to walk at an elevation of one mile above sea level, offering you both an adrenaline rush and some of the best mountain scenery in the state. (That is, if you aren't surrounded by fog!) Another destination along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Bottoms Trail is one of the most scenic hikes in the region. The view from the top is one that you'll have to see to believe! For more inspiration, check out our full list of 25 Jaw-Dropping Places In North Carolina.

What are some other scenic drives in North Carolina?

Another beautiful drive that belongs on your itinerary is the Outer Banks Scenic Byway. Traveling from Whalebone Junction to Beaufort, this beautiful route will showcase North Carolina's barrier islands in the most unforgettable way. Plus, the road is sandwiched between the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean, offering unrivaled water views at every turn. Looking for a different kind of water view? Check out Highway 281 between Sapphire and the South Carolina border and you'll enjoy breathtaking waterfalls that line Whitewater Way. Here's more on some of the most scenic drives in North Carolina.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Blue Ridge Parkway, 3884 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28803, USA