Explore North Carolina’s Best Waterfalls And Wineries On This Multi-Day Road Trip
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Melanie Johnson
Author
It’s road trip season again! Time to gas up the car and drive to some incredible destinations in North Carolina. The Ol’ North State is sprinkled with tons of natural wonders that you must visit. From mountain ranges to river valleys to waterfalls and more, there is always something to see on a road trip. Fortunately, we have put together this epic road trip in North Carolina for you. It combines the best of our state’s waterfalls and wineries. And to make it even easier, we have also included some fantastic Best Western Hotels in North Carolina where you can rest.
This multi-day road trip will be about 10 hours of driving, and you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular falls and wineries. If you would like to add stops to this trip, here’s the itinerary for your convenience. As is the case with any road trip, you should aim to maximize your time, so we recommend you start driving early to beat the traffic and the crowds at some of these falls. Now, with that said, are you ready to kick start this epic road trip adventure?
Upper Whitewater Falls, North Carolina 28717, USA
Jumpstart this road trip with a visit to the most epic waterfall in North Carolina. Whitewater Falls is located near the border of South Carolina inside the Nantahala National Forest. This 411-foot waterfall is the most spectacular cascade in the state and is said to be the tallest cascade east of the Rockies. There’s an easy 0.5 hike on a paved trail to the overlook, which will give you plenty of time to experience this natural wonder.
Rainbow Falls, North Carolina 28747, USA
If you have never been awe-struck by a waterfall before, then you will be, once you glance at Rainbow Falls. Tucked inside the Pisgah National Forest, this 150-foot waterfall cascades down into a deep plunge pool. Be sure to have your camera handy because, on sunny days, you can capture a rainbow at the falls. Hence the name of this spectacular creation.
Looking Glass Falls, North Carolina 28768, USA
Easily the most accessible waterfall on this trip, there is no hiking required to see this 60-foot cascade. Looking Glass is also located in Pisgah National Forest, and the coolest part is that the falls are visible from your car. But we recommend that you park in the designated area, and take the steps down to the plunge pool. And if you’re in the mood to splash around, go ahead, take your shoes off and enjoy the cool water.
Now that you're done exploring those spectacular waterfalls, you can stay the night at the Best Western Hendersonville Inn or the GLo Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road, both conveniently located just a short distance away.
Now that you're done exploring those spectacular waterfalls, you can stay the night at the Best Western Hendersonville Inn or the GLo Best Western Asheville Tunnel Road, both conveniently located just a short distance away.
Mountain Brook Vineyards, 731 Phillips Dairy Rd, Tryon, NC 28782, USA
Now that you’ve had a chance to rest, head out to your first winery. Mountain Brook Vineyards is nestled inside the foothills of Tyron, and it offers incredible wines with picturesque views of the sunset. You’ll want to spend the day wine tasting at this winery while enjoying the pristine landscapes and the friendly people.
After your day of wine and stunning views, enjoy a night at the Best Western Plus Spartanburg, located a few miles from the winery.
After your day of wine and stunning views, enjoy a night at the Best Western Plus Spartanburg, located a few miles from the winery.
Crabtree Falls, North Carolina 28777, USA
Today, you’re in for another treat! You’ll drive an hour north, and experience three spectacular waterfalls in the area. The first is Crabtree Falls located on Blue Ridge Parkway. You’ll be amazed as you trek the 2.5-mile loop crossing over footbridges and creeks to get to this 70-foot waterfall.
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Linville Falls, North Carolina 28657, USA
The next waterfall is only a quick 25-mile drive away. Dubbed the most famous waterfall along the Blue Ridge, Linville Falls sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The 1.6-mile hiking trail leads to four different overlooks, so you can view the tiered cascades from different vantage points. How awesome is that?
Elk River Falls, Elk River Rd, Elk Park, NC 28622, USA
Consider taking a dip at the final waterfall on this leg of the trip. Elk River is a 50-foot waterfall flowing gracefully from the top of a cliff into a massive plunge pool. Tucked inside the Pisgah National Forest, this oasis is a favorite swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. So, have fun skipping across the large boulders, or cool off in the inviting pool. Don’t worry, there’s a Best Western hotel close by where you can call it a day.
After enjoying that pool at Elk River, head to the Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk, which is located within minutes of the falls.
After enjoying that pool at Elk River, head to the Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk, which is located within minutes of the falls.
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
Are you ready to explore another winery? If so, then head to Grandfather Vineyards. This winery is nestled on the banks of the Watauga River on a hillside overlooking the Appalachian Mountains. It’s not only pet-friendly, but it is also a hub for live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, and more. You’ll love spending the day at this cool venue sipping delicious wine and enjoying the vibes.
On the home stretch of this trip, we recommend driving over to Winston-Salem. You can spend the night at the Best Western Plus University Inn or drive to Best Western Plus Hanes Mall Hotel, you can't go wrong with either one.
On the home stretch of this trip, we recommend driving over to Winston-Salem. You can spend the night at the Best Western Plus University Inn or drive to Best Western Plus Hanes Mall Hotel, you can't go wrong with either one.
ZipQuest - Waterfall & Treetop Adventure, 533 Carvers Falls Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28311, USA
You’re in for a high-flying adventure at this next waterfall. If you’ve never ziplined over a waterfall, then this is your chance to experience this epic adventure. Take the 2.5-hour tour, soaring through treetops on this unforgettable obstacle course. You’ll have so much fun that you’ll want to repeat it again and again. Plus, you’ll be mesmerized by the view of the waterfall from up high.
Duplin Winery, 505 N Sycamore St, Rose Hill, NC 28458, USA
Now that your adrenaline is pumping, drive over to the final winery for some sweet southern hospitality. Dublin Winery is the oldest winery in the state. So, it’s fitting that we end this legendary road trip at one of North Carolina’s iconic places. Enjoy red and white, medium-bodied wines with notes of subtle fruit flavors. And once you're done basking in the rich history of this establishment, drive over to the coast for some relaxation.
Get a great night of sleep at the Best Western Plus Coastline Inn or the Best Western Plus Wilmington/Carolina Beach, both conveniently located near the coast.
Get a great night of sleep at the Best Western Plus Coastline Inn or the Best Western Plus Wilmington/Carolina Beach, both conveniently located near the coast.
So, are you ready to explore the wineries and waterfalls in North Carolina? Share your thoughts with us in the comment below! And when you do travel through our beautiful state, remember there are a ton of Best Western Hotels in North Carolina where you can rest.