UK Travel Influencer shares "Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip"

Story by Scott Tisson on intrepidescape.com originally published July 30th, 2025

Well hello North Carolina! We are now in the South-eastern region of the United States in a state known for it’s diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. Right up my street!

First things first, people either tend to focus their North Carolina road trip on one of two options, the mountains or the sea. This itinerary is in the mountains and centres around the majestic Blue Ridge Parkway. I’ll be back soon to write a coastal North Carolina itinerary.

The North Carolina mountains are part of the larger Appalachian range, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for stunning waterfalls, iconic landmarks and hiking. Lots and lots of hiking.

How to Prepare a North Carolina Road Trip Itinerary

Planning a North Carolina road trip? Keep it simple. I’d recommend picking a few towns as your base, give yourself a couple of days in each one, and leave some room to explore along the way. Start with the towns I’ve suggested below, and see what activities you can do in each one.

Now, before we go through the stops and the activities for each, let me go through some essentials. How long to plan, how much, and the must-see spots.

I booked my North Carolina trip, flights and car hire with America As You Like It and you too can also create a very similar itinerary.

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Here are the quick things you need to know for your trip to North Carolina

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How Long to Plan a Road Trip in North Carolina?

I recommend planning 6 to 9 days. You’ll have enough time to explore a few areas without feeling rushed.

If you only have a long weekend, you can still have a solid trip by picking one area and digging into it properly. The areas I suggest as a starting point are Morganton in Burke County, Asheville in Buncombe County, and Brevard and the famous Blue Ridge Parkway.

How Much to Budget for a North Carolina Road Trip?

If you’re staying in decent places, eating out once or twice a day, and doing both free and paid activities, you’ll probably spend around $150 to $250 a day.

It’s easy to keep that lower, though. Hiking is free, petrol is cheap, and you can always grab food from a local grocery store or a big supermarket. Most of the accommodation options in North Carolina offer cooking facilities or at bare minimum access to a fridge and microwave!

What are the Must-see Places in North Carolina?

If it’s your first time in North Carolina, let’s start in the mountains. Most options involve flying into Charlotte, NC. And if you have time to spend a couple of days there then it’s a great starting point. My trip was about hiking, so I headed straight to Morganton in Burke County, which is only 1.5 hours away by car.

After Morganton, I suggest Asheville for great breweries, nightlife, charming little shops and great food. Then you have Brevard which is close to many of the outdoor activities and waterfalls.

The Blue Ridge Parkway ties everything together and you can access it from Asheville and Brevard. You’ll pass overlooks, trailheads, and enough views to make your camera work overtime.

And the best part, it’s open for business! Most of the routes are back open but it’s worth stopping by the Visitor Centre to double check which parts might be closed that week.

Ultimate North Carolina Road Trip

For this road trip, we go through three of the best spots in the western part of the state. Expect a mix of mountain views, local beer, good food, and easy hikes.

Stop 1: Morganton (Burke County)

Morganton is one of those places that can be often missed on route to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Don’t be one of those people! It has a bit of everything. Great food, beautiful trails, and a city centre that feels like a throwback.

Here are my top things to do in Morganton.

Hike Hawksbill Trail

This is one of the best short hikes in North Carolina. The trail is only about 1.5 miles to the top, but it’s all uphill and pretty steep. So wear decent shoes and expect to sweat.

At the summit, you get insane views over Linville Gorge and Table Rock. Sunset up here is unreal, but be careful heading down in the dark. Alternatively, you can go there for sunrise, as it’s open from sunrise to sunset.

The trailhead can be a little tricky to find. Look for the gravel Forest Service road off NC-181, and expect a bumpy ride. Bring plenty of water and some snacks, and lastly, don’t expect much network coverage on your phone.

Bike the Fonta Flora Trail

Another trail, but you can actually bike this one. There are great lake views and rolling dirt paths that are easy enough for casual bikers, so you don’t need years of experience.

It’s part of a bigger project that’ll eventually connect Morganton to Asheville, but the sections around Lake James are stunning.

You can start at the Fonta Flora County Park trailhead, there’s plenty of parking, public bathrooms and water refill spots. Expect a few mild climbs, wooden bridges, and some shady spots to stop and chill.

I recommend going with a guide if you can. We booked our bikes with Overmountain Cycles. You can either just hire the bikes here or book a guide as well. Having someone experienced who knows the trails well was great and I highly recommend them.

Bring water, and check your tires, since some parts can get rocky or muddy after rain.

Explore Downtown Morganton

Morganton’s downtown is small, but worth slowing down for. There are indie shops like Thornwell Books, colourful murals around almost every corner, and solid cafes to grab coffee or a quick bite.

If you’re around on the weekend, check for live music or markets in the square. Parking in town is easy and free, and that’s a nice change from bigger cities.

It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour or two just wandering around and pick up souvenirs or baked goods.

Valdese Lakeside Park and McGalliard Falls

Valdese Lakeside Park is a locals spot with lovely trails, lake views, and space to enjoy the moment. You’ll find a few options in terms of trails, but top of the list is the walk to McGalliard Falls.

McGalliard Falls is an easy and flat 20 minutes walk from the main car park, and this is where you can see a 40-foot waterfall flowing right next to an old stone mill.

The great part about Valdese Lakeside Park is that it’s super touristy, but that’s the point. Pack some snacks because there’s not much around in terms of food or drink.

Catawba Falls

This one’s right off Interstate 40 on your way to Asheville. Spoiler alert: It’s 100% worth the stop, so please don’t skip it!

The Catawba Falls trail is just over 3 miles round-trip and doable for most people. It follows a river the whole way, with little side trails and spots to cool off if it’s hot.

The waterfall itself is stunning, with multiple tiers and moss-covered rocks. Parking is easy, but fills up fast on weekends, so come early if you plan this trip on weekends.

It’s worth noting that the trail does get muddy, so don’t wear flip-flops. Especially after rain!

Lake James State Park

Another underrated place in North Carolina! Lake James has mountain views, clear water, and it’s a nice spot for hiking, kayaking, or just swimming (there’s a beach area).

The Paddy’s Creek side is more developed, with picnic tables, rentals, and lifeguards during summer. You can also camp here if you’re making it an overnight stop.

Do yourself a favour and bring bug spray in warmer months. Oh, and you’ll be glad you packed lunch, because once you’re in, there aren’t many food options.

The drive in is easy, and you can combine this with a ride on the nearby Fonta Flora Trail.

Places to Eat and Drink in Morganton

Morganton has a mix of laid-back spots and local favourites. All of them are perfect after a hike, but of course those depend on your personal preferences. Here are my recommendations:

• Fonta Flora Brewery: Farmhouse-style beers, outdoor seating, and good mountain views. Great for a post-ride drink as it’s close to the Fonta Flora Trail.
• Root and Vine: Located downtown. Upscale but not fussy. Seasonal menu and solid wine list and craft beer selection.
• Little Guatemala: Amazing street food style, snacks, and casual vibes. Plus, mini football (soccer) pitches if you feel like watching a game or getting involved with the community. We came for breakfast which was perfect
• JD’s Smokehouse: Classic Carolina BBQ with quick service. Big portions and a drive-through if you’re in a rush.

Check out my North Carolina YouTube video (and please don’t forget to subscribe!)

Where to Stay in Morganton

Morganton has a mix of nice, fancy hotels and local spots. It’s a great base if you want to hike the trails without high prices or crowds.

Stay at least one night to enjoy the food, brewery, and early morning hikes. Here are some excellent picks.

Luxury: Fairfield Inn & Suites Morganton

Mid-Range: Comfort Inn & Suites

Budget: Sleep Inn

Stop 2: Asheville (Buncombe County)

Next up and a must visit in North Carolina, this is Asheville. There’s great breweries, an art scene, and trails just minutes from town. If you’re thinking that we’ve seen enough trails in Morganton, think again.

Ashville is a place where you can hit a Korean restaurant, go for a sauna session, then spend the evening bar-hopping or just sitting by the river.

The Blue Ridge Parkway starts here too, so it’s the perfect base if you’re planning to drive that route.

Biltmore Estate

If you’ve done any research about North Carolina, you’ve probably seen or heard about Biltmore Estate.

Yes, it’s touristy, but if you’ve never been, it’s worth checking out at least once. Biltmore is the largest private home in the U.S., and the mansion tour takes you through dozens of over-the-top rooms from the Gilded Age. There’s an on-site winery, massive gardens, and walking trails on the estate grounds.

It’s not cheap ($85 per ticket), and it takes a few hours to see everything, so plan ahead. Go early to avoid crowds and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be on your feet a lot.

Downtown Asheville Walking Tour

Downtown Asheville is packed with character. And while I do love travelling solo and enjoying my time, sometimes, I do enjoy tours a lot. This was the case for this walking tour around Asheville.

There’s live music, weird and wonderful shops, murals, and street performers! I won’t ruin the surprise, but when I say weird shops, I mean L.O.F.T. of Asheville, Horse + Hero, or Asheville Raven & Crone. All are super interesting to say the least.

You don’t really need a tour guide to enjoy it, but a walking tour helps you catch the little details you might miss on your own. You’ll hear about the history of Asheville, the local architecture, and maybe even a few ghost stories, depending on the guide and the route.

Most tours cover about a mile and last 1–2 hours. Bring comfy shoes and cash for snacks or local shops along the way. Even if you go self-guided, it’s an easy way to feel the city’s personality up close.

BOOK THE WALKING TOUR NOW

Firefly Tour (Late Spring Only)

If you’re around in late May or early June, book a firefly tour. These guided walks take you into the forest at dusk, where thousands of synchronous fireflies light up all at once.

It really feels unreal to see in person. Spots are limited and sell out fast, so don’t wait too long to book. You also need to bare in mind you must have a keen interest in this topic, and you don’t always see them.

You’ll need a red-light flashlight and patience, but it’s totally worth it. Dress for bugs and mud, though. And don’t expect to get great photos without the right equipment.

Your tour can either try to spot blue ghost fireflies or synchronistic fireflies. The latter are often easier to spot (see photo below from WNC Photo tours), and the blue ghost fireflies are rarer and more unique.

To find out more contact J at WNC Photo Tours for Firefly or general photography tours in the Asheville area. He will talk you through it and is an excellent guide. Please let him know you found his tours from this article!

Visit the Breweries in Asheville

Asheville has more breweries per capita than almost anywhere in the U.S. Only Portland, ME, has more breweries!

Everything from hole-in-the-wall spots to big names with massive patios. You don’t need to be a beer nerd to enjoy them either. You see, most have food, good vibes, and plenty of outdoor seating.

• Burial Beer Co. has a gritty, industrial feel with creative beers and a cool back patio. They also do a great tour if you want to learn a bit more.
• Hillman Beer is smaller and more relaxed, with solid pub food and a riverside setting.
• Wicked Weed Brewing’s Brewpub is super popular but quite touristy. The beer is good, and there’s a nice outdoor space.

There are way more, but those three give you a solid mix. Don’t try to hit too many in one go, it’s better to slow down and enjoy each one.

You’ll also find brewery tours in this list of all tours from Asheville.

The Sauna House

I reckon this is one of the best ways to recover after a hike (or brewery crawl). The Sauna House has a simple hot-cold circuit. Warm up in a cedar sauna, rinse off, then do a cold plunge or shower. Repeat a few times, and you’ll leave feeling like a different person.

It’s quiet, clean, and laid-back; definitely not a spa setting. Walk-ins are sometimes available, but it’s safer to book online, which is what we did.

Bring a swimsuit and water bottle, and don’t plan anything too ambitious after. You’ll be completely chilled out.

Asheville Pinball Museum

Let’s include a nice, fun spot to this North Carolina road trip itinerary. The Asheville Pinball Museum is pure fun, just dozens of vintage pinball machines and classic arcade games you can actually play.

Pay one flat fee at the door (only $17 per person!), and then it’s unlimited games. They have machines from the 1960s to now, and it’s just as fun for adults as it is for kids.

You can grab a drink while you play and it never feels overly crowded. It’s walkable from the city centre, so it’s a perfect stop in between breweries or shops. No reservations needed this time; just show up and have fun.

Kayaking from Asheville

You can kayak on the French Broad River from either Ashville or Brevard (see below).

You’ll float past trees, small rapids, and the occasional heron or turtle. Don’t worry, it’s nothing extreme and you’ll go slow enough to enjoy the views (yet fast enough for a quick adrenaline rush).

I recommend booking online. Your guide will set you up with gear and shuttle you upstream so you can paddle back at your own pace.

The trip lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the water level. Bring sunscreen, water, and a dry bag for your phone. It’s peaceful, easy to manage for beginners, and a great way to see the area from a different angle.

CHECK AND RESERVE NOW

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Centre & Folk Art Centre

Before you hit the Blue Ridge Parkway, make time for this stop. It will save you a lot of guesswork.

The Visitor Centre gives you real-time info about closures, weather issues, and the best overlooks or trails for that day. We’ll go through the info about the Parkway later in this guide but it’s still nice to stop and learn more on your own before actually going there.

The staff are very helpful, and the exhibits give good background on what makes the Parkway special.

Right next door is the Folk Art Centre, which is full of handmade work from local artists. There’s woodwork, pottery, quilts, and more. It’s free to visit, and you can even watch live craft demos some days.

This stop is less about sightseeing and more about setting yourself up for a smoother journey.

Tours from Asheville

Did you know? You can book a huge variety of tours from Asheville. From ATV tours, Jeep tours, waterfall hikes, zip-lining, Ghost tours and hop-on hop-off bus tours. Take a look at all Asheville tours and be sure to book in advance.

CHECK OUT ALL TOURS IN ASHEVILLE

Where to Eat in Asheville

Asheville’s full of food options, but these are good if you want something quick, flavourful, and memorable.

• Taco Billy: Homemade tortillas and breakfast tacos done right. They open at 8:00 AM, so it’s a good place for breakfast before starting the road trip. In the evenings they often have live music, it’s always a good sign when it’s mostly locals.
• Guarjiro: Cuban comfort food that’s fast, filling, and really delicious. It’s a food truck but there is seating available. Fuelled us up perfectly before a day hiking.

Check out my North Carolina YouTube video (and please don’t forget to subscribe!)

Where to Stay in Asheville

Asheville has everything. Riverside cabins, boutique hotels and walkable flats in the city centre. If you want city access with a cosy feel, go for spots near the River Arts District or South Slope.

It’s worth booking early in peak season. Stay two or three nights here, since it’s the most central stop on the road trip.

Luxury: The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa, Asheville

Mid-Range: Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

I really loved staying at Wrong Way, cosy lodges with parking underneath. Great coffee, a kitchenette and a lovely riverside location. You are a little out of town but that doesn’t matter too much when you have a car.

Budget: Downtown Inn

Stop 3: Brevard & the Blue Ridge Parkway

Once you hit Brevard, you’re deep in waterfall territory. This part of North Carolina is slower, greener, and built for people who like being outside.

There are more hiking trails, tubing and kayaking options, and the kind of small-town charm that feels authentic.

The Parkway winds right through Brevard, so you can jump from swimming holes to scenic overlooks without much effort. It’s the spot to unwind and just enjoy this North Carolina road trip itinerary fully.

Please note: At the time of visiting, parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed until further notice. Before going, I recommend checking the latest updates by following this link.

Looking Glass Falls

This is the easiest waterfall to visit in the area, and it’s no wonder that this is the first activity on this stop.

First of all, there’s no hike required. You literally pull over on the side of the road, walk down a short flight of steps, and boom, the waterfall is right there.

It’s powerful, photogenic, and a great stop if you’re short on time or travelling with kids. You can get close to the water, but be careful, because it’s slippery. Go early or on a weekday if you want it less crowded. It’s right off U.S. 276 near Brevard, and you’ll see the signs well before the turnoff.

Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock is exactly what it sounds like. A natural rock slide into a freezing mountain pool. It’s short, fast, and honestly kind of addicting once you’ve done it once.

There’s a small entry fee ($5 per person) during the summer when lifeguards are on duty. Bring water shoes, wear a swimsuit, and expect to wait in line if it’s a hot weekend.

Even if you don’t slide, it’s fun to watch. Just be warned: that water is pretty cold, even in July. Parking fills up fast, so go early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

If you want to truly see how fun slipping and sliding down Sliding Rock falls is, check out my North Carolina YouTube video (and don’t forget to subscribe!).

Triple Falls & Hooker Falls

Both of these are on the same trail in DuPont State Forest, so you can see them both in one go.

Here’s my suggested itinerary. Start with Hooker Falls. it’s a short, flat walk from the parking area. People swim here in the summer, and the flow is usually gentle.

Then, keep hiking up to Triple Falls, which is way more dramatic. You’ll climb a bit, but it’s not bad. The falls drop in three tiers and look straight out of a movie. And that’s because they were (The Hunger Games filmed here). It’s one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in the area.

If you’ve still got energy, keep going to High Falls. It’s a huge, thundering waterfall with a wide overlook and side trails to get closer. It’s the biggest one in the park and totally worth the extra effort before resuming the drive.

Graveyard Fields & Upper Falls

Yes, this next stop has a weird name, but don’t let that throw you off. It’s one of the most popular hiking spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for good reason.

The trail takes you through open meadows, past small creeks, and down to two waterfalls. Lower Falls is closer and easier to reach; Upper Falls takes more effort but is usually less crowded.

The landscape here feels different from everywhere else in North Carolina. It’s wide open, almost like a high-elevation meadow. Go early for parking, and bring layers, it can feel 10 degrees colder than Asheville, even in summer.

Dry Falls

This one’s a crowd-pleaser, and you’ll immediately understand why. Dry Falls is about 75 feet tall, and the trail takes you behind the waterfall, without getting soaked (unless it’s windy).

It’s right off Highway 64 near Highlands, and the walk from the parking lot is super short, maybe 10 minutes at most. The view is impressive even if you’re just doing a quick stop.

There’s a solid overlook if you don’t want to hike down, and it’s easy to access with kids or seniors.

Note that there’s a $3 parking fee, which is affordable and definitely worth it!

Moore Cove Falls, Falls on Grogan Creek, Crabtree Falls

If you’ve already seen the big-name waterfalls and want something quieter, these three are solid choices. They’re scenic without being overrun, and the trails are manageable for most fitness levels.

You won’t get massive crowds or paved paths here. Instead, just peaceful forest hikes and the sound of water.

• Moore Cove Falls is an easy walk, and you can actually go behind the waterfall. It’s not very big, but the area is quiet and shady, and that makes it a good stop on a warm day.
• Falls on Grogan Creek are harder to find. They’re deep in Pisgah National Forest near the fish hatchery. It feels more remote and is a good option if you’re looking for something less busy.
• Crabtree Falls takes a bit longer to reach (it’s off the Blue Ridge Parkway) but the 70-foot waterfall and loop trail make it a solid choice.

None of these spots are flashy, but they’re perfect if you just want some quiet time in the woods without selfie-stick crowds.

Kayaking from Brevard

As I mentioned earlier, you can kayak on the French Broad River from either Ashville or Brevard. We chose to do it with Headwaters Outfitters which is closest to Brevard.

It was a fantastic morning on the water and our guide Danielle told us all about the area and helped us spot wildlife! Including spotting a bald eagle and a heron in the first 30 minutes.

I recommend booking with Headwaters Outfitters. You meet them at their base and the guide will set you up with gear and shuttle you to the launch and pick you up later.

The trip lasts between 2 and 3 hours and they can also organise fishing trips. And in addition their base even has a taproom and a brilliant food truck, bonus! Bring sunscreen, water, and a dry bag for your phone.

Tubing in Brevard

Not into kayaking? Well, tubing on the French Broad River might just be the option you’re looking for!

You’ll float for a few hours, soak up the sun, and maybe get stuck on a rock or two. But it’s all part of the fun.

The waters around Asheville are quite calm, and most stretches are super beginner-friendly. Wear a hat, bring a drink, and slap on some waterproof sunscreen.

It’s cheap, low effort, and perfect when you’re too tired to hike but still want to be outside. In short, the perfect stop for this road trip to North Carolina.

BOOK THE TUBING TRIP NOW

Look for White Squirrels

Brevard is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can spot white squirrels, and they’re not albino, just a rare colour variant.

You’ll see them darting through backyards, parks, and even downtown trees. Brevard is quite proud of them, I found, and honestly, it’s kind of fun to try and spot one.

Every May, they have the White Squirrel Festival, which has live music, food vendors, local art, and a relaxing small-town setting. Even if you’re not into festivals, keep your eyes peeled, because locals swear you’re not a real visitor until you’ve seen one.

Drive Through the Scenic Pisgah National Forest

If you don’t feel like hiking or just want a slower day, you can drive through Pisgah National Forest. This is a great way to see the landscape.

Roads like US-276 and US-64 pass by waterfalls, mountain overlooks, and quiet stretches of forest.

You can stop at spots like Looking Glass Falls or Sliding Rock along the way. So if you plan to go to both, you just can’t skip Pisgah National Forest.

Where to Eat and Drink in Brevard

Food options near the Parkway are more limited, but these places are worth a stop if you’re nearby.

• Oskar Blues: Big brewery with outdoor space, live music, and food trucks on rotation. Expect burgers, fries, and definitely comforting dishes.
• Stonebowl House Korean: Great stop if you’re driving through Brevard and craving something different. Try their bulgogi, it’s amazing!
• Smoke On BBQ: Drive-through BBQ spot with pulled pork, brisket, and quick service. Highly recommended!
• El Ranchero: Local Mexican place with big plates and good value. Easy to grab lunch before or after a hike, and they’re open until 9:00 PM during the week which is convenient.

Check out my North Carolina YouTube video (and please don’t forget to subscribe!)

Where to Stay in Brevard on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Just like other spots on this road trip around North Carolina, Brevard has different accommodation options. Motels, cabins, and regular hotels that you can book for a night or more.

If you want quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, stay just north of Brevard or near Pisgah Forest. Two nights is enough, but you could easily stay longer.

Luxury: Holiday Inn Express, Brevard

Mid-Range: Hampton Inn Brevard

Budget: The Sunset Motel

FAQ for this Road Trip

If you’re still sorting out the details or wondering if this trip’s right for you, these quick answers should help.

Where to Rent a Car in North Carolina?

You can rent cars easily at major airports like Charlotte (CLT) and Asheville (AVL). That said, cars are usually cheaper at bigger airports, and you’ll have more car options.

Go for something with decent ground clearance if you plan to go to gravel roads near waterfalls or trailheads. Also, book ahead during spring and fall. Those are the busy seasons in the mountains.

Explore some options for Car rental here.

Where to Start this Road Trip From?

You’ll want to start in either Charlotte or Asheville, depending on where they fly in. If you land in Charlotte, it’s an easy 1.5-hour drive to Morganton, which makes a great first stop.

If you’re already in Asheville, just reverse the route and end in Morganton. Either way works, you’re not locked into one direction.

Is North Carolina Actually Worth Visiting?

Yes. 100%. There are gorgeous waterfalls, mountain views everywhere, breweries, and laid-back towns. All without the price tag or traffic of other mountain states!

Western North Carolina, in particular, has scenic drives and very peaceful places to explore. It’s not flashy or overbuilt, and that’s what makes it great.

Conclusion

That was an epic trip and I’ve packed a lot in to this article, well done if you’ve got this far. In summary I just want to ask, what are you waiting for? If you’re ready for some outdoor adventure, endless waterfalls, great food and a vibrant mountainous destination, North Carolina is waiting.

This trip was supported by the Visit North Carolina, but as always all thoughts, opinions and suggestions my own.