10 North Carolina Mountain Drives That Locals Call The Most Scenic In The State
North Carolina’s mountains are a playground for the senses, offering drives that leave you breathless in more ways than one.
Twist along roads clinging to dramatic gorges, or cruise high-elevation parkways where panoramic views stretch as far as the eye can see.
Perfect for photography lovers, driving aficionados, or anyone chasing awe-inspiring landscapes, these scenic routes capture the magic of the mountains like nowhere else.
1. Cherohala Skyway’s Cloud-Touching Route
Rising dramatically from Robbinsville, this 43-mile National Scenic Byway feels like driving through the clouds. The road crests at over 5,400 feet, with North Carolina claiming about 18 miles before crossing into Tennessee.
Morning fog creates ethereal landscapes as it settles in valleys below. Unlike its famous cousin, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala’s light traffic means you’ll often have those massive Smoky Mountain panoramas all to yourself.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway’s Asheville to Grandfather Mountain Stretch
Locals call this stretch the crown jewel of North Carolina’s mountain roads. The 469-mile “America’s Favorite Drive” reaches its scenic peak between Asheville and Grandfather Mountain.
Craggy Gardens bursts with rhododendron blooms in June, while the engineering marvel of Linn Cove Viaduct seems to float among treetops.
The viaduct, completed in 1987, was the final piece in the parkway’s construction puzzle.
3. Tail of the Dragon’s Legendary Curves
My first drive on this infamous stretch nearly had me gripping the wheel white-knuckled! The 11-mile section of US-129 near Deals Gap packs an astonishing 318 curves through dense forest.
Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts flock here for the technical challenge. The road runs without a single intersecting street, creating an uninterrupted flow of twists and turns.
Weekday mornings offer the best experience with fewer vehicles to navigate around.
4. Waterfall Byway’s Cascade Corridor
US-64 between Rosman and Murphy delivers a 98-mile journey showcasing North Carolina’s most accessible waterfalls. The Cullasaja Gorge section features roadside stunners like Dry Falls, where you can walk behind the curtain of water.
Bridal Veil Falls once allowed cars to drive behind it until rock slides closed that passage. The byway connects charming mountain towns like Highlands and Franklin, making it perfect for a full-day adventure with plenty of picnic spots.
5. Forest Heritage Scenic Byway’s Woodland Loop
I’ve driven this 76-mile Pisgah Forest loop dozens of times and still discover new details. The route combines US-276 and NC-215 into a perfect day trip from Brevard, with the Blue Ridge Parkway connecting the northern sections.
Looking Glass Falls sits right beside the road – no hiking required! The Cradle of Forestry historical site marks the birthplace of American forestry education.
Summer travelers can cool off at Sliding Rock, where locals line up to slide down the natural water chute.
6. Newfound Gap Road’s National Park Passage
US-441 cuts through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, climbing from Cherokee to the 5,046-foot Newfound Gap at the Tennessee state line.
The dramatic elevation change creates distinct ecological zones, transitioning from hardwood forests to spruce-fir ecosystems.
The nearby spur road to Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) (seasonal) leads to the highest point in Tennessee.
Pull-offs along the route reveal ancient mountains rolling toward the horizon – best viewed in early morning light when haze is minimal.
7. Indian Lakes Scenic Byway’s Shoreline Spectacle
NC-28 and US-129 form a mesmerizing route around the shorelines of Fontana and Santeetlah lakes, where mountain ridges plunge directly into crystal blue waters. The massive Fontana Dam, once the world’s fourth-tallest concrete dam, creates an impressive backdrop.
Lake Santeetlah’s countless coves and inlets showcase mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks. This designated North Carolina Scenic Byway connects with both the Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon, making it a perfect addition to a mountain road trip.
8. Nantahala Byway’s River-Hugging Route
The 43-mile journey along US-74 from Whittier to Marble features an exhilarating 20-mile section through Nantahala Gorge. Towering rock walls and dense forests frame the road as it follows the rushing Nantahala River, popular with whitewater enthusiasts.
Strategic pull-offs allow you to watch colorful rafts navigate the rapids below. The name “Nantahala” means “land of the noonday sun” in Cherokee, referring to how the steep gorge walls only allow direct sunlight during midday hours, creating dramatic lighting effects.
9. Black Mountain Rag’s Musical Mountain Passage
Named after a traditional fiddle tune, NC-9’s 31-mile route from Black Mountain to Bat Cave delivers rhythmic twists and turns that seem to dance through the landscape. The road descends dramatically through Hickory Nut Gorge toward the iconic Chimney Rock formation.
Hairpin curves demand full attention, but frequent pull-offs reward drivers with sweeping valley vistas. I once counted 15 different shades of green from one overlook during summer!
The historic route connects charming small towns with unique shops and local eateries worth exploring.
10. The Rattler’s Appalachian Medley
Motorcyclists gave NC-209 its nickname “The Rattler” for good reason – this 36-mile route between Lake Junaluska and Hot Springs slithers through farmland before coiling into tight mountain curves. The road follows ancient paths once used by Cherokee hunters.
Rolling pastures gradually give way to dense forests and rocky outcroppings. Hot Springs, where the Appalachian Trail crosses Main Street, makes a perfect endpoint.
Warm mineral waters await tired travelers, just as they have since the town became North Carolina’s first tourist destination in the 1800s.