Mountains and Beaches in North Carolina



Mountains and Beaches in North Carolina

North Carolina Road Trip

Old Salem, Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood, the Outer Banks

All distances and times are indicative and do not include stops.

Total mileage; 1,200 round trip

Total drive time; 23 hours round trip

How long do I need? This trip can be done in 10 days without rushing, but I would take 2 weeks to spend more time exploring and just relaxing.

If you fancy getting a little bit off the beaten path of most British Tourists, a North Carolina road trip is a great bet. There is plenty to do and lots of amenity for visitors, but you are less likely to hear the dulcet tones of someone complaining about the lack of a kettle in their room than you are say in Florida.

I would start my trip by flying into Raleigh and from there head for Old Salem. This is not the Salem of the witch trials (that is in Massachusetts, just north of Boston), but a really cool museum. You can walk around the village and go into several of the 18th and 19th century buildings which are set up as houses, shops and taverns. Docents in period dress are there to explain what’s going on and it makes for a very relaxing experience.

View along the Blue Ridge Parkway, N.C.

View along the Blue Ridge Parkway, N.C.

From Old Salem I would head south west along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This incredible road joins Shenandoah and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Take plenty of time to stop off and enjoy the views. Be sure to check out Blowing Rock, a deep narrow gorge that funnels the wind hard enough to blow back light objects thrown from the top. From there head to Grandfather Mountain where you can walk over the awesome Mile High Swinging Bridge and drive the Linn Cover Viaduct for the fabulous views. Linville Falls is another great stop with a short hike to view the falls. The Biltmore Estate is also worth a stop with its amazing chateau style mansion and fabulous gardens.

Having explored the Blue Ridge Parkway, you will end up at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is a beautiful place – mountains thickly forested with deciduous trees and an incredible variety of plant and animal life. There are so many plants, that the water and hydrocarbons given off by the leaves is visible as a thin (smoky) vapour, hence the parks name.

This park is also distinguished by being America’s busiest. The main roads can get very busy indeed, especially during high summer and the autumn when millions come to see the amazing foliage. Your best bet to avoid the crowds is to travel during the week and arrive early. Once you are in the Park, leave your car and hit the trails. There are hikes to suit everyone and it is a fabulous way to enjoy the scenery without sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. When exploring the Park, don’t miss the Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove, which can easily be explored from the loop road.

Outer Banks, N.C.

Outer Banks, N.C.

Once you have finished exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can make your way west towards the coast and the beautiful beaches of the Outer Banks. There are a couple of good places to stop off on the way back. At least one good friend of ours and I suspect probably two (you know who you are Emma and Sue) would insist on going to Dollywood. I wouldn’t so I will just point out that it’s in the neighbourhood. (Having said that I do have to admit to having enjoyed a good girls night out to see 9-5 the musical. Still not going to Dollywood though). I would, however, stop off at Chimney Rock Park. This is a 2,280ft high lump of granite from the top of which there are fabulous views. I would hike up, but then I like that sort of thing. For those that prefer less breathless view taking, there is also a lift to the top.

Wright Brothers Memorial

Wright Brothers Memorial

The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands running along the Atlantic coast. The dunes and marshes create some unique eco systems and they are a great place for birders, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. They also have fabulous beaches and are a great place to unwind. You can swim, kite surf, go fishing, catch a boat trip, explore the various pretty towns and villages, or simply find a comfy spot and relax. Don’t miss the historic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, which is the tallest in the US or the Wright Brothers National Memorial, on the site of the first controlled, powered flight. The Visitor Centre has some interesting exhibits and you can see a replica of the famous 1903 Flyer.

In terms of places to stay, the best place from which to access the Great Smoky Mountains is Gatlinburg. In our view, the best hotel in town is the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Gatlinburg. It is within walking distance of all the restaurants and shops in Gatlinburg, there are indoor and outdoor pools, the rooms are massive with separate bedrooms, sitting areas and kitchens so you can do some self-catering if you wish. There is also free Wi-Fi. On the Outer banks, we like the Sanderling Resort in Duck. It is a lovely property with 2 pools and on the beach, and you can walk to the restaurants and shops of downtown Duck. If you would rather self-cater, HomeAway have a fantastic array of properties to rent on the Outer Banks, from studio apartments to 20 bed mansions.

 

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