‘Ooh’ and ‘ah’ at fall foliage on North Carolina’s prettiest autumn drives

Drink in the fall foliage on these scenic drives throughout North Carolina.

When the humid, hot days of summer finally give way to fall, it’s high time to embark on a road trip to explore all of North Carolina’s glorious fall foliage.

Most North Carolinians head west to the mountains to spot fall colors, as leaves in higher elevations tend to change their colors first, but once October is in full swing, trees in most every corner of the state will sport vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

From the westernmost swathes of the Great Smoky Mountains to the shores of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge on Roanoke Island, here are a few of North Carolina’s most gorgeous autumn drives to see fall foliage:

Pisgah National Forest

There’s no need to wait for peak season to pay an autumnal visit to Pisgah National Forest. Cruise through this natural area near Asheville anytime in October to catch jaw-dropping displays of fall foliage. Here’s how: Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville until you reach Mount Pisgah at mile marker 408. Not far from the highway, you’ll spot the Pisgah Inn, whose dining room, complete with panoramic views, whips up a scrumptious lunch for visitors. After you’ve filled up on the Blue Ridge Mountain beet salad and the Pisgah chicken pot pie, continue your journey on the parkway just three more miles to U.S. Highway 276, which carries travelers through much of the forest’s points of interest, including unspoiled views of Cold Mountain.

Grandfather Mountain 

Many North Carolinians agree: There isn’t a more beautiful drive than the winding and scenic route to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Located about an hour and a half northeast of Asheville, Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains provides all the fall splendor one could ask for. Begin along Interstate 40 East, and choose to exit at either Highway 221 North or Highway 181 North to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Either option will send you to Grandfather’s Road, which climbs 1,000 feet in elevation while temperatures drop around eight to 10 degrees. At mile 2.1, travelers who brave hairpin curves in the road are rewarded with a scenic surprise just around the last bend: 360-degree views at an elevation of 5,250 feet, all courtesy of the Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Hanging Rock Scenic Byway

When autumn is well underway in late October or early November, head out for a drive along the Hanging Rock Scenic Byway. This route through the prehistoric Sauratown Mountains of central North Carolina boasts awe-inspiring views of Pilot Mountain and Hanging Rock, a natural quartzite outcropping that’s sure to be surrounded by fall foliage this time of year. Begin your journey near Winston-Salem, where you’ll hop on Interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 52. Take exit 118 from U.S. 52 to follow N.C. 65 East to N.C. 66 North. The scenic byway begins at the intersection of 66 and Denny Road. Travel two miles before bearing right onto Flat Shoals Road, and in another five miles, turn onto Mountain Road. Here you’ll find unencumbered views of Hanging Rock, but the day doesn’t end there, as the byway continues for many more miles through Hanging Rock State Park.

Flint Hill Ramble

This relatively short cruise through central North Carolina makes visitors feel as if they’ve been transported to the Smoky Mountains out west, even though they’re truly just an hour southeast of Winston-Salem. Traverse along the scenic Flint Hill Ramble byway through the red and orange-tinged Uwharrie National Forest until you reach the awe-inspiring Uwharrie Mountains, formed about 500 million years ago from an ancient chain of volcanic islands. From Winston-Salem, take Interstate 74 East to U.S. Business Highway 220—the scenic byway begins in about 15 miles. Still hungry for adventure after your autumn drive? Make a weekend out of it by camping at Badin Lake, a particularly peaceful site within Uwharrie National Forest that borders a recreation-friendly lake.

Conrad Road, Lewisville

Tucked away in a small, pastoral suburb outside of Winston-Salem, Lewisville’s Conrad Road boasts a nearly mile-long canopy of maple trees that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn months. To reach this tunnel of trees from downtown Winston-Salem, take U.S. Highway 421 to Lewisville and turn onto Shallowford Road. Continue along this peaceful country road for a few miles before reaching Conrad Road. You’ll instantly recognize the spot: rows of maples line the curved road, forming a picture-perfect tunnel on this route lined with pastures and farmland.

Cherohala Skyway

This two-lane, 43-mile-long wonder lets drivers take flight—not literally—with otherworldly views of western North Carolina’s natural splendor lining each and every mile. Named for the two national forests it travels through, the Cherokee and Nantahala, the Cherohala Skyway connects Tennessee to North Carolina with a series of 15 overlooks, several hiking trails, and even a waterfall, though travelers would be wise to note that the skyway offers no restrooms, gas stations, or restaurants along the way. Begin your journey in Bryson City and head west on U.S. Highway 74 until you reach N.C. Highway 28 North. Turn left onto N.C. Highway 143, which becomes the Skyway after you pass through Robbinsville.

Road to Nowhere

Perhaps you’ve visited Bryson City while beginning your journey into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but this small mountain town is a travel destination within itself, especially during autumn. For those looking for a relatively quick excursion that ends in Instagrammable displays of fall foliage, look no further than the Road to Nowhere. What was once a government construction project meant to connect communities that were separated by the building of Fontana Lake and the national park is today an unfinished relic of the past. Just outside Bryson City, the six-mile-long Lakeview Drive abruptly ends in the mouth of a tunnel. Ditch your vehicle and explore this quarter-mile tunnel on foot, and don’t forget to bring a flashlight. On either side of the tunnel, you’ll spot birches turning yellow and oaks and dogwoods sporting deep red leaves.

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Does the idea of exploring North Carolina’s fall splendor by car just bore you? Ditch the air-conditioning and opt for an autumn adventure en plein air with a trip to Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, one of the American East Coast’s last refuges for black bears. Visitors to this site, located in Manteo on Roanoke Island, can rent canoes to traverse Alligator River’s brackish waters and hardwood swamps, both home to poison sumacs whose leaves turn brilliant shades of red, red-orange, pink, and yellow in autumn. Reach this peaceful refuge by following N.C. Highway 94 north from New Holland.