Best Scenic Drives near Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, is surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes, making it one of the best places for scenic drives in the Southeast. Whether you're looking for panoramic views, winding roads through lush forests, or picturesque overlooks, there are plenty of routes to enjoy. These drives offer a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences, showcasing the Blue Ridge Mountains in all their glory.

Adventure Guide To Best Scenic Drives near Asheville

Blue Ridge Parkway

• What makes it special: Known as "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles, offering stunning vistas, tunnels, and overlooks. Asheville provides direct access to some of its most scenic sections.
• Key features:
  • Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364) is famous for rhododendrons in bloom from May to June.
  • Mount Pisgah (Milepost 408) offers hiking and a historic inn with spectacular views.
  • Fall is the best time for foliage, but every season has its charm.
• Local Insights: The road has a maximum speed limit of 45 mph, allowing for leisurely drives. Avoid foggy mornings for the best visibility.
• Visitor Tips:
  • Best time: October for fall colors, spring for wildflowers.
  • What to bring: Binoculars for wildlife spotting, snacks, and a camera.
  • Directions: Head south or north from Asheville via the Parkway’s access points at U.S. 70 or N.C. 191.

Newfound Gap Road (US 441)

• What makes it special: Connects Cherokee, NC, to Gatlinburg, TN, passing through Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Key features:
  • Newfound Gap Overlook sits at 5,046 feet, offering panoramic views.
  • The route passes through various ecosystems, from dense forests to open ridgelines.
• Local Insights: President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the national park here in 1940.
• Visitor Tips:
  • Best time: Early morning for fewer crowds and clear views.
  • What to bring: Layered clothing (temperatures drop at higher elevations).
  • Directions: Drive west on I-40, then take U.S. 19 to Cherokee, about 1.5 hours from Asheville.

Forest Heritage Scenic Byway

• What makes it special: A lesser-known but rewarding drive through Pisgah National Forest, featuring waterfalls and historic sites.
• Key features:
  • Looking Glass Falls, viewable from the roadside.
  • Sliding Rock, a natural water slide popular in summer.
• Local Insights: This route follows parts of old logging roads that once shaped Western North Carolina’s economy.
• Visitor Tips:
  • Best time: Spring or fall for fewer crowds.
  • What to bring: A towel if visiting Sliding Rock, comfortable shoes for short hikes.
  • Directions: Take U.S. 276 from Brevard, about an hour southwest of Asheville.