The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For mountain overlooks, coastal islands, historic sites or quiet river country, these 10 drives offer distinct ways to explore North and South Carolina. Choose by landscape and available time, then check current road access before leaving: the Blue Ridge Parkway can close temporarily, and Outer Banks itineraries may depend on ferry and access details.
How to choose a Carolina road trip
Start with the landscape and the kind of day you want: the Blue Ridge Parkway is built for a slow, scenic pace; NC 12 and Edisto Island bring coastal scenery; Cherokee Foothills combines small communities and historic landmarks; and the Savannah River route links several highways through rural country. For a shorter outing, focus on a segment rather than trying to cover a long route in one go.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
North Carolina’s options below include both named scenic routes and drives listed in the state’s byways guidebook. South Carolina DOT recognizes 21 scenic byways totaling more than 450 miles, including four National Scenic Byways: Cherokee Foothills, Edisto Island, Savannah River and Ashley River Road. South Carolina Scenic Byways
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallNorth Carolina road trips
1. Blue Ridge Parkway: mountain overlooks at an unhurried pace
The Parkway stretches 469 miles overall through Virginia and North Carolina. For a Carolina trip, plan a North Carolina segment and use overlooks, picnic areas, trails and nearby mountain communities as stops rather than treating it as a fast through-road. The National Park Service designs the route for travel at 45 mph or less, so allow time for its slower pace. National Park Service: Blue Ridge Parkway · Plan Your Visit
#1 Best Overall
2. Cherohala Skyway: high-elevation curves and forest views
This 43-mile drive runs from Robbinsville toward Tennessee through the Cherokee and Nantahala national forests. Visit North Carolina says the road climbs from 2,660 to 5,390 feet along its North Carolina side. Expect sweeping bends and overlooks, with opportunities to pause for a picnic or hike. Visit North Carolina: Cherohala Skyway
3. NC Highway 12: Outer Banks beaches and maritime stops
Visit North Carolina describes NC 12 as 148 coastal miles connecting Outer Banks experiences such as beaches, lighthouses, fishing piers and national seashore areas. Treat it as a coastal itinerary, not a guarantee of one uninterrupted drive: confirm ferry operations, access and the specific segments you intend to cover. Visit North Carolina: Scenic drives and Blue Ridge Parkway
4. 421 Scenic Highway: an inland byway option
The North Carolina Byways Guidebook includes 421 Scenic Highway among the state’s scenic-drive options. Use the official guidebook to identify the relevant stretch, and check current road conditions before setting detailed stops or turn-by-turn plans. North Carolina Byways Guidebook
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute5. Alligator River Route: coastal-plain landscapes
Also listed in the North Carolina byways guidebook, the Alligator River Route offers a coastal-plain alternative to the mountains and oceanfront. Confirm the route and current access in the guidebook and with local road information; a route name alone is not a promise of wildlife sightings or open access to particular stops. North Carolina Byways Guidebook
6. Edenton-Windsor Loop: small towns and rural scenery
The Edenton-Windsor Loop appears in North Carolina byway materials and makes a small-town and rural-landscape counterpoint to the state’s mountain and coastal drives. Consult the current guidebook for route detail before choosing endpoints or plotting a specific itinerary. North Carolina Byways Guidebook
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.South Carolina road trips
7. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway: villages, orchards and history
Follow SC Highway 11 between the Georgia-side approach and the Gaffney area. The route follows an ancient Cherokee path through peach orchards and villages, and passes Cowpens National Battlefield and Lake Keowee. It suits a drive that mixes countryside with places to stop and explore. Recreation.gov: Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
8. Edisto Island National Scenic Byway: marshes and maritime forest
SC 174 crosses Edisto Island toward Edisto Beach. The 17-mile segment described by Recreation.gov runs from the bridge area to the beach, through salt marsh, creeks, maritime forest, farm fields and historic churches. It is a coastal drive best enjoyed with time for short pauses along the way. Recreation.gov: Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →9. Savannah River Scenic Byway: a multi-road inland itinerary
This is not one straight highway. The federal route directions connect stretches of SC 28, SC 81, SC 412, SC 187 and SC 24 through rural communities, lakes and river country, ending at Oakway near the Cherokee Foothills route. Use a map to stitch together the drive and verify the roads and stops you plan to use. Recreation.gov: Savannah River Scenic Byway
Best Value
10. Ashley River Road: a historic drive near Charleston
Pair this Charleston-area drive with historic sites including Middleton Place, Drayton Hall and Magnolia Gardens. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources calls Ashley River Road the state’s oldest highway and dates its establishment to 1691. The properties are separate destinations, so check each one’s hours and admission before building a visit around it. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources: Ashley River
Quick Recap
Plan for current conditions
- Check Parkway status before departure. Construction and other conditions can cause temporary closures or detours. Use the National Park Service’s current Blue Ridge Parkway status and planning page shortly before travel.
- Confirm access for coastal routes. For NC 12, check ferry operations and access details for the segments on your itinerary; conditions can affect how the route connects.
- Use current road information for the remaining drives. State road conditions and local access can change. NCDOT and Visit North Carolina provide route guides and highway maps; South Carolina’s byways page identifies designated routes.
- Map multi-road routes as a sequence. The Savannah River Scenic Byway follows several state highways, so set the route in a map before setting out rather than relying on a single-road label.
- Verify stop details separately. Historic properties, trails and other destinations may have their own schedules, access rules or admission arrangements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
