There’s Always Something Around the Bend in Asheville
You don’t have to travel far from Asheville to become immersed in natural beauty. The topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains lends itself to some of the best scenic drives and awe-inspiring panoramic views you’ll find in the southeast. Within minutes, find yourself surrounded by the same forests, waterfalls and vistas that lured George W. Vanderbilt to these mountains so many years ago.
Mountain Explorations Any Time Of Year
Asheville experiences four distinct seasons, each one offering a different type of scenic drive. Mild winters and the crisp air of spring provide better long-range views, while summer and fall usher in the perfect time for park and hike adventures. No matter when you plan to visit, make time for a day trip from Asheville to experience some of our favorite scenic drives.
Onward And Upwards
Discover an epic 365° view at 6,684 feet in elevation. From Asheville, travel north along the Blue Ridge Parkway until you reach the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Along the way, enjoy the gradual change in plant life as you pass through a diverse mix of microclimates.
*Mount Mitchell and Mountain Mitchell State Park remain closed after Hurricane Helene. Click here for the latest update and plan ahead before using the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Easy Riders
Take your love of motorcycle riding to an exhilarating level by driving the Tail of the Dragon. Located west of Asheville, this 11-mile stretch has 318 curves, making the road a bucket list drive for riders from around the world. Guided tours are available.
Scenic Spots For A Photo Op
Venture south of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway toward the waterfalls of Transylvania County. Popular spots for photography include Looking Glass Rock, Black Balsam Knob and Graveyard Fields. Multiple overlooks line the road, providing plenty of options to capture that perfect selfie.
Go Back In Time
For the history buff, take a trip west of Asheville and drive through Maggie Valley into Cherokee. Traveling down Hwy 19 toward Hwy 441 you’ll find Dale's Wheels Through Time transportation museum, one of the most photographed views in the mountains, Soco Waterfalls and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.
Edible Asheville
Spend a day exploring the wilder side of Asheville’s culinary scene. All along the Blue Ridge Parkway you’ll discover u-pick adventures ranging from blueberry bushes to apple orchards. For those in search of savory, the WNC Cheese Trail will have you exploring some of the finest creameries in the region.
Here are some more favorite drives for an afternoon of winding curves and windshield views:
Asheville Lookouts On Town Mountain & Elk Mountain
Why Go? Cruise along high peaks while staying close to town so you can still make your dinner reservation.
Directions: Take I-240 east to exit 5B. Take a right onto Charlotte St. At the next traffic light, take a left onto College St. At the next light, take a left onto Town Mountain Rd. Follow this for about 6.3 miles, until you reach a crossroads. You may park here to access some hiking trails, or continue by taking a left before the stop sign which puts you on Webb Cove Rd. In 2.2 miles, yield left onto Beaverdam Rd. If you choose to follow this to the end, take a left onto Merrimon Ave., which will bring you back downtown.
You also have the option of, after just over 2 miles on Beaverdam Rd, making a right on Elk Mountain Scenic Hwy. Continue for just under 3 miles and yield left onto Ox Creek Rd. Ox Creek Rd eventually becomes Reems Creek Rd, which will take you to Merrimon Ave and back downtown.
Scenic Drive Time: 35 minutes or 1 hour 21 minutes (both round–trip)
VIEW ROUTE 1 MAP VIEW ROUTE 2 MAP
One Historic Town To Another
Why Go? Founded in the early 1800's, Waynesville is known for its rich history. It was the scene of the last battle in the eastern theater of the American Civil War, and is just northwest of Cold Mountain. Brevard is known as “The Land of Waterfalls,” but also has a vast music culture.
Directions: Leaving the Asheville Visitor Center, head southeast on Montford Ave. Merge onto I-240 W, then merge onto I-40 W. 20 Miles later, a slight right onto US–74 W will lead you to Waynesville 6 miles later. From there, US–74 N leads you directly to Brevard (in about an hour). Take 280 E to I–26 W to head back towards Downtown Asheville.
Scenic Drive Time: 2 hours 16 minutes round–trip
North Carolina Arboretum
Why Go? Venture out to the North Carolina Arboretum for a calming day outdoors. Situated on 424–acres, the Arboretum is surrounded by the 6,000–plus acres of the Bent Creek Research and Demonstration Forest. Take a hike or bike along one of the nature trails, visit the state–of–the art Greenhouse complex or attend one of the educational programs and workshops.
Directions: From Interstate 26 east take exit 33. Go south on NC Highway 191 for about two miles and follow directional signs to the North Carolina Arboretum. Frederick Law Olmsted Way winds along Bent Creek to the Arboretum's core gardens. Throughout the spring and summer, the Arboretum is filled with various flowers, as well as blossoming shrubs and trees (Map it).
Scenic Drive Time: 45 minutes round-trip
