3 North Carolina routes make the list of best summer road trips in the nation
A national poll of road trippers identified the 100 best weekend road trips in the United States, and North Carolina excursions get three spots.
To determine the 100 weekend road trips people would like to experience this summer, Gunther Motor Company surveyed 3,000 regular road trippers.
Here are their top three trips:
New York City to Niagara Falls via Interstate 87 and 90
Colorado Springs to Dinosaur National Monument via US-40
Las Vegas to Great Basin National Park via U.S. Route 93
Find the full list at gunthermotorcompany.com.
Here’s what they said about the three North Carolina routes:
Wilmington to Murphy via US Route 74
The Wilmington to Murphy road trip ranked #58 on the list of top 100 road trips.
“Starting in Wilmington, you’ll head west on U.S. Route 74, also known as the Andrew Jackson Highway. As you travel along this scenic route, you’ll pass through picturesque countryside, lush forests, and rolling hills,” Gunther Motor Company wrote.
“Make stops in historic towns like Whiteville and Lumberton, where you can explore local shops, dine on southern cuisine, and discover the region’s rich history. Continuing west, you’ll enter the stunning Great Smoky Mountains region, known for its majestic peaks, scenic vistas, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
“Finally, you’ll arrive in Murphy. Here, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, go hiking in the surrounding national forests, and visit charming local attractions.”
Charlotte to Kill Devil Hills via NC-64
The Charlotte to Kill Devil Hills road trip ranked #63 on the list of top 100 road trips.
“As you embark on this journey, you’ll witness the transition from the vibrant city of Charlotte to the picturesque Outer Banks region. The route takes you through scenic countryside, charming small towns, and beautiful coastal areas, offering glimpses of North Carolina’s natural beauty and cultural heritage,” Gunther Motor Company wrote.
“Along the way, you can explore attractions like the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, visit historic sites such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, and indulge in fresh seafood along the coast.”
Raleigh to Boone via U.S. Route 421
The Raleigh to Boone road trip ranked #78 on the list of top 100 road trips.
“Beginning in the vibrant city of Raleigh, you’ll venture through the picturesque countryside. As you transition onto U.S. Route 421, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas and winding roads,” Gunther Motor Company wrote.
“Along the way, you can make stops at charming towns like Asheboro, known for its vibrant arts scene and the North Carolina Zoo, and Winston-Salem, famous for its rich tobacco history and thriving arts district.
“As you continue westward, the landscape transforms into the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, and you’ll arrive in Boone, a picturesque mountain town and the gateway to the High Country region. Boone offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring the scenic wonders of the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.”
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