Most Scenic Road Trips in Charlotte, United States

Charlotte, United States, Charlotte, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Most Scenic Road Trips

Most Scenic Road Trips in Charlotte, United States

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

A scenic mountain drive stretching 469 miles, offering panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains and numerous overlooks.
  • Mountain Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Numerous Overlooks: Offers multiple stops for taking in the breathtaking scenery.
  • Length: A long drive that allows travelers to experience various landscapes.

2. U.S. National Whitewater Center

A unique outdoor recreation destination featuring Class V rapids, hiking trails, and scenic views of the nearby river.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Offers numerous activities like kayaking, rafting, and hiking.
  • Class V Rapids: Features some of the most challenging rapids in the U.S.
  • Scenic River Views: Provides stunning views of the Catawba River.

3. Lake Norman Scenic Byway

A picturesque drive along Lake Norman with charming towns, marinas, and scenic overlooks.
  • Charming Towns: Visits quaint towns like Davidson and Cornelius.
  • Lake Norman: Circumnavigates the largest man-made lake in North Carolina.
  • Scenic Overlooks: Features numerous spots to take in the beautiful lake and surrounding landscapes.

4. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

A stunning botanical garden showcasing a variety of plants, gardens, and breathtaking landscapes.
  • Variety of Plants: Features over 380 species of azaleas.
  • Gardens: Includes gardens such as the English-inspired Ornamental Garden and the Japanese Garden.
  • Landscapes: Offers picturesque landscapes throughout the garden.

5. Crowders Mountain State Park

An outdoor paradise featuring hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
  • Scenic Overlooks: Provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Mountain Scenery: Features stunning views of the nearby mountains.

6. Morgan Falls

A picturesque waterfall nestled within the woods, accessible via a short hike.
  • Waterfall: Features a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Hiking Trail: Reachable via a short, scenic hike.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot various species of wildlife.

7. Lincoln's Peak Scenic Overlook

A scenic overlook offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Mountain Scenery: Provides stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  • Panoramic Views: Offers a wide, sweeping view of the surrounding landscape.
  • Accessibility: Easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area.

8. Lake Wylie Scenic Drive

A scenic drive along Lake Wylie with charming towns, marinas, and beautiful lake views.
  • Charming Towns: Passes through picturesque towns like Tega Cay and Fort Mill.
  • Lake Wylie: Follows the shores of Lake Wylie, a large lake on the border between North Carolina and South Carolina.
  • Scenic Views: Offers numerous spots to take in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.

9. Kings Mountain National Military Park

A historic park featuring hiking trails, scenic views, and a monument commemorating the Battle of Kings Mountain.
  • Historic Significance: Commemorates the pivotal Revolutionary War battle.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
  • Scenic Views: Provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

10. Duke Energy Steam Station

A unique roadside attraction featuring massive smokestacks and a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.
  • Roadside Attraction: An interesting sight along the highway.
  • Scenic Drive: Offers a picturesque drive through rural landscapes.
  • Smokestacks: Features massive smokestacks that are an impressive sight.

11. Catawba River Blueway

A scenic paddling trail on the Catawba River featuring beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Scenic Paddle: Offers a peaceful and picturesque paddle experience.
  • Catawba River: Follows the course of the Catawba River, providing stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Offers opportunities to spot various species of wildlife along the way.

12. Hickory Nut Gorge

A scenic gorge featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
  • Waterfalls: Features beautiful waterfalls within the gorge.
  • Mountain Scenery: Provides stunning views of the nearby mountains.

13. Rocky Broad River Park

A scenic park featuring hiking trails, a river, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails for exploring the area.
  • River: Features a beautiful stretch of the Rocky Broad River.
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

14. Little Sugar Creek Greenway

A scenic greenway featuring hiking trails, a creek, and beautiful views of the surrounding city.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails for exploring the area.
  • Little Sugar Creek: Follows the course of Little Sugar Creek, providing a peaceful and picturesque setting.
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking views of Charlotte's skyline and surrounding neighborhoods.

15. Carolinas Aviation Museum

A scenic drive to the Carolinas Aviation Museum featuring vintage aircraft, exhibits, and a view of the nearby airport.
  • Vintage Aircraft: Features a collection of historic aircraft.
  • Exhibits: Offers educational exhibits about aviation history and technology.
  • Scenic Drive: Provides a picturesque drive to the museum, with views of the nearby airport.