A Scenic Drive to Highlands, North Carolina

Are you planning a road trip from Asheville to Highlands in the near future? Whether you’re heading up for a weekend getaway or just for a quick nature fix, make sure you have an idea of how long it will take to get there. Today, we will take a closer look at the various routes you can take to get to Highlands from Asheville, and we’ll break down the time and distance you can expect based on traffic patterns.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The route from Asheville to Highlands is generally straightforward—the most direct route is usually via US-23 S/US-74 E. This route will take you through the beautiful landscapes of Pisgah National Forest. On average, this route will take you about 1 hour and 45 minutes if you go roughly 60mph the entire way. However, traffic is unpredictable, and you could find the journey to be quicker or longer depending on time of day and other factors.

Alternatively, you can take the slightly longer and slower yet scenic drive by getting onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have some extra time and want to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, this route is recommended. However, keep in mind that you can expect this route to take a little over 2 hours on average, and there are a few winding mountain roads to navigate, so caution is advised.

Distance and Drive Time

The distance between Asheville and Highlands is roughly 60 miles. This equates to around an hour and 45 minutes’ worth of straight driving time. However, traffic along the way can lead to delays and make the trip take longer. Taking the scenic route, you can expect the journey to take about 2 hours or more. That said, the time of day and other factors, including weather and time of year, may make the trip even longer.

Traffic Patterns

If you want to avoid peak traffic hours and ensure a speedy journey, it is best to avoid travelling during rush hour. In the mornings, we advise that drivers avoid travelling between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and in the evenings, drivers should avoid travelling during the hours of 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Of course, these are peak traffic hours, and you will need to factor in your start time and the time of day that you will be returning.

In conclusion, depending on traffic patterns, there are different ways to get to Highlands from Asheville, all with their own unique advantages and challenges. Take the fast and direct route if you want to get there quickly, or take the scenic route if you want to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way. Whatever plan you have in mind, always take traffic patterns into consideration to ensure that you arrive on time and stress-free. Safe travels!