Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Canton, Illinois and Asheville, North Carolina

Canton, Illinois - Planning an exciting road trip from Canton, Illinois, to Asheville, North Carolina can take some effort to ensure you get the most out of your journey. With so much to see and so many places to stop at, you want to make sure you don't miss any must-sees. Some trip highlights will be Cave-In-Rock State Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Pisgah National Forest. The midpoint of the trip is in Louisville, KY.

Cave-In-Rock State Park

Why visit: A Unique Cave with Stunning Views

Cave-In-Rock State Park is a unique natural landmark in southern Illinois, known for its large cave that is said to have once been used by river pirates. Here, visitors can get a glimpse of the stunning views of the Ohio River and the surrounding hardwood forests. The park provides picnic facilities, hiking trails, river access, camping, and a nice playground for kids. The park's boundary is over 50 feet above the Ohio River.

Interesting Fact: Cave-In-Rock State Park is situated in a section of what was once known as the "Illinois Ozarks," making it a great place to study geologically significant areas.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Why visit: The Largest Cave System in the World

Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's largest known cave system and an extensive network of underground rivers and streams with unique wildlife species. You can explore the cave by foot on the self-guided tour, ranger-led tour, or the challenging Wild Cave Tour. Besides the cave, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, river access activities, and a memorable historic tour at Mammoth Cave Hotel.

Interesting Fact: The Mammoth Cave system was formed millions of years ago through the dissolution of limestone bedrock by groundwater.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Why visit: An Astonishing Waterfall with a Moonbow

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a must-stop destination during your road trip, where you can witness the majestic 69-foot waterfall and, on rare occasions, an incredible lunar rainbow called a Moonbow. With the beautiful natural surroundings, visitors can hike the miles of trails, take a relaxing boat ride, fish in the rivers, or camp out near the falls.

Interesting Fact: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is one of the few places in the world where a Moonbow is visible on a clear, full moon night.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Why visit: A Beautiful Natural Wonder

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the nation, spanning across both Tennessee and North Carolina. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, more than 800 miles of trails, camping, and abundant wildlife that includes black bears, white-tailed deer, and elk. The park is also home to the historic visitor centers at Sugarlands and Oconaluftee and also Clingman's Dome Observation Tower.

Interesting Fact: The Great Smoky Mountains are home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America, with over 17,000 documented species.

Pisgah National Forest

Why visit: Waterfalls, Hiking Trails, and Mountain Views

Pisgah National Forest is a vast forested area with thousands of acres of trails, waterfalls, and mountain views. Visitors can explore the impressive Linville Gorge, which is home to many cascading waterfalls, and at several areas, visitors can take a dip in a refreshing swimming hole. The trails are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, and there are accessible camping facilities too.

Interesting Fact: Pisgah National Forest is home to Mount Pisgah, one of the most prominent and picturesque peaks in Asheville, North Carolina.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a road trip from Canton, Illinois, to Asheville, North Carolina, requires you to visit unique and stunning natural landmarks that offer unmatched experiences for nature lovers. With the trip's midpoint in Louisville, KY, that requires a two-hour ride from Canton, Illinois, the road trip takes about 11 to 12 hours and covers approximately 800 miles in total. Whether you're hiking, camping, or visiting historic sites, make sure to add a stop to one or all of the top five destinations mentioned above for an unforgettable road trip experience.