Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Charlotte, North Carolina to Jacksonville, Alabama

North Carolina and Alabama may seem like two states that are far apart, but a drive from Charlotte, North Carolina to Jacksonville, Alabama can be both scenic and enjoyable. The entire drive takes about seven hours on the I-85 S highway, covering a total distance of 410 miles. Along the way, there are several unexpected places that travelers can stop at and enjoy a variety of attractions from historical sites to natural wonders.

Halfway Stop: Commerce, GA

Halfway between Charlotte and Jacksonville is Commerce, GA. Commerce offers several beautiful parks, including the Victoria Bryant and Hurricane Shoals parks. The Hurricane Shoals Park has a beautiful waterfall, which is a perfect backdrop for photography. Apart from the parks, Commerce also has several antique shops, including the outdoor Commerce Crossing Antique Mall. The best part about Commerce is the many diners and family-run restaurants scattered around the town. Be sure to stop and sample the delicious southern comfort food served in this vibrant college town.

5. The McGalliard Falls Park in Valdese, NC

The first stopover on this journey is at the picturesque McGalliard Falls Park in Valdese, North Carolina. The park is located 90 minutes into the drive, just past Hickory. This park is named after two cousins, Clyde and Ratus McGalliard, who owned a mill from which the falls powered the machinery. Today, the waterfall provides a natural relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The park features a picnic area and a hiking trail leading up to the waterfall. Visitors can also cool off by the river or in the pool created by the falls. Grab a tasty sandwich from Pioneer Saloon, a local favorite and enjoy it on one of the picnic tables.

4. The Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, is a perfect place for nature lovers. It is a beautiful botanical garden where visitors can enjoy trails, flowers, and beautiful scenery. Visitors can hike about ten miles of trails and see a butterfly house, ponds, and a bird watching station. There is a lovely lake on the grounds with beach access and a place to rent boats. There's even a zip line for the young or young at heart. Snack on the amazing sandwiches and paninis at the Piedmont Dining Room, which has a breathtaking view of the courses.

3. The Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, GA

Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, Georgia, is a hidden gem that few know about. Also known as the "Little Grand Canyon," it is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can get a great view of the canyons from the observation decks or choose from six hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate with 11 miles of hiking trails. Visitors to the park can also enjoy a wealth of history, including learning about the pioneers who first settled in this area, and the ghosts from the civil war at the Lumpkin Jail. Don't miss the pork barbecue sandwich from Gordon's Lakeview BBQ, located just three miles from the park.

2. The Talladega National Forest

Talladega National Forest, located in Alabama, is the place to go for nature lovers. It's a natural wonder covering an area of about 393,000 acres and boasts of miles of hiking trails, serene waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. The forest is also known for its beautiful wildlife. Visitors can enjoy camping and picnics throughout the year. Hikers can enjoy a variety of trails; from the six-mile Pinhoti Trail leading through the forest to the Chinnabee Silent Trail (3.5 miles) that passes through a waterfall area. After all that hiking, stop for a hot dog with all the trimmings, at the Crossroads diner.

1. The Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, AL

The Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama, is a must-visit for anyone passing through the area. It is a breathtaking park with beautiful natural rock formations and a massive cave system that stretches about 14 acres. Visitors can take guided tours throughout the year that explores all the unique features of the cave, including the world's widest cave entrance. The park also hosts several fun events for kids, such as cave tours and geocaching activities. Visitors to the park can stop at the charming Ole #89, a rustic and cozy diner that serves the best burgers and old-fashioned milkshakes.

Conclusion

From tall mountains, beautiful botanical gardens, serene waterfalls, deep canyons, and a massive cave system, a journey from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Alabama, packs a lot of pleasant surprises. Exploring these hidden gems will not only be an exciting adventure but also an opportunity to make some unforgettable memories. Therefore, the next time anyone embarks on this journey, make it the stop to discover these five fantastic places.