Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee and Winston-Salem, North Carolina

The road trip from Chattanooga, Tennessee, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, covers a distance of 339 miles, taking approximately five hours and twenty minutes. Along the route, one can enjoy captivating scenic views, landmarks, historic sites, and other exciting activities. The journey has a halfway point, Hartford, TN, where travelers can take a break before embarking on the second stretch. Here are the top five things to do on the trip.

1. Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the most spectacular natural sceneries and hiking trails, making it a prime destination for outdoor lovers. The park has over 800 miles of trails that visitors can use to explore the park's landscapes. The national park is home to over 100 species of native trees, diverse wildlife, and the popular Cades Cove, an 11-mile scenic drive through valleys and open fields.

Interesting Fact: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the few parks in the world that has surpassed twelve million annual visitors since 1987 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Tour the Biltmore Estate in Asheville

The Biltmore Estate is a historic chateau built for George Vanderbilt II in 1895 and is the largest home in the United States. The chateau has four acres of floor space, over 250 rooms, and various artwork collections, antiques, and artifacts, making it a prime destination for history and art lovers. Tourists can explore the gardens, winery, restaurants, and the farm and village to experience the estate's grandeur.

Interesting Fact: The Biltmore Estate has a secret passage of about 90 feet that leads to the family quarters. The passage was used to keep the servants and the Vanderbilt family away from the guests.

3. Stop at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is an exciting destination for history and culture enthusiasts. The museum features the unique history and culture of the Cherokee tribe, including their struggles and resilience. Tourists can learn about the Cherokee Nation through artwork, ancient artifacts, historical documents, and interactive exhibits.

Interesting Fact: The Cherokee Nation is the only tribe in North Carolina with a sovereign nation that existed up to the start of the Civil War.

4. Visit Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock is a 535-million-year-old rock that overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains and Hickory Nut Gorge. The rock is 1,200 feet above sea level, and visitors can take a moderate hike to the top to experience the stunning views. The park also has hiking trails, picnic spots, and outdoor recreational activities.

Interesting Fact: Chimney Rock was used as a filming location for the 1992 movie "The Last of the Mohicans."

5. Explore the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville

The North Carolina Arboretum features ten different gardens, 65 acres of cultivated gardens, and over ten miles of hiking and biking trails. The gardens showcase plants native to the Southern Appalachians and other plants around the world. Visitors can learn about mountain ecology, conservation, and horticulture.

Interesting Fact: The Arboretum is home to around 700 species of plants, including some endangered plant species, and uses sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting to irrigate the plants.

The road trip took approximately five hours and twenty minutes, and travelers can enjoy diverse experiences, natural features, historic sites, and scenic views that make it a top destination for tourists. With the highlights above, there is no limit to the fun that can be had on this road trip.