Road Trip from Chicago, Illinois to Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Are you looking for a wonderful road trip? You're in luck! We've got an exciting trip from Chicago, Illinois all the way to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This unforgettable road trip is perfect for anyone who loves adventure, history, and the great outdoors.
Did you know that this trip takes you through seven states and almost 1,000 miles of diverse landscapes and different climates? From the flatlands of Illinois to the mountains of North Carolina, the journey provides you with a glimpse of the real America.
After about halfway through the trip, you'll find yourself in Jackson, OH, where the Jackson County Covered Bridge Festival takes place every year in mid-September. This is a great place to take a break from your drive and witness historic Ohio covered bridges up close.
This road trip will take approximately 16 hours without stopping and will cover a distance of just under 1,000 miles. But trust us when we say that the journey itself is worth it, as there are many exciting stops to make along the way.
Here are the top five places we recommend visiting on this road trip:
Indiana Dunes National Park - Covering more than 15,000 acres, this national park offers a stunning view of sand dunes, rivers, and swamps all in one location. You can even take a swim in Lake Michigan or hike the many trails available.
- Point of interest recommendation: Tour the historic Chellberg Farm to learn about the history of farming in the area.
Mammoth Cave National Park - Located in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is the place to go if you love caves. With over 400 miles of explored underground caves, you'll never be bored here.
- Point of interest recommendation: Take the Frozen Niagara Tour of Mammoth Cave that takes you through some of the most beautiful underground formations.
Biltmore Estate - This is a must-see destination in Asheville, North Carolina. The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-owned home in the United States, and you can even tour the house and the surrounding gardens.
- Point of interest recommendation: Go wine tasting at the Biltmore Estate Winery for some of the finest local wine.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - This park features plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Drive through the famous Newfound Gap Road and take in the gorgeous mountain scenery.
- Point of interest recommendation: Stop by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to learn about the park landmarks and hiking trails.
The Blue Ridge Parkway - This is a scenic highway that connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with Shenandoah National Park. With its stunning winding road, you'll get to see the most spectacular vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Point of interest recommendation: Stop by the Linn Cove Viaduct to experience walking on an overpass that follows the natural contours of the mountains.
As you can see, this road trip is packed with some of the most awe-inspiring and breathtaking destinations in America. Each stop is uniquely different from the last, and you'll never run out of interesting things to do.
Finally, after the completion of this trip, you will feel more connected to the United States of America than ever before. Enjoy the journey and make some unforgettable memories.