Day Trips from Asheville
← All Asheville day tripsDay Trips from Asheville: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of Asheville, NC. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near Asheville
Grant Meadow Overlook
SC 29671, USA
Just 1 hr 2 min from Asheville, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Wiseman's View Scenic Overlook
NC 28752, USA
Just 1 hr 26 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 1,411 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Roaring Fork Interpretive Marker 1 Overlook
TN 37738, USA
Just 2 hrs 6 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 311 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Graybeard Mountain View Overlook
Barnardsville, NC 28709
Just 39 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Powell Valley Overlook
Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
Just 2 hrs 5 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 782 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Caesar's Head Overlook
Cleveland, SC 29635
Just 1 hr 3 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 1,614 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Grandview Overlook
Boone, NC 28607
Just 1 hr 58 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 294 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Ben Morton Overlook
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Just 1 hr 35 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 1,578 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Scenic Overlook
SC 29686, USA
Just 1 hr 25 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars by 480 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
View Doubletop Mountain Overlook
NC 28786, USA
Just 1 hr 22 min from Asheville, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Graybeard Mountain View
Barnardsville, NC 28709
Just 42 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 144 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Buzzard's Roost Overlook
Clyde, NC 28721
Just 1 hr 50 min from Asheville, rated 4.8 stars by 157 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from Asheville
What are the best scenic drives near Asheville, NC?
The best scenic drives near Asheville include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from Asheville?
Most scenic drives near Asheville range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near Asheville?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near Asheville, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from Asheville?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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