5. Blue Ridge Mountains: Charlotte, North Carolina, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If mountains and lakes are calling you, take a scenic road toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Mountains — with a few stops along the way.
The setting of Dirty Dancing, Lake Lure is a popular family vacation destination. You’ll need more than a day to explore Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, and Chimney Rock Village, which features plenty of dining options and shops along with a scenic road next to the creek.
The next stop is Ashville, NC. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this city has many great things to see and do. Take the Blood Ridge Highway to Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and other stunning hiking trails.
Visit the Biltmore Estate, the most popular spot in North Carolina; the Asheville Pinball Museum (you can also play pinball there); swing like Tarzan from the treetops at the famous Adventure Center of Asheville, or sample some local craft brews.
The next and final stop on this scenic road is Gatlinburg. There you’ll be able to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains Natural Park (make sure you don’t miss Cades Cove Loop).
You can bike through the park, go hiking, see the view from Clingmans Dome, go zip lining, spend a day at Dollywood, or go horseback riding. There are so many activities to do that there’s no chance of getting bored.
You may also like 9 Awesome Things To Do in Chicago This Winter.
