Driving Time between Black Mountain, North Carolina and Shelby, North Carolina

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip from Black Mountain to Shelby: Best Routes!

Planning a road trip from Black Mountain, NC to Shelby, NC offers exciting opportunities for adventure and fun! However, one important aspect worth considering is the route options! Here are several routes to travel between these two great cities, along with the estimated distance and travel times to help you decide which one works best for your trip.

Route 1: I-40W and US-221S

This route is the most straightforward one, and it'll take around 45 minutes to cover a distance of 37 miles. Start by leaving Black Mountain on I-40W, and then take exit 81A towards US-221S. Continue to follow US-221S, and you'll arrive in Shelby in no time.

Recommended pit stops

  • Pull off at the Little Switzerland overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway for some stunning views and fresh mountain air.
  • If you're in the mood for lunch, check out "Mountainview Barbecue" in Rutherfordton, a 20 minutes drive from Black Mountain.

Route 2: I-40W and NC-18S

This route is slightly longer than Route 1, covering 49 miles and taking around 55 minutes to complete. Start by leaving Black Mountain on I-40 W, take exit 103B, and merge onto US-64 W/US-70 W. After driving for around 9 miles, you'll take exit 105 and turn right onto NC-18S. Follow this route for 26 miles until you reach Shelby.

Recommended pit stops

  • Check out the Linville Caverns, a 30-minute drive from Black Mountain. Explore the mysterious underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and amazing rock formations.
  • Stop at "The Italian Grille" in Valdese, 20 minutes from Black Mountain, for some authentic Italian cuisine.

Route 3: US-70W

This route takes you through the picturesque North Carolina countryside and will take around 1 hour 5 minutes to cover a distance of 51 miles. Start by leaving Black Mountain on US-70W and continue straight until you reach Shelby.

Recommended pit stops

  • Visit Lake James State Park, a beautiful and serene lakeside location, for some hiking or picnicking.

With these options, the choice is yours on what route is best for your trip from Black Mountain to Shelby. Regardless of your chosen route, this journey guarantees gorgeous North Carolina scenery, small-town charm, and places of interest to explore.