Top Places to See When Driving From Asheville to Gastonia, North Carolina
If you're planning on taking a road trip from Asheville to Gastonia in North Carolina, you are in for a treat. This route offers some of the most scenic and beautiful views that the state has to offer. From mountains to lakes, parks to vineyards, there's no shortage of amazing spots to explore.
The drive from Asheville to Gastonia is approximately 97 miles long and takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. To make the most out of your journey, we've compiled a list of some of the top places to see when driving from Asheville to Gastonia.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road that winds alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. This is a must-see for anyone travelling to or from Asheville. The Parkway stretches for 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina and is renowned for its stunning scenic drives, hiking trails, and camping spots. As you pass by this magnificent stretch, make sure to capture the stunning landscapes with your camera. While the entire parkway is worth traveling, we recommend covering a few top spots like the Craggy Gardens, Linville Falls, and Mount Mitchell.
Lake Lure
Nestled in the Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure is a picturesque lake town that boasts of stunning views of water, mountains, and forests that surround it. The lake town was even featured in movies like "Dirty Dancing" and "The Last of the Mohicans". With breathtaking scenery all around, Lake Lure is a great place to paddle, hike or relax. The town also has various activities like horseback riding, zip-lining, and mountain biking to do. If you're looking for a place to unwind and soak in nature's beauty, Lake Lure is your perfect spot.
Chimney Rock State Park
If you love hiking and the outdoors, you'll love Chimney Rock State Park. Transformed from a privately owned area into a state park in the 2000s, this park is home to over 5 miles of hiking trails, each with unique scenic overlooks that offer stunning views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The park is also home to the iconic 315-foot Chimney Rock, a popular spot to climb, which offers a 75-mile panoramic view from the top. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, don't miss out on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail, which ends at 404-foot waterfall.
Tryon International Equestrian Center
If you love horses and the equestrian lifestyle, the Tryon International Equestrian Center is a must-visit. This center is a world-class venue that hosts horse shows, events, music concerts, and festivals all year round. It also offers horseback riding trails, pony rides, and carriage rides, making it a perfect destination for families with children. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or just want to experience the thrill of watching these majestic creatures up close, the Tryon International Equestrian Centre is worth a pit-stop on your way to Gastonia.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History
The Schiele Museum of Natural History is a perfect destination for anyone who loves history, art, and science. The museum is home to over 30,000 art and artifacts that explore the natural history and cultures of the North American continent. Visitors can enjoy the exhibits that range from interactive displays on dinosaurs, meteorites, and fossils to art collections from contemporary artists. The museum also has a planetarium that shows educational films about the mysteries of space.
Conclusion
The journey from Asheville to Gastonia in North Carolina offers more than just a scenic drive. The numerous stops that you take along the way, where you learn about history, nature and enjoy stunning landscapes, make the trip a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re ready for a road trip, packing your bags and exploring the beautiful stretches between these two towns will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.