Points of Interest between Asheville, North Carolina to Glenview, Illinois

picture of Asheville, North Carolina

Best Road-Trip Route: Top Places To See When Driving From Asheville, NC to Glenview, IL

The road trip from Asheville, North Carolina, to Glenview, Illinois, is a journey filled with rolling hills, scenic vistas, and American charm. This adventure of over 600 miles through the heartland of America is a journey best taken by car, allowing you to experience the rich tapestry of landscapes and cultures that make our country unique.

In this guide, we will take you on a memorable trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway, through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along the Cumberland Plateau, and into the breathtaking landscapes of the Midwest and the Great Lakes region. We have highlighted some of the top destinations along the way, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, that you cannot afford to miss. So buckle up, and let the adventure begin!

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is our starting point for this journey. It is a charming city that combines a rich cultural heritage with natural beauty. Here are some top things to see and experience in Asheville:

  1. Biltmore Estate - This grand mansion in the heart of Asheville is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. It was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s and boasts over 250 rooms and 8,000 acres of gardens and grounds.
  2. Blue Ridge Parkway - The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road that stretches over 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia. It is known for its sweeping vistas, colorful autumn leaves, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
  3. Downtown Asheville - The downtown area of Asheville is a vibrant hub of arts, culture, and food. You can find everything from local craft breweries to award-winning restaurants and quirky shops.
  4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located just a short drive from Asheville and offers some of the best hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in the region. The park is also home to many historic sites and cultural attractions.
  5. Chimney Rock State Park - Chimney Rock State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts some of the best hiking trails, rock climbing, and birdwatching in the area. You can also climb to the top of Chimney Rock for panoramic views of the mountains.

The Blue Ridge Mountains

From Asheville, we will head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to explore the stunning beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here are some top sights to see along the way:

  1. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area - The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is one of the most remote and rugged areas in the region. It is home to some of the best hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks in the area.
  2. Mt. Mitchell State Park - Mt. Mitchell State Park is located on the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as some great hiking trails.
  3. Grandfather Mountain - Grandfather Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers some of the best hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives in the region. There is also a mile-high swinging bridge that offers breathtaking views of the mountains.
  4. Craggy Gardens - Craggy Gardens is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. It offers some of the best wildflower displays in the region, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  5. Mount Pisgah - Mount Pisgah is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. It offers some of the best views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as some great hiking trails.

The Cumberland Plateau

Leaving the Blue Ridge Mountains, we will travel through the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau. Here are some top sights to see along the way:

  1. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park - Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a popular destination for history buffs and nature lovers. It is the site of an important gateway through the Appalachian Mountains into the west, as well as some great hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
  2. Breaks Interstate Park - Breaks Interstate Park is located on the Virginia-Kentucky border and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains. It is also home to some great hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
  3. Mammoth Cave National Park - Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky and is home to the longest known cave system in the world. It offers some great guided tours, as well as hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  4. Lincoln's Birthplace National Historical Park - Lincoln's Birthplace National Historical Park is located in Hodgenville, Kentucky, and is the site of Abraham Lincoln's birth. It features a museum, a memorial building, and a replica of Lincoln's boyhood cabin.
  5. Ohio River Scenic Byway - The Ohio River Scenic Byway is a beautiful drive that follows the Ohio River through the heartland of America. It offers some of the best views of the river and the surrounding countryside, as well as some great historic sites and cultural attractions.

The Midwest and Great Lakes Region

Finally, we will enter the breathtaking landscapes of the Midwest and the Great Lakes region. Here are some top sights to see along the way:

  1. Chicago, Illinois - Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and one of the most vibrant and dynamic cultural centers in the country. It boasts world-class museums, iconic architecture, and some of the best food, music, and art in the world.
  2. Indiana Dunes National Park - Indiana Dunes National Park is located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan and offers some of the best beaches, hiking trails, and birdwatching in the region. It is also home to some great historic sites and cultural attractions.
  3. Door County, Wisconsin - Door County is a popular vacation destination that boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Great Lakes region. It is known for its charming small towns, cherry orchards, and lighthouses.
  4. Mackinac Island, Michigan - Mackinac Island is a historic island located in Lake Huron. It is a popular destination for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can explore the island by bike, horse-drawn carriage, or on foot.
  5. Lake Superior - Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes and offers some of the most stunning views and outdoor opportunities in the region. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the North Shore, explore the many state parks and hiking trails, or take a boat tour to see the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Conclusion

The road trip from Asheville, North Carolina, to Glenview, Illinois, is a journey filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking natural beauty. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Great Lakes region, this adventure will take you through some of the most iconic landscapes and hidden gems of the heartland of America. We hope this guide has inspired you to hit the road and explore all the wonders that this journey has to offer. Safe travels!