The Best Road Trip: Asheville to Goldsboro

Are you looking for a fantastic road trip experience in North Carolina? Well, get ready to explore the beauty of Western and Eastern North Carolina by driving from Asheville to Goldsboro. This route will take you on a journey through stunning forests, peaceful parks, exciting cities, and historical landmarks.

With so many great destinations along the way, it can be challenging to make a final road trip itinerary. Don't worry; we have created a guide to help you plan your ultimate road trip. Here is a list of the best places to see during your drive from Asheville to Goldsboro:

Biltmore Estate

Before starting your journey, make a stop at Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville. Biltmore Estate is America's largest private home and a national historic landmark. You can take a self-guided tour and explore the stunning 8,000-acre estate that includes a winery, gardens, and a village. This historic mansion features unique architecture, antiques, artwork, and 250 rooms.

Chimney Rock State Park

Your next stop should be Chimney Rock State Park, located an hour's drive southeast of Asheville. Chimney Rock Park is a beautiful natural attraction that offers breath-taking views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Here, you can hike the Hickory Nut Falls Trail and witness the 404-foot waterfall, enjoy rock climbing, picnic with loved ones, and take photos of the beautiful views.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Your next stop should be the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, a 90-minute drive from Chimney Rock. This garden, located in Fayetteville, offers 100 acres of beautifully manicured gardens and natural landscapes. The garden features numerous walking trails, including the butterfly stroll, the camellia collection, and the Military Garden. Don't forget to stop at the children's garden and explore the interactive exhibits and water features.

Carolina Beach State Park

Your next stop should be Carolina Beach State Park, located about an hour's drive from the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. The park is known for its beautiful beach, fantastic marina, and unique Venus flytrap habitats. You can hike the park's trails, launch your boat, fish, watch wildlife, or explore the natural habitats of carnivorous plants.

Battleship North Carolina

Your next stop should be Battleship North Caroline, at Wilmington, which is just under 20 minutes from Carolina Beach State Park. This historic ship played a significant role in World War II and the Pacific theatre, earning 15 battle stars. You can take a tour and explore the nine levels of this iconic battleship, including the mess deck, engine room, the captain's quarters, and admiral's cabin.

The Royall House and Gardens

Your final stop before reaching Goldsboro should be the Royall House and Gardens, located in downtown Mount Olive. This beautiful historical attraction includes six acres of gardens and a colonial-themed house. The house was built-in 1951 and has since been restored to its original historical beauty. The gardens are open year-round, and visitors are welcome to walk around the beautiful grounds, enjoy the unique floral displays, and take photos.

Conclusion

North Carolina's variety of attractions, natural parks, historic landmarks, and cultural offerings is second to none. The scenic drive from Asheville to Goldsboro is the perfect way to explore the beauty of North Carolina. This road trip itinerary is just a starting point, and we encourage you to personalize it according to your interests and preferences. Drive safely and enjoy the unforgettable experiences and memories that await you on this journey!