Points of Interest between Asheville, North Carolina to Granite City, Illinois

picture of Asheville, North Carolina

Roadtripping from Asheville, NC to Granite City, IL

Welcome to our guide on the best places to visit on a road trip from Asheville, North Carolina to Granite City, Illinois! This route is perfect for adventure seekers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.

Did you know that the distance between Asheville and Granite City is approximately 700 miles, which takes about 11 hours of driving time? It's a long but rewarding journey.

Halfway through the trip, you'll reach Pleasant View, TN, a small town with a charming downtown area and plenty of hiking trails nearby. Make sure to take a break here and stretch your legs, as it's the perfect pit stop to refuel and recharge.

The length of the road trip is approximately 11 hours, but we recommend taking your time and breaking the trip into 2-3 days. This allows you to explore each destination in depth and not feel rushed.

Now let's dive into the top five places to visit on this road trip:

  1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Located on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, this national park is a must-visit for any road tripper. With over 800 miles of hiking trails, opportunities for scenic drives, and stunning wildlife, you'll want to spend at least a day exploring this natural wonder.

Point of Interest recommendation: Don't miss Cades Cove, a preserved settlement from the 1800s with stunning views and historic buildings.

  1. Mammoth Cave National Park - Just a short detour off the main route, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is home to the world's longest known cave system. Take a guided tour, explore on your own, or grab a bike and hit the trails.

Point of Interest recommendation: Visit the historic Mammoth Cave Hotel, built in the 1800s and now a stop on the National Register of Historic Places.

  1. Gateway Arch National Park - A stop in St. Louis, MO wouldn't be complete without visiting the Gateway Arch National Park. Take a ride to the top of the famous Gateway Arch for stunning views of the city.

Point of Interest recommendation: Explore the Old Courthouse, a stunning historic building with exhibits on the Dred Scott case and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

  1. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site - A fascinating glimpse into ancient Native American culture, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville, IL is home to the remains of the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico. Explore the mounds, visit the museum, and learn about the history of the site.

Point of Interest recommendation: Don't miss the reconstructed Woodhenge, a circular structure similar to England's Stonehenge that marks the solstices and equinoxes.

  1. Gateway Geyser - This impressive geyser in Madison, IL shoots water up to 630 feet in the air, making it the tallest fountain in the United States. Take a picnic lunch, enjoy the views, and relax before embarking on the final leg of your road trip.

Point of Interest recommendation: Check out nearby Horseshoe Lake, a natural area with hiking trails, fishing, and boating opportunities.

In conclusion, the road trip from Asheville to Granite City is a long but rewarding journey with plenty of places to stop and explore. Whether you're in the mood for national parks, historic buildings, or natural wonders, there's something for everyone on this route. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the adventure!