Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Asheville, NC to York, SC
Asheville, North Carolina, and York, South Carolina, are two cities that are brimming with adventure and fun for travelers. Road trips are a perfect way to see what each of these cities has to offer. Taking a scenic drive down US 25 from Asheville to York is a great way to make the most of the trip. The halfway point of this journey is Inman, South Carolina, which is an up-and-coming small town that's worth checking out. Along this route, there is plenty to do and see that it can be hard to know where to start. This article outlines the top five things to do on this road trip and why they are worth visiting.
Top Five Things to do
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic road that extends from Virginia to North Carolina. This road is known for its breathtaking vistas of the Appalachian Mountains, which are some of the oldest in the world. It's a must-see for any road trip from Asheville, NC, to York, SC. You can plan to spend a few hours driving this road and taking in the incredible views of mountains covered in greenery and blossoming flowers. This drive is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers, as there are several hiking spots accessible from the road.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park is only a few miles from Asheville and is one of the most visited parks in North Carolina. It's a majestic rock that towers over the surrounding areas. You can climb to the top of the rock and look out over the surrounding forests and fields. The views are stunning, and the climb is sure to get your heart pumping. This park is family-friendly and is also accessible to those with disabilities.
Interesting fact: The production team of The Last of the Mohicans used Chimney Rock State Park as one of their filming locations due to its dramatic movie set-like rock formations.
Lake Lure
Lake Lure is located in Western North Carolina, just outside Asheville, and is one of the most beautiful man-made lakes in the state. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including boating, swimming, and fishing. The lake is bordered by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which make for a picture-perfect backdrop. It's also an excellent spot to sit and relax or have a picnic lunch.
Interesting fact: Dirty Dancing, one of the most iconic movies of the 80s, was filmed in Lake Lure.
Cowpens National Battlefield
Cowpens National Battlefield is located off I-85 near Gaffney, SC . This historic site is where the American Revolution began to shift in favor of the Americans. Visitors can take self-guided tours and learn about the battle that took place there. There's also a museum on-site that showcases exhibits related to the battle. The park is a beautiful place to take a walk, and its wide open spaces make it an excellent place for families to play and have a picnic.
Interesting fact: On January 17, 1781, Daniel Morgan's 320 Patriot Continental soldiers and militia defeated the larger British Army during the Revolutionary War.
Kings Mountain National Military Park
Kings Mountain National Military Park is another historic site located near York, SC. This park is where a battle was fought between the Patriots and the Loyalists during the American Revolution. Visitors can watch a short movie explaining the history of the site and the battle before taking one of the park's many walking tours. This park is excellent for hikers, photographers, and history buffs.
Interesting fact: During the battle, U.S. forces led by Colonel William Campbell defeated British loyalist forces led by Major Patrick Ferguson, which dealt a crucial blow to the British forces during the Revolution.
Conclusion
This road trip from Asheville, NC, to York, SC, is one of the most scenic and enjoyable drives in the country. Travelers get to see great views of the Appalachian Mountains, visit charming small towns, and learn about the history of the American Revolution. This trip should take no more than 3-4 hours, and travelers can enjoy all the beautiful sights and activities in each location. If you want to make the most of your trip, consider visiting all five of the top things to do on this route.