As communities in Western North Carolina continue recovering from Hurricane Helene, many scenic byways remain open and accessible, welcoming travelers eager to experience fall’s beauty and support local businesses.
With recovery efforts underway, now is the perfect time to experience the best of fall in North Carolina. Crisp air, golden light and a kaleidoscope of leaves await along the state’s 62 scenic byways, offering unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re chasing peak foliage or simply looking for a scenic escape, travelers can enjoy winding roads, rolling landscapes and welcoming communities filled with local charm, regional food and plenty of spots worth stopping for.
“North Carolina’s scenic byways not only showcase some of the state’s most breathtaking fall landscapes but also serve as vital routes supporting the recovery and resilience of communities impacted by recent storms,” said Jeremy Goodwin, N.C. Department of Transportation’s roadside environmental engineer, in a press release. “This season, travelers have a wonderful opportunity to explore, enjoy the stunning scenery and contribute to the ongoing revival of Western North Carolina’s towns and local businesses.”
The following North Carolina mountain scenic byways remain open and welcome visitors this season:
Appalachian Medley
Big Horse Creek Byway
Cherohala Skyway
Fontana Byway
Forest Heritage Scenic Byway
French Broad Overview
Highlands of the Roan Byway
Historic Flat Rock Byway
Interstate 26 Scenic Byway
Little Parkway
Mission Crossing
Mt. Mitchell Scenic Drive (Mt. Mitchell State Park is now open but has to be accessed by the Blue Ridge Parkway from the western side. The Blue Ridge Parkway is still closed from the park entrance to N.C. 80.)
Nantahala Byway
New River Valley Byway
Upper Yadkin Way
U.S. 421 Scenic Highway
Waterfall Byway
Whitewater Way
Before traveling, NCDOT encourages motorists to visit DriveNC.gov to ensure their route is accessible. To find other scenic byways across the state, visit this webpage.
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Contributed article/Stock photo from Pixabay.
