Road Trips from Raleigh, NC
Planning a weekend escape from Raleigh? You've got options ranging from quick, half-day drives to longer, more immersive trips. The surrounding terrain is mostly flat to gently rolling, and all destinations offer park access. Whether you're looking for a short drive with a good score or a longer haul into the rolling hills, there's a route for you.
Total Routes
18
Shortest
1.5h
With Parks Nearby
2
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
8 total in this range
White Plains, NC
3h 54m199.4 mi one way
Covering 199.4 miles and taking 3.9 hours, this drive scores a 9. It's primarily highway with mostly flat terrain, making it a straightforward journey.
White Plains, NC
2h 46m137.4 mi one way
Stony Point, NC
3h 9m157 mi one way
This 157-mile trip takes about 3.2 hours with a drive score of 9. The route is a mix of highway and surface roads, traversing gently rolling terrain.
Thurmond, NC
3h 9m155.9 mi one way
This drive is 155.9 miles and takes 3.2 hours, offering a drive score of 9. Expect a mix of highway and surface roads with gently rolling terrain.
Sparta, NC
3h 37m174.7 mi one way
At 174.7 miles and 3.6 hours, this route has a drive score of 9. It utilizes mixed highway and surface roads and travels through gently rolling terrain.
Weekend trip
9 total in this range
Boiling Springs, NC
4h 16m215.4 mi one way
At 215.4 miles and 4.3 hours, this trip boasts the highest drive score of 10. It uses mixed highway and surface roads and features mostly flat terrain.
Rutherfordton, NC
4h 33m223.9 mi one way
This 223.9-mile drive will take about 4.6 hours, earning a drive score of 10. The route is a mix of highway and surface roads through gently rolling terrain.
Balfour, NC
5h 14m261.4 mi one way
This is your longest option at 261.4 miles, requiring 5.2 hours with a drive score of 10. It's mostly highway and features gently rolling terrain.
Burnsville, NC
5h 7m249.5 mi one way
Covering 249.5 miles and taking 5.1 hours, this drive scores a 10. It's mostly highway and passes through gently rolling terrain, offering a substantial escape.
Albemarle, NC
4h 52m248.3 mi one way
This 248.3-mile trip takes 4.9 hours with a drive score of 9. The route is mostly highway and goes through gently rolling terrain.
Browse by Mood
Boiling Springs, NC
4h 16m215.4 mi one way
Rutherfordton, NC
4h 33m223.9 mi one way
White Plains, NC
3h 54m199.4 mi one way
Balfour, NC
5h 14m261.4 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The mostly flat to gently rolling terrain and park access make spring drives pleasant, with moderate temperatures ideal for exploring.
Summer
With consistently flat and gently rolling terrain, summer offers numerous park opportunities for outdoor activities on these routes.
Fall
Gently rolling terrain and nearby parks provide scenic autumn drives, with cooler temperatures enhancing the experience.
Winter
The mostly flat terrain on many routes ensures accessibility, and parks remain open for winter enjoyment.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Raleigh, NC city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.