Road Trips from Wilmington, NC
Wilmington's location makes it a great starting point for a variety of drives. You've got options for quick half-day excursions, like heading just over 11 miles to Kirkland, or longer adventures into the state's interior. Many routes offer access to parks, though the terrain can range from flat to hilly depending on your destination. If you're looking for a day trip or the start of a longer drive with a good drive score, Wilmington has you covered.
Total Routes
26
Shortest
0.4h
With Parks Nearby
26
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
10 total in this range
Biscoe, NC
3h 12m162.9 mi one way
For a longer day trip, Biscoe is 162.9 miles and takes about 3.2 hours. This drive mixes highway and surface roads, offering a good balance for covering distance. Like many routes from Wilmington, it passes by Moores Creek National Battlefield.
Yanceyville, NC
3h 52m198 mi one way
Gorman, NC
3h 1m160.2 mi one way
Gorman is a comparable distance to Biscoe at 160.2 miles, taking 3 hours. The drive profile is mostly surface roads, offering a different feel than routes that incorporate more highway. Moores Creek National Battlefield is nearby.
Creedmoor, NC
3h 4m156.8 mi one way
Creedmoor is 156.8 miles away and should take around 3.1 hours. This route is primarily surface roads, making for a consistent drive. You'll have access to Moores Creek National Battlefield along the way.
Whispering Pines, NC
2h 55m139.1 mi one way
Whispering Pines is a 139.1-mile drive, estimated at 2.9 hours. This trip utilizes mostly surface roads, providing a steady pace. Moores Creek National Battlefield is within reach of this route.
Weekend trip
14 total in this range
King, NC
4h 44m247.3 mi one way
King is a significant drive at 247.3 miles, taking approximately 4.7 hours, so consider this a full-day or overnight trip. It's a mixed highway and surface roads route with a high drive score. The terrain here is gently rolling, unlike the flatter areas closer to Wilmington. Moores Creek National Battlefield is nearby.
Wentworth, NC
4h 17m222.3 mi one way
This route to Wentworth covers 222.3 miles and takes about 4.3 hours. It uses a mix of highway and surface roads, offering a good drive score for covering the distance. The terrain is mostly flat. Moores Creek National Battlefield is on the way.
Yadkinville, NC
4h 56m252.6 mi one way
Yadkinville is a longer drive at 252.6 miles, estimated at 4.9 hours. This route features a mix of highway and surface roads, providing a solid drive score. The terrain shifts to gently rolling hills. Moores Creek National Battlefield is accessible.
Tobaccoville, NC
4h 43m246.2 mi one way
Tobaccoville is similar in distance to King, at 246.2 miles and 4.7 hours. It's a mixed highway and surface roads drive with a high drive score and gently rolling terrain. Moores Creek National Battlefield is a nearby park option.
Banner Elk, NC
6h 45m308.2 mi one way
This is your longest option for a mostly surface roads drive, covering 308.2 miles and taking 6.8 hours. The terrain here is hilly with moderate elevation changes, a distinct difference from flatter routes. Moores Creek National Battlefield is accessible.
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
King, NC
4h 44m247.3 mi one way
Wentworth, NC
4h 17m222.3 mi one way
Yadkinville, NC
4h 56m252.6 mi one way
Tobaccoville, NC
4h 43m246.2 mi one way
King, NC
4h 44m247.3 mi one way
Black Mountain, NC
6h 20m308.1 mi one way
Midland, NC
3h 50m185.3 mi one way
Rockingham, NC
2h 34m127 mi one way
King, NC
4h 44m247.3 mi one way
Wentworth, NC
4h 17m222.3 mi one way
Yadkinville, NC
4h 56m252.6 mi one way
Tobaccoville, NC
4h 43m246.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions on the mostly flat terrain. Parks like Moores Creek National Battlefield are accessible for exploration.
Summer
Summer drives are viable, though temperatures may be high. The varied terrain options remain open for exploration.
Fall
Fall is ideal for drives with gently rolling or hilly terrain, showcasing changing landscapes. Parks are easily accessible.
Winter
Winter drives are possible, with mostly flat and gently rolling terrains offering clear roads. Parks remain accessible.
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 Wilmington, NC city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.