Fall Road Trips in North Carolina
Routes
30
Avg Distance
380 mi
Avg Drive
7h 37m
Destinations
21
North Carolina in the fall offers a diverse range of driving experiences, from coastal routes to mountain roads. With 30 trips averaging 391 miles and 467 minutes, you'll find options for both quick excursions and longer adventures. The terrain varies, with max elevations reaching over 1,900 feet on some routes, promising scenic views as the leaves change.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.89/gal
Diesel: $5.60/gal
Typical trip cost
$53–$71
One-way, ~380 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~133 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31
Climate through the year: North Carolina
North Carolina peaks at around 90°F in Jul and cools to 52°F / 32°F in Jan. Wettest month is Aug at ~4.4 in of rain. Table highlights Fall months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52 | 32 | 3.5 | 1.6 |
| Feb | 57 | 35 | 3.1 | 1.1 |
| Mar | 64 | 41 | 4 | 0.3 |
| Apr | 73 | 49 | 3.8 | — |
| May | 80 | 58 | 3.4 | — |
| Jun | 87 | 66 | 4 | — |
| Jul | 90 | 70 | 3.7 | — |
| Aug | 89 | 69 | 4.4 | — |
| Sep peak | 83 | 63 | 3.7 | — |
| Oct peak | 73 | 50 | 3.2 | — |
| Nov peak | 63 | 40 | 3.3 | 0.1 |
| Dec | 55 | 35 | 3.6 | 0.4 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for NC — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Check the weather forecast for your route, not just your origin and destination.
- Bring layers for shoulder-season travel — mornings and evenings can be much cooler than midday.
- North Carolina routes can vary in condition depending on the time of year. Check for construction zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fall Routes
Editor's pick
Middlesex, NC → McMurray, PA
Through: Norfolk → Williamsburg → Berkeley Springs
Traveling north from Middlesex, this 465-mile route features gently rolling terrain and a higher drive score of 8. It reaches an elevation of 1,822 feet, providing a more varied landscape.
Editor's pick
Wilmington, NC → Liberty, NC
Through: Greenville → Pelzer → Toccoa +2 more
This 451-mile trip within North Carolina boasts a drive score of 8 and gently rolling terrain reaching 1,911 feet. It's notable for including park access, enhancing the fall foliage viewing opportunities.
Holly Springs, NC → Chapel Hill, NC
Through: Statesville
Havelock, NC → Chapel Hill, NC
Through: Statesville
New Bern, NC → Chapel Hill, NC
Through: Statesville
Buxton, NC → Charlotte, NC
Asheville, NC → Emerald Isle, NC
Through: Durham → Pittsboro
Liberty, NC → Fayetteville, NC
Through: Durham
Greenville, NC → Franklin, NC
Through: Statesville → Waynesville → Maggie Valley +2 more
Newport, NC → Asheville, NC
Through: Statesville
Williamston, NC → Chapel Hill, NC
Through: Statesville
Havelock, NC → Asheville, NC
Through: Statesville
Liberty, NC → Raleigh, NC
Through: Martinsville
Liberty, NC → West Raleigh, NC
Through: Martinsville
Piney Green, NC → Asheville, NC
Through: Statesville
Chapel Hill, NC → Carolina Beach, NC
Through: Rutherfordton → Spartanburg → Charlotte +2 more
Liberty, NC → Cary, NC
Through: Martinsville
Asheville, NC → Plymouth, NC
Through: Martinsville → Wilson → Greenville
Jacksonville, NC → Albemarle, NC
Through: Statesville
River Bend, NC → Asheville, NC
Through: Statesville
James City, NC → Asheville, NC
Through: Statesville
Asheville, NC → New Bern, NC
Through: Durham → Pittsboro
Asheville, NC → Trent Woods, NC
Through: Durham → Pittsboro
Asheville, NC → Half Moon, NC
Through: Durham → Pittsboro → Wilmington +1 more
Asheville, NC → River Road, NC
Through: Martinsville → Wilson → Greenville +1 more
Andrews, NC → Fayetteville, NC
Through: Durham
Brevard, NC → City of Greenville, NC
Through: Martinsville → Wilson → Greenville
Liberty, NC → Durham, NC
Through: Martinsville
Chapel Hill, NC → Leland, NC
Through: Rutherfordton → Spartanburg → Charlotte +2 more
Manteo, NC → Charlotte, NC