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Fall Road Trips in North Carolina

Routes

30

Avg Distance

382 mi

Avg Drive

7h 38m

Destinations

22

North Carolina's fall drives offer a spectrum of experiences, with 30 routes averaging 380 miles and nearly 8 hours. Expect varied terrain, from gently rolling hills to elevations up to 2158 feet. This season's appeal lies in crisp air and vibrant foliage, making the state's diverse landscapes particularly engaging for drivers. Whether you prefer highway cruising or surface road exploration, these routes provide ample opportunity to see the state transform.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in North Carolina that work well for fall travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 382 miles).
Across Sep, Oct, Nov, North Carolina typically sees daytime highs in the 63–83°F range with about 3.4 in of rain per month on average. Based on NOAA 1991–2020 monthly climate normals.
Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.
Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Fall Routes

Editor's pick

Middlesex, NC → McMurray, PA

465.8 mi 9h 17m Score: 8/10 ~$74 fuel

Through: Norfolk → Williamsburg → Berkeley Springs

5 tricky spots High drive quality

This longer, 465-mile route features mostly surface roads and gently rolling terrain, reaching a maximum elevation of 1822 feet. It stands out for its extensive exploration of varied landscapes outside major highways.

Editor's pick

Wilmington, NC → Liberty, NC

451.9 mi 9h 9m Score: 8/10 ~$72 fuel

Through: Greenville → Pelzer → Toccoa +2 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Boasting a drive score of 8 and touching elevations up to 1911 feet, this 451-mile trip primarily uses highway for efficient travel. Its inclusion of park access adds a natural element to the journey.

Editor's pick

Holly Springs, NC → Chapel Hill, NC

424.2 mi 8h 36m Score: 8/10 ~$67 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

This 424-mile primarily highway route climbs to a notable 2158 feet, offering expansive views. The drive score of 8 highlights its quality for exploring North Carolina's autumnal scenery.

Havelock, NC → Chapel Hill, NC

416.4 mi 8h 27m Score: 7/10 ~$66 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots

New Bern, NC → Chapel Hill, NC

398.8 mi 8h 2m Score: 8/10 ~$63 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Buxton, NC → Charlotte, NC

398.7 mi 8h 13m Score: 8/10 ~$63 fuel
5 tricky spots High drive quality

Asheville, NC → Emerald Isle, NC

395.4 mi 7h 54m Score: 9/10 ~$63 fuel

Through: Durham → Pittsboro

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Asheville, NC → Morehead City, NC

393.6 mi 7h 49m Score: 9/10 ~$63 fuel

Through: Durham → Pittsboro

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Liberty, NC → Fayetteville, NC

391.5 mi 8h 5m Score: 8/10 ~$62 fuel

Through: Durham

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Greenville, NC → Franklin, NC

390.4 mi 7h 46m Score: 8/10 ~$62 fuel

Through: Statesville → Waynesville → Maggie Valley +2 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Newport, NC → Asheville, NC

387.8 mi 7h 35m Score: 8/10 ~$62 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Williamston, NC → Chapel Hill, NC

380 mi 7h 41m Score: 8/10 ~$60 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Havelock, NC → Asheville, NC

379.9 mi 7h 25m Score: 8/10 ~$60 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Liberty, NC → Raleigh, NC

376.3 mi 7h 41m Score: 8/10 ~$60 fuel

Through: Martinsville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Liberty, NC → West Raleigh, NC

373.7 mi 7h 36m Score: 8/10 ~$59 fuel

Through: Martinsville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Piney Green, NC → Asheville, NC

373.5 mi 7h 20m Score: 8/10 ~$59 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Chapel Hill, NC → Carolina Beach, NC

371.5 mi 7h 57m Score: 9/10 ~$59 fuel

Through: Rutherfordton → Spartanburg → Charlotte +2 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Liberty, NC → Cary, NC

370 mi 7h 31m Score: 8/10 ~$59 fuel

Through: Martinsville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Asheville, NC → Plymouth, NC

369.8 mi 7h 9m Score: 8/10 ~$59 fuel

Through: Martinsville → Wilson → Greenville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Jacksonville, NC → Albemarle, NC

367 mi 7h 12m Score: 8/10 ~$58 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

River Bend, NC → Asheville, NC

364.6 mi 7h 4m Score: 8/10 ~$58 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

James City, NC → Asheville, NC

362.8 mi 7h Score: 8/10 ~$58 fuel

Through: Statesville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Charlotte, NC → Nags Head, NC

359.5 mi 7h 5m Score: 8/10 ~$57 fuel

Through: High Point → Wilson → Greenville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Asheville, NC → New Bern, NC

358.4 mi 7h 2m Score: 8/10 ~$57 fuel

Through: Durham → Pittsboro

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Asheville, NC → Trent Woods, NC

357.2 mi 7h 3m Score: 8/10 ~$57 fuel

Through: Durham → Pittsboro

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Asheville, NC → Half Moon, NC

356.2 mi 7h 3m Score: 8/10 ~$57 fuel

Through: Durham → Pittsboro → Wilmington +1 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Asheville, NC → River Road, NC

355.9 mi 6h 58m Score: 8/10 ~$57 fuel

Through: Martinsville → Wilson → Greenville +1 more

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Andrews, NC → Fayetteville, NC

355.4 mi 7h 13m Score: 8/10 ~$56 fuel

Through: Durham

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Brevard, NC → City of Greenville, NC

355.4 mi 7h Score: 8/10 ~$56 fuel

Through: Martinsville → Wilson → Greenville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

Liberty, NC → Durham, NC

353 mi 7h 11m Score: 8/10 ~$54 fuel

Through: Martinsville

5 tricky spots High drive quality

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