1. Cherohala Skyway
ROUTE: NC-143
DISTANCE: 138 miles
TIME: 3 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
One of the best driving roads in North Carolina is the famous Cherohala Skyway. NC-143 is full of fun elevation changes and beautiful mountain scenery. This curvy road in North Carolina is a great driving road for sports cars and Polaris Slingshots, as it reaches elevations of over 5400ft. While many sports car drivers come to this region to experience the legendary Dragon at Deals Gap, the Cherohala Skyway can be even more fun to drive by sports car. It's longer, the curves open up a bit more and they keep on coming one after another. Since it's a less popular drive than the Tail of the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway is far less crowded, making it a better road to drive for Polaris Slingshots. Enjoy one of the most fun driving roads in North Carolina on this "Drive Among the Clouds".
How Do I Get to the Cherohala Skyway?
The Cherohala Skyway is an exceptionally good driving road in North Carolina that can be started in Robbinsville, NC just off Hwy 129.
Click here for the Google maps link!
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
DISTANCE: 469 miles
TIME: 12 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best driving roads in America. The Parkway is a national treasure that begins in Virginia and continues south into North Carolina. This exceptionally good driving road offers sports car enthusiasts a road with high elevations and fun curves to navigate. At 469 miles in total length, it would take a couple days to travel the entire Blue Ridge Parkway by car. While the speed limits are on the lower side through most of the route, it's still a fun road for sports cars and convertibles because the relaxing road offers amazing beauty throughout. There's also an abundance of pull-offs to be able to take in take in all the serene landscapes. If you're looking for a great driving road for Polaris Slingshots and sports cars, don't miss the incredibly inspiring Blue Ridge Parkway!
How Do I Get to the Blue Ridge Pkwy?
There are five entrances to the Parkway in the Asheville area. If you are driving north, take the entrance from U.S. Highway 70 east of town. If driving south, take the entrance from NC Highway 191 near I-26.
Click here for the Google maps link!
3. Wayah Road
DISTANCE: 28 miles
TIME: 1 hour
Why It's a Great Drive
Looking to find curvy driving roads that are hidden gems? Wayah Road is an especially good driving road in North Carolina sports car driving enthusiasts would not want to miss. It follows the eastern shore of Nantahala Lake before the road descends into the Nantahala Gorge. Wayah Road is tucked away from the more famous surrounding routes and is less travelled, making it a great drive for sports cars and Slingshots. There's smooth, flowing curves through the deep forest, and the road gets exciting as the climb out of the gorge is steep and twisty. If you're looking for a fun driving road in North Carolina, Wayah Road is an absolute delight for spirited sports car drivers and should be on your bucket list to drive in 2024!
How Do I Get to Wayah Road?
Wayah Road is a great driving road in North Carolina that lies between Hwy 64 and Hwy 74.
Click here for the Google maps link!
4. Wild Dam Waterfall Loop
ROUTES: 281, 64, 107
DISTANCE: 80 miles
TIME: 2.5 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
Looking to find good driving roads in North Carolina with scenic waterfalls? Look no further than the scenic drive along the Wild Dam Waterfall loop. This route will offer fantastic views of North Carolina's best waterfalls. NC-64 is an especially scenic drive through the Cullasaja River Gorge, while NC-281 provides multiple sweeping, downhill turns and fun elevation changes. Spirited drivers will also have the opportunity to cross over scenic dams on this great driving road in NC.
How to Get There
This good driving road can be started from US-64 in North Carolina. The loop continues along Routes 281 and 107.
Click here for the Google maps link!
5. US-74 ALT
ROUTE: US-74Alt
DISTANCE: 40 miles
TIME: 1 hour
Why It's a Great Drive
For one of the best driving roads in North Carolina that also has minimal traffic to contend with, check out US-74 Alt. This road can be found near Black Mountain, NC. The section of scenic driving in North Carolina from Lake Lure to Rutherfordton is a delightful country road. Its especially great for sports car driving enthusiasts, as US-74 Alt features some fun, sweeping curves, and you'll be driving alongside the scenic lake for a few miles with its beautiful scenery. Be sure to check out the nearby NC-9 from Bat Cave. It's a short detour, but well worth the drive. If you're looking for good driving roads near me in North Carolina, don't miss the great drive on US-74 Alt!
How to Get There
Start this great driving road in North Carolina from Interstate 40 near Ashville, NC.
Click here for the Google maps link!
6. The Devil's Whip
ROUTE: NC-80
DISTANCE: 38 miles
TIME: 1 hour
Why It's a Great Drive
The Devils Whip driving road on NC-80 is one of the most thrilling roads for sports cars and Polaris Slingshots. The route gets the name "the Devil's Whip" because it's very twisty, especially in the section from Hwy 70 to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's also steep inclines, elevation changes and constant switchbacks. It's a well known road among motorcyclists for its extremely challenging curves. If you drive the Devil's Whip from south to north you'll be able to take on the tight corners going uphill instead of downhill. Given that it crosses under the Blue Ridge Parkway between Crabtree Falls and Mount Mitchell State Park, it makes for a fun change from the slower paced parkway drive. While the "Devil's Whip" section is generally considered to end at Micaville, North Carolina 80 continues to be a very good driving road up to Bakersville, NC.
How to Get There
Start this great driving road in North Carolina from Hwy 70 near Marion, NC. Drive approx. 40 miles north to where the road ends at Route 226A near Bakersville, NC.
Click here for the Google maps link!
7. Copperhead Loop
ROUTES: US-276, US-64, NC-215
DISTANCE: 75 miles
TIME: 2 hours
Why It's a Great Drive
Conveniently located in the heart of the North Carolina Smokies, the Copperhead Loop is an exceptionally good driving road for sports car drivers, as the loop features a mix of fantastic scenery and challenging curves. Much of the Copperhead Loop includes the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway through the Pisgah National Forest. There's awesome waterfalls to check out along the way, including Looking Glass Falls. The combination of US Hwy 276, NC Hwy 215 and US Hwy 64 will provide a fun driving road for a sports car or Polaris Slingshot. Find out why the Copperhead Loop has been described "Beauty With An Attitude"!
How to Get There
The best way to start the Copperhead Loop is from US-64.
Click here for the Google maps link!
Are You A Motorcyclist?
If you're looking for the best motorcycle rides in North Carolina, be sure to check out our partnered website GreatMotorcycleRoads.com!
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