Raleigh to Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

You know that old saying – it’s not about the destination but the journey itself? This is how I feel about a Raleigh to the Great Smoky Mountains road trip.

Yes, the Smokies are one of the USA’s most famous and most visited national parks and well worth visiting, it’s a 4.5 – 5.5 hour drive from Raleigh in one hit, so you’re going to need to break up the journey.

And why shouldn’t you? There are many fantastic destinations between Raleigh and the Great Smoky Mountain Range offering a blend of jaw-dropping nature, fascinating historical landmarks, and classic American roadside attractions.

If you’re ready to slow down the pace and break up the journey to the Smokes, here’s our ultimate road trip itinerary from Raleigh to the Great Smoky Mountains.

How many days do you need to road trip between Raleigh and the Great Smoky Mountains?

The entire journey from Raleigh to Cherokee, the closest gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a 5.5-hour drive. 

However, we recommend you break up this journey over at least 5 days to enjoy the fantastic attractions on route. You could easily extend this road trip to last 7 days and spend more time in each place and not get bored. 

A Raleigh to Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary

The following itinerary is intended to be completed in 5-7 days, depending on your availability and how much time you plan on spending at your end destination, the Great Smoky Mountains.

Some of these places you may want to skip or markdown for the return journey if you are driving back to Raleigh. You don’t need to stop at every stop we recommend, as you may want to visit them on a day trip from Raleigh instead.

We’ve also selected Cherokee as our end point on this road trip, as this is the closest gateway into the Great Smoky Mountains. However, you may wish to drive on to Bryson City, another popular town servicing the Smokies, or even go into Tennessee to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

You can also stop in Asheville if you just want to explore the side closer to Cherokee National Forest.

Use this itinerary as a guide, rather than a set-in-stone map. As we are family travelers, most of these attractions are family-friendly and catered towards families with children.

Day 1

Stop 1: Greensboro

• Distance from previous stop: 76.7 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes

We begin our road trip from downtown Raleigh, heading West along the interstate I-40, which I’m sure Raleigh residents know all too well.

Our first stop is Greensboro. There are other great destinations between Raleigh and Greensboro, such as Chapel Hill and Durham, but being local to Raleigh, we’re sure most people in the Raleigh area have been to these places before. They are some of our favorite day trips from Raleigh.

However, Greensboro is slightly further afield and would be the perfect first stop for a coffee and to stretch your legs. Grab a cup of coffee at Northern Roots Coffeehouse and sit in one of their cozy egg chairs, or take it to go and walk around the downtown district and admire street art on S Elm St.

S Elm St is a buzzing and lively street with an eclectic vibe, with vibrant street art that infuses the walls with creativity and color. There’s a good selection of boutiques along this street, from quirky antiques to chic fashion stores. Spend an hour or so meandering here before heading on to the next stop…

Stop 2: Winston-Salem

• Distance from previous stop: 28.4 miles via I-40 W and US-421 N
• Drive time: 30 minutes

Similarly to Greensboro, Winston-Salem is a quaint little town with a charming and relaxed vibe. As you walk along the cobblestone streets lined with breweries, boutiques, art galleries, and museums, it’s hard not to be impressed by the history that remains in the architecture. 

Winston-Salem was previously settled by the Moravians (Protestants who spoke German) in the 1750s, and much of this Germanesque architecture remains.

Wander around Historic Bethabara Park, the very first Moravian settlement in NC, or see more of that history in the Old Salem Museum and Gardens, which was founded in 1766. 

See the Victorian-era homes in the Historic West End neighborhood or grab a pint at The Tavern In Old Salem, a restored 1816 home turned into a tavern where the waiters wear traditional Moravian costumes.

Stop 3: Hickory

• Distance from previous stop: 70.5 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 1 hour

Pull into the town of Hickory for a bite to eat and to fill up on some camping supplies. This is the final town we’ll visit on the first day, so depending on whether you prefer town vibes or nature, will determine how much time you spend here.

If you have time and are interested in vintage planes, the Hickory Aviation Museum is small with only 10 aircraft, but a good place to check out, or you can grab a pint and some bar food from the Olde Hickory Tap Room, a lively pub with locally made beer and live music.

Stop 4: Lake Hickory

• Distance from previous stop: 10.6 miles via Springs Road
• Drive time: 22 minutes

Head into Burke County to the scenic Lake Hickory. Spanning nearly 4,223 acres, Lake Hickory is one of the main lakes in the Catawba River Chain of Lakes and is a popular spot for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing.

This is the perfect quiet setting to stay for the night, and enjoy an early morning kayak, cast a line from the pier at Geitner Park, or drive a boat around for an hour before setting off. There is affordable, comfortable accommodation at Lake Hickory RV Resort.

Day 2

Stop 5: JD’s Smokehouse

• Distance from previous stop: 23.9 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 30 minutes

Spend the morning enjoying Lake Hickory, before setting off midmorning towards JD’s Smokehouse for the best BBQ in North Carolina, voted by Carolina Country Magazine. 

At JD’s, you will find low and slow-cooked meat, cooked over a hardwood BBQ. Not only is the BBQ cooked to perfection, but the interior decor looks like your classic, roadside diner with hardwood flooring and road signs on the wall.

Stop 6: Lake James State Park

• Distance from previous stop: 24.8 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 27 minutes

Lake James State Park is a large reservoir in the mountains, named after tobacco tycoon and benefactor of Duke University, James Buchanan Duke. It encompasses 26.4 square kilometers and is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and boating.

What makes Lake James unique is that it has a swimming beach by the Paddy’s Creek area, which is open in the summer season only. It’s the perfect place to cool off.

Depending on what you like to do, we recommend spending the whole afternoon and evening here, either enjoying the lake’s refreshing waters or hitting the hiking trails.

Why not spend the night here and camp? There are tent sites around the park with hot showers and firewood for you to start a campfire and roast some smores. Paddy’s Creek Campground is a good choice if you like hiking and swimming.

Day 3

Stop 7: Tom’s Creek Falls trail in the Pisgah National Forest 

• Distance from previous stop: 9.7 miles via US-70 E and NC-126 E
• Drive time: 15 minutes

Today is all about nature. Just a short drive from Lake James and you’ve reached the Pisgah National Forest, a densely protected forest covering 500,000 square miles, from Boone all the way to Asheville.

A short hike you can do that takes you into the scenic beauty of the Pisgah is Tom’s Creek Falls trail, just outside the town of Marion.

This 0.6-mile trail takes you to see a beautiful, 80-foot multi-level waterfall. It has an observation deck overlooking the falls, and the trail itself is flat most of the way, making it an ideal walk for families with kids or those who can’t walk long distances.

Stop off in Marion on the way there and pick up some items for a picnic. There are many benches where you can sit and eat along the way.

Stop 8: Davidson’s Fort Historic Park

• Distance from previous stop: 13.1 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 17 minutes

The Davidson’s Fort Historic Park is an open-air museum showcasing a colonial fort. It contains an old settler cabin, which sits on the site once belonging to the Davidson family. 

The cabin, and the surrounding tents and outbuildings, are now a living museum where history comes to life. Watch craft demonstrations, learn about colonial days from costumed guides, and listen to the blast of the original canon from the Rutherford Expedition.

It’s a great place to take the kids for a couple of hours of educational fun. Afterward, head to Marion for dinner at Mica Town Brewing Company, and spend the night at the Comfort Inn in Marion before heading out the next day to…

Day 4

Stop 9: Catawba Falls

• Distance from previous stop: 4.4 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 10 minutes

Get up early to go for a morning walk at Catawba Falls, possibly the most famous NC waterfalls in the Catawba region.

There is a 4.6-mile shaded hike through a mossy forest, leading to the 100-foot cascading waterfall, fed by the Catawba River. Along the way, there are many historic buildings and the remains of a hydropower dam from the 1920s. 

Wear sturdy footwear, and note there are some stream crossings on route! Hiking to Catawba was one of our favorite activities in Asheville with kids.

Stop 10: Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center

• Distance from previous stop: 12 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 17 minutes

Stop off in the charming town of Swannanoa on the way to Asheville and enjoy a home-cooked lunch at Louise’s Kitchen, a quaint cafe that looks like your Grandma’s kitchen.

After fueling up, stretch your legs and go for a walk around the town, either enjoying the trails around Lake Tomahawk Park or stopping in the Swannanoa Valley Museum to learn about the history of the Swannanoa Valley.

It’s located inside a former 1920s firehouse and has a small but well-curated selection of exhibitions. It’s open Wednesday – Saturday in the summer or just Saturday in the winter.

Stop 11: Asheville

• Distance from previous stop: 16.1 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 20 minutes

Aim to get to Asheville mid-afternoon so you can explore its bustling downtown scene. Check out the quirky Asheville Pinball Museum, a museum of antique pinball machines that you can actually play on, or relax in The North Carolina Arboretum if the weather is on your side.

It’s well worth strolling around the River Arts District and admiring the colorful buildings. This area is filled with galleries, and many of the former factory buildings are now artists’ studios. In the evening, head to The Grey Eagle Music Hall and Pub an all-ages pub known for its Latin cuisine and live music.

We recommend spending at least two nights in Asheville if you have time to spare, as there are a lot of cool things to do here. Including…

Day 5 & 6

Stop 12: Biltmore Estate

• Distance from previous stop: 2.6 miles via S Charlotte St and US-25 S/McDowell St
• Drive time: 5 minutes

One of the biggest reasons to visit Asheville is to see the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest and grandest home. This lavish, 250-room stately home resembles a French chateau and looks like something out of a fairytale. 

It sits on 8,000 acres (13 square miles) of land, which has numerous nature trails, horseback riding trails, and other outdoor activities. There’s also a winery, tea room, and a small village with restaurants and eateries.

You can spend the night at the Biltmore Estate (if you have the cash for it!) or you can stay in Asheville. 

We do recommend a full day here at the bare minimum, as there’s a lot to see and do. In an ideal world, spend two full days here, but we know not everyone is blessed for time. You can see the house and explore a lot of the grounds in a day. Read more: Our Experience Staying at The Inn On Biltmore Estate, Asheville.

Day 7

Stop 13: Wheels Through Time Motor Museum (Maggie Valley)

• Distance from previous stop: 34.1 miles via I-40 W
• Drive time: 40 minutes

If you love motorcycles and all things vintage or have fantasies about owning a rare Harley-Davidson motorcycle or a  1917 Henderson endurance racer, then you may want to make a stop by the Wheels Through Time Motor Museum.

This museum is the personal collection of Museum Founder Dale Walksler, who began collecting two-wheeled vehicles back in 1969 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. In 2012, he moved the collection to North Carolina, where more than 350 rare American motorcycles are on display.

Stop 14: Soco Falls

• Distance from previous stop: 6.9 miles via US-19 S
• Drive time: 10 minutes

Get your first glimpse into the surreal natural beauty of the Smokies at Soco Falls, a cascading 100-foot twin waterfall on the edge of the Cherokee Indian Reservation. There is a viewing platform a short distance (about half a mile) from the turn-off on US Highway 19. 

There is a small roadside parking area which can be easily missed because the sign is tiny, so be sure to put the address into your sat nav so you don’t miss it. 

Alternative Route: Blue Ridge Parkway

From Soco Falls, you have two options – you can continue along US-19 S/Wolfetown Road to stop off at some roadside museums and on to Cherokee, or you can turn off to do a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway Scenic Drive, a 469-mile road stretching from the Smokies to Shenandoah in Virginia.

If the weather is sunny and warm, we recommend taking the Blue Ridge Parkway which has several scenic viewpoints to stop off and admire. If the weather isn’t playing ball, drive on to the museums, and mark this scenic route for the return journey. The Soco Falls gateway ends just north of Cherokee, connecting to I-441.

Stop 15: The Elvis Museum

• Distance from previous stop: 5.5 miles via US-19 N
• Drive time: 10 minutes

When I think of roadside attractions in the U.S., this is exactly what I have in mind. The Elvis Museum is a tiny museum of Elvis-related merchandise and memorabilia, set inside a garden shed next to the owner’s house. 

It’s a personal collection that belongs to a sweet lady, Dee, who wants to share her life-long collection and her love of Elvis with all who pass by.

It’s small but adorable. If you’re an Elvis fan, you could end up chatting with Dee for hours while looking at her collection of items that she’s collected since he passed.

Stop 16: Cherokee

• Distance from previous stop: 5.2 miles
• Drive time: 9 mins

The last stop on this road trip is Cherokee, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. While most people come to Cherokee to hit the great hiking trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, particularly the world-renowned Appalachian trail, do not simply bypass the town. 

Cherokee is an old reservation town with a deep history related to the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. You can learn more about it at the Museum of the Cherokee People, or at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, an open-air museum giving an immersive look into the Cherokee lifestyle and way of life through live demonstrations. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to try tubing down the Oconaluftee River with Cherokee Rapids River Tubing, it’s a popular family-friendly activity and a fun way to cool off!

Now you’re ready for the next part of your journey – The Smokies. Here’s our guide on how to enjoy a weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains from Raleigh (By all means stay longer!)

Map of this Raleigh to Great Smoky Mountain NP itinerary

You can see the suggested route, attractions, and landmarks on the following interactive map:

You may also like

• Clingmans Dome: The Top of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• 10 Best Getaways from Raleigh In The Fall Season (Scenic Drives, Hikes & More)
• How To Enjoy A Mountain Getaway to Roanoke from Raleigh: Escape To Virginia’s Blue Ridge
• From Peaks to Shores: Raleigh’s Spring Break Hotspots Revealed