The Tar Heel Trace winds through the heart of North Carolina, offering travelers an intimate look at the state’s rich heritage and diverse landscapes. This state-designated scenic byway carries you past rolling Piedmont farmland, through charming small towns steeped in colonial and Civil War history, and alongside stretches of woodland that blaze with color each autumn.

Along the route, expect encounters with historic courthouses, roadside markers telling stories of early settlers, and local shops where Southern hospitality comes naturally. Small-town diners serve up pulled pork and sweet tea, giving you every reason to slow down and linger. The byway connects pockets of preserved countryside where tobacco barns and white-steepled churches dot the landscape, painting a picture of rural North Carolina that has changed little over generations.

Birdwatchers and nature lovers will appreciate the creeks and forested corridors that parallel portions of the drive, while history buffs can explore battlefields and heritage museums along the way.

The best time to drive the Tar Heel Trace is mid-October through early November, when fall foliage transforms the corridor into a sweep of amber and crimson. Allow a full day to explore at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops built in.

Explore Nearby

• Bakers Lake State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• Bushy Lake State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• Governor’s LightA — Lighthouse in South Carolina
• Campbell Island Light — Lighthouse in North Carolina
• Uwharrie National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina