The Edenton-Windsor Loop winds through the heart of North Carolina’s Inner Banks, where centuries of history meet the quiet beauty of the Albemarle region. This state scenic byway traces a path through rolling farmland, towering longleaf pines, and small towns that feel untouched by time.

Begin in Edenton, one of the South’s most charming colonial towns, where Georgian and Federal architecture lines the waterfront along Albemarle Sound. Stroll the boardwalk, visit the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse — one of the finest in America — and take in sweeping water views from the town green.

The route carries you through Bertie County’s pastoral countryside, past cotton fields and pecan groves, to the town of Windsor. Stop at the Hope Plantation to tour a beautifully restored Federal-period home, then explore the Roanoke-Cashie River Center for a glimpse of the blackwater ecosystem that defines this landscape.

Between towns, watch for great blue herons wading in cypress swamps and bald eagles soaring overhead.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable driving, with wildflowers or brilliant foliage lining the road. Allow a full day to drive the loop at a leisurely pace, with time for historic sites and waterfront walks.

Explore Nearby

• Wade Point Light — Lighthouse in North Carolina
• Roanoke River Light — Lighthouse in North Carolina
• Salmon Creek State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• Chowan Swamp State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• Croatan National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina