Wind through the rugged foothills of North Carolina’s South Mountains on this state-designated scenic byway, where ancient peaks draped in hardwood forests rise above pastoral valleys and quiet rural communities. The route carries travelers through some of the most unspoiled terrain in the western Piedmont, offering sweeping mountain vistas, cascading streams, and pockets of wilderness that feel worlds away from the interstate.

Along the way, South Mountain State Park anchors the experience with its stunning waterfalls, including the 80-foot High Shoals Falls, accessible via a moderate creekside trail. Rolling farmland dotted with historic barns and stone walls gives the drive a timeless quality, while roadside pull-offs reveal layered mountain panoramas that stretch to the Blue Ridge.

Fall delivers the most dramatic scenery, when the mountainsides ignite in amber, crimson, and gold — typically peaking from mid-October through early November. Spring wildflower season brings its own quiet beauty, with mountain laurel and rhododendron blooming along shaded creek banks.

Allow two to three hours to drive the route at a leisurely pace, with extra time for hiking and photography stops. This is a drive best savored slowly, with the windows down and nowhere else to be.

Explore Nearby

• Yellow Mountain State Natural Area — State Park in North Carolina
• William B. Umstead State Park — State Park in North Carolina
• Uwharrie National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina
• Pisgah National Forest — National Forest in North Carolina
• Wade Point Light — Lighthouse in North Carolina