North Carolina is spilling over with scenic drives that are perfect for a road trip that lasts a morning, an afternoon or an entire weekend. You'll find 11 of the most popular scenic routes in this previous article. And they are stunning, but there is another lesser-known road that takes you on a scenic adventure through the mountains. Some call it Moonshiner 28 and not only is it beautiful, it's also full of adventure! Take a look:
The journey begins in Deals Gap with a quick turn off NC-219 (a.k.a. Tail of the Dragon). If curvy roads are your thing, then this part of the journey is made for you.
Wind your way down the mountain and past Fontana Dam. Enjoy the picturesque water vistas and be on the lookout for historic Fontana Village.
Now a resort, this little village was originally constructed for the workers who built the dam. Stop if you like, and then hit the road again... we have many more miles to cover and things to see.
You'll pass by the northern entrance to Cherohala Skyway on your right. Seen below, it's also a road trip just waiting to happen.
But keep moving. We're headed to Franklin, where NC-28 rolls right through town. Stop for lunch if you wish... your body may need the added fuel for the upcoming waterfalls! In Franklin, NC-28 merges with US 64 for several miles.
US 64 is also appropriately called the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway for all the waterfalls it showcases in such a short stretch of road. It's also rich in beauty.
Among the first waterfalls you'll encounter is Bust Yer Butt Falls (a.k.a. Quarry Falls) shown below. In the summer it can be difficult to get a parking spot because there is a deep pool at the bottom of the cascade that is a popular spot to swim.
This stretch of NC-28 (also US 64) is wildly popular for the waterfalls visible from the highway. The next one you'll encounter is Bridal Veil Falls. You can walk behind this fall, watching the water pour right over a cliff and into a giant hole that carries the water under the highway. In days gone by, you could also drive your car right under this waterfall, but there are roadblocks preventing that now.
Practically across the street is the trail to Dry Falls. It's more of a walkway with a lot of stairs than a trail. The distance to the falls isn't far and is definitely worth the effort.
Dry Falls is another walk-behind waterfall with a bumpy terrain beneath your feet. Be sure to keep as much of an eye on the ground as you do the waterfall dropping before your eyes.
Moonshiner 28 continues on to the South Carolina state line and passes through the charming North Carolina mountain town of Highlands. Here, you'll drive right past Lake Sequoyah and her breathtaking spill wall that creates a long ribbon of water. You can park here and enjoy the view.
From Highlands, you'll turn off US 64 onto NC-28 and head toward Walhalla, SC. Once you reach the South Carolina border, you've completed the 81-mile North Carolina segment of Moonshiner 28, but the route continues into South Carolina for an additional 24 miles to Walhalla.
Moonshiner 28 originates at Deals Gap where NC-28 branches off US-129 (a.k.a. Tail of the Dragon).
Have you traveled this road-less-traveled before? We'd love to hear about it and see your photos!
While we're featuring scenic drives, check out the 10 best scenic overlooks in North Carolina.
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