Rolling vineyards, rushing waterfalls, winding mountain roads, and unforgettable views all come together on this North Carolina road trip.
One minute you’ll be sipping locally crafted wines, and the next you’ll be standing beside roaring waterfalls hidden among towering forests.
Along the way, you’ll discover scenic drives, easy walks, impressive overlooks, delicious food, and plenty of places to slow down and enjoy the journey.
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxing winery stops, this North Carolina road trip delivers memorable experiences from start to finish.
1. Childress Vineyards, Lexington
Childress Vineyards sits in Lexington, where a Tuscan-inspired estate overlooks more than 70 acres of vineyards.
Founded by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress, it produces award-winning wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Muscadine Sweet Red.
Here, you can enjoy a self-guided wine flight or join a walking tour to learn about the winemaking process while exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds.
Afterwards, treat yourself to lunch at The Bistro, where dishes like charcuterie boards, sandwiches, fresh salads, and filet are served with vineyard views.
2. Hanging Rock State Park
After sipping wine in Lexington, drive about an hour to Hanging Rock State Park near Danbury, where peaceful forest trails lead to sparkling waterfalls.
Start with the 0.4-mile Upper Cascades Trail, which leads to a wooden viewing deck overlooking the falls, with stairs continuing to the shallow catch pool below.
You can also follow the 0.8-mile Lower Cascades Trail through the forest and down wooden and stone steps to the base of another waterfall.
If you have extra time, tackle the 3.6-mile round-trip Hanging Rock Trail to the park’s famous rock formation with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
3. Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, Ronda
Now trade hiking boots for a wine glass as you drive about 75 minutes to Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery in Ronda, nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills.
Known for its Italian-style wines, this place grows Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Sagrantino, and Vermentino, with tastings showcasing its classically dry wines.
To sample them yourself, join a guided tasting and tour at the indoor tasting bar, or relax with a curated wine flight from a piazza table or the balcony with mountain views.
If you’d rather linger a little longer, grab a glass or bottle of wine and head to the picnic area, where you can relax at a picnic table or spread out a blanket.
4. Linville Falls
Just 1.5 hours from Raffaldini is Linville Falls, one of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s most famous waterfalls and the highest-volume waterfall on the northern Blue Ridge.
Once you arrive, follow the 1.6-mile round-trip Erwins View Trail, stopping at four scenic overlooks before reaching panoramic views of Linville Gorge and the falls.
For an even closer look, hike the strenuous 1.4-mile round-trip Linville Gorge Trail through rock cliffs to the bottom of the waterfall.
Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, pack your camera, and arrive early, especially during fall when the colorful hardwood forest draws the biggest crowds.
5. Biltmore Estate Winery, Asheville
Reward yourself with a stop at Biltmore Estate Winery in Asheville, located on the famous 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate built for George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s.
Your visit includes a complimentary wine tasting, with the option to enjoy wine flights, charcuterie, and locally made truffles at the Wine Bar.
For an extra treat, reserve the Red Wine & Chocolate Tasting, where you’ll pair handcrafted red wines with artisan chocolates in the popular Clock Tower.
Before you leave, browse the winery shop for award-winning bottles like Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo to take home.
6. Looking Glass Falls
Leave the grand estate behind and head into Pisgah National Forest, where the 60-foot Looking Glass Falls tumbles beside U.S. Highway 276.
Unlike many waterfalls that require a long hike, you can admire it from the roadside or take a short walk from the parking area for a closer look.
If you want a different perspective, follow the stone steps to the base, where the cool mist feels especially refreshing on warm summer days.
Sunrise and the hours after heavy rain are some of the best times to visit, when the waterfall roars even louder and the surrounding forest looks its most vibrant.
7. Pearson’s Falls
About an hour from Looking Glass Falls, Pearson’s Falls welcomes you with a gentle 0.25-mile trail through native forest and spring-fed streams to a 90-foot waterfall.
It tumbles over wide rock ledges into a peaceful cascade, surrounded by more than 200 species of rare wildflowers and plants.
Slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with benches and picnic tables offering the perfect place to relax before the walk back.
As your road trip comes to an end, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of scenic waterfalls, local wines, and mountain landscapes.
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