New York City is one of the greatest & most iconic cities in the world, filled with skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building, one world trade center and the Rockefeller centre!
In addition, to it being a melting pot for culture, from Chinatown to Little Italy. As the hub of the east coast its the ideal launching pad for some epic road trips!
Whereas, Charlotte, is a beautiful city known as “the Queen City”. It perfectly marries the vibrancy of a large city with the charm of small town!
It’s the birthplace of NASCAR and home to the NASCAR Hall of fame Museum.
Charlotte is also a city known for documenting post civil war history in the south, at the popular, Levine Museum of the New South.
Whereas, Uptown Charlotte has a modern Commercial hub.
A road trip between New York and Charlotte will take you through some of the greatest places in the USA. From phenomenal natural beauty at Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachians and Great Smoky National Park to the unique cities such as Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Gettysburg and the Bohemian Asheville, NC.
So start your engines and get ready for a trip of a lifetime!
How far is New York to Charlotte ,North Carolina?
Charlotte is 634 miles from New York City, via I-95 S and I-85 S. Driving direct it would take you apporoximately 10 hours and 45 minutes to arrive.
Of course the best part of any road trip is all the great places you can stop off at enroute!
How far is New York to Asheville, North Carolina?
Asheville, North Carolina is located 690 miles from New York City. Driving directly via I-81 S it would take you approximately 11 hours to arrive.
Interactive map (New York to Charlotte, NC Road Trip):
After taking, this journey twice! I have outlined two routes:
Route 1: Scenic National Parks; via Appalachians, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway etc
Route 2: City Stops; Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Richmond Virginia, Charlotte, NC
Dive into our Interactive map below!
User guide: Use the +/- buttons to zoom in and out of the attractions.
Top Tip: Many visitors choose to share the post on Facebook to inspire friends and help plan their road trip.
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[social_warfare]Road Trip Itinerary (New York to Charlotte, NC):
Route 1: Scenic National Park Road Trip
- New York City
- Philadelphia
- Gettysburg, PA
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail
- Shenandoah National Park
- Great Smoky Mountain National Park
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Charlotte, North Carolina
Route 2: City Stop Road Trip
- New York City
- Atlantic City – Optional
- Philadelphia
- Baltimore
- Washington D.C
- Richmond, VA
- Raleigh, NC
- Charlotte, NC
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Great Smokey Mountains National Park
Road Trip Highlights:
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg is an historic town in Pennsylvania, its most famous for the The Battle of Gettysburg which happened between July 1–3, 1863.
The Gettysburg National Battlefield covers a large area in the South and West of Gettysburg with smaller battlefields to the North and East of Gettysburg.
Gettysburg National Military Park, includes the Gettysburg Museum which showcases Civil War artifacts. Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address is also nearby.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine.
The trail is about 2,190 miles long, though the precise length changes over time as parts are modified or rerouted. The AT Conservancy claims that the trail is the longest hiking-only trail in the world.
For our full guide on the Appalachian Trail check out: Appalachian Trail 2020 : State-by-State Guide
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, a lush paradise of forests & waterfalls, with 500 miles of trails on offer!
If your a Hiking enthusiast head up Old Rag Mountain on the 8 mile trail, a real memorable experience. Four nice campsites are located in the park.
Be sure you have some high quality camping and hiking gear.
Seasons: Open Spring, Summer and Fall.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway which is the longest linear park in the U.S, around 469-miles in length through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties.
Expect smooth roads, sweeping curves and exquisite natural beauty as a backdrop!
Blowing Rock is a great town to visit, find out more here: Blowing Rock, North Carolina: Weekend Itinerary
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an immense beauty located on the border between North Carolina & Tennessee.
The vast sprawling landscape includes towering forests, streams, rivers, waterfalls and even wildflowers which bloom all year around!
Be sure to check out the observation tower on Clingmans Dome, the highest peak with scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.
Clingmans Dome @ Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee. Photo by: daveynin
A great spot for hiking and Skiing! Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 6,643 feet above sea level and a popular destination for cross country skiers. Be aware the road up to the peak is closed between the months of December-March.
Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This quaint city is best known for George Vanderbilts Biltmore Mansion and is also home to the popular American novelist, Thomas Wolfe.
Insider Tip:
Downtown is the most walkable neighborhood in Asheville with 1,758 residents.
Take a stroll around the River Arts District and its galleries. Afterwards why not watch a show at The Grey Eagle, a 600-person venue which attracys a diverse lineup, from jam bands to indie rockers and even hip-hop acts!
If music is your thing, check out The Orange Peel which was named by Rolling Stone as one of the top five rock clubs in the USA.
Want to experience Ashevilles Bohemian Vibe?
Head to Pritchard Park (Patton Avenue at College Street) on Friday nights. There you will discover a large, informal drum and dance circle, after 6 p.m. Plenty of Ashevilles free spirits hit the drums here until 10pm. Anyone is welcome to join or bring their own instrument.
Nature calls?
Head to the North Carolina Arboretum a lush botanical garden which located on 434 acres within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest.
Where to eat in Asheville?
Head just south of downtown for a classic Southern BBQ at 12 Bones. This is a lunch time favourite, be sure to try the savory blueberry-chipotle baby back ribs ($19.50 for a full rack) or sliced beef brisket ($8).
Philadelphia, PN
Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city, famous for it’s rich history, tasty foods and vibrant culture! Historically, Philadelphia was the inception point for the United States of America.
Philadelphia Museum of Art – Run up those famous steps from Rocky!!
Philadelphia is famed that Iconic scene in the Rocky movies where he runs up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art! This is a great area for a selfie, “Yo Adrian, we did it”.
After you get to top, be sure to head inside the Museum of Art, which is one of the best in the U.S.A. Here you will find works by Van Gogh, Picasso and many more!
Liberty Bell Center
This is a MUST SEE attraction for all Americans! Just opposite Independence Hall, you will discover the Liberty Bell Center located in Independence National Historical Park.
Protected in Glass gazebo, this historical Bell weighs over 2000 pounds and was previously mounted on Independence Hall.
This was used to mark events of great significance such as the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
Where to eat??
Philadelphia is a melting pot for some epic foods such as the mouth watering Philly cheese steak!
One of best places to sample the best of Philly is at Reading Terminal Market a Food Market which contains over 80 different food vendors!
It’s the perfect place to try some local Philly foods and baked goods. In addition, to a variety of international foods such as Greek, Mexican, Indian and even Thai!
Address: 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States (beneath the 1891 train station (a National Historic Landmark!)
Reading Terminal Market is detailed in our posts:
Richmond, VA
Richmond, Virginia is one of the most underrated cities to visit in the USA. Despite it being the capital of Virginia, the southern charm of this city has been Americas best kept secret.
Apart from it’s history, Richmond is evolving into a college city with an up & coming culinary & arts scene.
Map of Things to do in Richmond:
Attractions, Museums, Breweries & Places to EAT!
For more on Richmond, check out: 24 Hours in Richmond, Virginia: One Day Itinerary
Essential Road Trip Tips:
- Make sure you have all your Travel Essentials
- Make sure you have all your Travel Accessories
- Bring a Great Travel Camera to capture some scenic shots.
- Bring some High Quality Hiking boots: See Recommended Hiking Gear
- Avoid gigantic $15,000 Medical Bills see: Why you NEED Travel Insurance in 2020?
- Make sure your Car is serviced, with a spare tire or alternatively rent a fully reliable car.
How to get the best car rental Deals?
Check out: Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!
For RV Rentals we always use: RV Share
