Forest Wilderness and DC; This was my second road-trip in the USA, after road tripping from Denver to San Francisco, a couple years prior, we decided we wanted to yet again return to America, to explore more of its National Parks. The Great Smoky Mountains were top of the list and the idea developed from there. After extensive research, as there weren't many route ideas out there, for the time we had, we came up with a route. So here’s a breakdown of a 24 day road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Washington D.C. The route encompasses National Parks and Forests, Waterfalls, American history and DC, navigating through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington D.C.
Day 1: Home to Atlanta, Georgia
Catch a flight to Atlanta!
Day 2: Atlanta, Georgia to Weaverville, North Carolina
Drive time: 4 hours
We stopped off in Downtown Atlanta, took a stroll in the centennial Olympic park then got on the road.
Optional: I’d recommend adding 25 mins to your journey to stop off at Tallulah Gorge State Park, to see your first waterfall of the trip, stretch your legs and look out for bears.
Food:
For lunch stop in a town called Clayton try out, White Birch Provisions and Grapes & Beans.
Waterfall count: 1
Day 3-6: Weaverville, North Carolina
'The is no wifi in the forest but I promise you will find a better connection.'
Weaverville is a quiet place to stay with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest and Cherokee National Forest all on your doorstep it makes an ideal base to explore. Alternatively, stay in Asheville, North Carolina, a much bigger, more vibrant, and bustling city, with history, art galleries, museums, good food, street art and all the parks still on your doorstep.
Visit the town of Cherokee at the heart of the Cherokee Nation on the borders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway, along the Oconcluftee River Valley and support this indigenous community. The Cherokee Nation has had their land more than halved through forced migration, read about the 'Trail of Tears' and educate yourself on their history, support business' like their living museum to learn more, along with other business' in the reservation, they rely on tourism for most of their income. To the Cherokee this land is known as "sha-cona-ge" the land of the blue mist.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the USA’s few no fee remaining NP’s. It also attracts the most visitors per year of all NP’s, however, don't worry, a large proportion of the trails we were on, there were very few people. Also check out the ziplining, scenic train ride and aerial trams. I don’t think I've ever seen as many trees as the Smoky Mountains, the mountain ridges went as far as the eye can see, as the blue hues give the place its iconic name. The Great Smoky Mountains NP is huge and some of the hikes I recommend in our hiking guide (coming soon!) take you over into Tennessee, ticking another state off the list! It didn't take long before we saw our first bear of the road-trip, in the car on our first day in Weaverville.
Food:
Staying in Weaverville try: Glass Onion, Twisted Laurel or Well Bred Bakery
Take a drive to the famous Biltmore Estate making sure to book ahead a table at Sunset Terrace for an unforgettable dinner with a view (try the 7 layer chocolate cake).
Head into the most bustling city of Asheville and head to Bouchon (the best meal we had whilst staying in the Smoky Mountains).
Waterfall count: 4 Wild Bear Count: 1
Day 7: Weaverville, North Carolina to Seven Devils, North Carolina
Drive time: 2 hours
In reality with the amount of stops for photos you’ll make along the way, the 2 hour drive time is much longer, but there’s no rush, put on a good playlist and embrace the views, it takes ‘taking the scenic route’ to a new level. Detour to Linville Falls for one of the most impressive and my favourite waterfall of the whole trip.
Food:
For yummy fresh enormous sandwiches stop off in Boone and try out Stickyboy Bread Co
Head to Appalachian cookie co to pick up some (huge) award winning cookies (they are truly deserving of the award).
Waterfall count: 6
Day 8: Seven Devils, North Carolina
Drive time: 30 minutes
You must pay a fee to enter Grandfather Mountain State Park, but it was a highlight, when researching I wanted to head there because of their swinging bridge, this is what it is famed for, what I did not realise is that it houses a rescue centre. It has a variety of animals, including bears rescued from entertainment. As this state park is privately owned the entrance fee is quite steep at $20 per adult, on a positive note, this does include a guided audio of the whole park, access to the conservation area and swinging bridge, plus trails and viewpoints. You'll weave your way up walking or in the car, via trailheads, view points, split rock and the conservation area. You then continue further up into the park and reach the famed mile high swinging bridge. The walk across, may be a bit hair raising for some, especially on a crowded or windy day, get across and have a fantastic view of Grandmother mountain below.
The original Cherokee name for the mountain was 'Tanawha' meaning 'a faboulous eagle'.
Top view points close by:
Beacon Heights Overlook, Cherokee National Forest
Food:
Try Over Yonder in nearby Valle Crucis
Day 9: Seven Devils, North Carolina to Durham, North Carolina
Drive time: 3 hours
Stop off at Blowing Rock for food as well as cool artists studios and shops. Check out art walk style for some cool pieces even personalise your own number plate art. This American flag in Durham is made up of thousands of toy soldiers!
Food:
Blowing Rock; The Backstreet Bakery
Days 10-12: Durham, North Carolina to Port Haywood, Virginia
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Time to put our feet up for a couple days, at a beach house overlooking Chesapeake Bay. A simple day of kayaking, swimming and relaxing.
Optional: a day to explore the historical triangle (Drive time: 1 hour), Williamsburg, Jamestowne and Yorktown. You can opt to pay to enter the reconstructed buildings in Williamsburg or just opt to explore the area. The living museum is making moves from celebrating colonial legacy to focussing on historical accuracy and cultural reconsideration, something which is extremely important and long overdue.
Day 13: Port Haywood, Virginia to Stanardsville, Virginia
Drive time: 3 hours
Take the opportunity to explore your American History at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Plantation home, visit and learn more about the plantation and slave trade then opt to explore the grounds. Go on a guided tour of the house, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and engaging, and keen to converse with those on the tour, answering an abundance of questions. Despite, the famous line penned by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence,
'We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal'
he was a slave owner. Only freeing 2 in his lifetime. This fact isn't shied away from during the tour, at least our tour guide didn't. Although, I think it is important to do your own research in addition, to get the least bias information you can. There are various types of ticket; a standard day pass costs $29 for an adult and includes the guided tour of a large proportion of the home.
Food:
Stop off in Richmond at Lamplights roasting co or Subrosa Bakery for food on the way.
Day 14-17: Stanardsville, Virginia
We once again opted to stay in the much quieter rural town of Stanardsville, alternatively stay in the much more built up Charlottesville, Virginia, where you’ll find an array of cafes and restaurants. Both are great options for exploring Shenandoah National Park, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Shenandoah has an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle, if you are visiting other national parks with entry fees it is worth considering an ‘America the beautiful pass’ for $80 you can get these at https://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html or enquire at a park, this will save you a lot of money. Check out my hiking guide for more information trails and shedding a light on segregation in Shenandoah, it is coming soon. This is where we saw the most bears (so keep your eyes peeled)! If cars are slowing down or queued up on the road there's probably a bear sighting, don't get out your vehicle to get a closer look be patient and you'll probably get a glimpse for yourself, make sure you know what to do if you encounter a bear on a hike before heading out.
Food:
Head into Charlottesville
Hamiltons
Downtown Grille.
Waterfall Count: 7 Wild Bear Count: 12
Day 18: Stanardsville, Virginia to Luray, Virginia
Drive time: 1 hour
Jump in the car and take in the views of the Skyline drive, and your last chance to spot any bears.
Day 19: Luray, Virginia
Drive time: 5 minutes
Luray is a great pitstop if you want to see the caverns. They are the largest caves in Eastern USA, be prepared for the guides to constantly bombard you with rock and cave puns, and look out for the insane reflections within the caves pools. The price of an adult ticket is $26, it may seem a lot but it’s worth it. Then take some time to rest, to prepare for the upcoming jam packed days in D.C.
Top view points close by:
Range View Overlook
Food:
Luray does not have many options for food, head for lunch at Gathering Grounds
Day 20: Luray, Virginia to Washington DC
Drive time: 2 hours
Opt to divert to Mount Vernon taking an extra 30 minutes, to explore George Washington’s Plantation home and delve into American history once again. The tour here, unlike Monticello, was more glorified, upon research, the tours are apparently being rethought and updated, it will be interesting to read reviews on this. The price of an adult ticket is $20. Alternatively opt to see your last waterfall (Great Falls) of the trip on George Washington Memorial Parkway detouring about 20 minutes.
Food:
Stop for lunch in Fairfax
Cava
True Food Kitchen
Day 21-24: Washington DC
Coming soon Washington DC city guide for our DC recommendations.
Socks and Sandals
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