Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Columbus, Ohio to Raleigh, North Carolina
A road trip from Columbus, Ohio to Raleigh, North Carolina offers travelers the opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions of the American South. The journey covers approximately 500 miles and takes about eight hours to complete. As travelers make their way down I-77 South, they will pass through the picturesque mountain town of Princeton, West Virginia, the halfway point of the trip.
Top Five Things to do on the Road Trip
Explore Hocking Hills State Park Hocking Hills State Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers. The park is known for its striking rock formations, waterfalls, and lush forests, making it a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the park's numerous hiking trails, which lead to scenic viewpoints and natural wonders such as Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave.
Interesting fact: Hocking Hills is home to some of the oldest rock formations in the world, dating back millions of years.
Visit the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences Located in Charleston, West Virginia, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences is a cultural hub that offers a range of enriching experiences for visitors of all ages. The center features an art gallery, a planetarium, and a hands-on science museum, making it the perfect place to immerse oneself in art, history, and science.
Interesting fact: The Clay Center's Avampato Discovery Museum is home to the largest collection of hands-on science exhibits in the state of West Virginia.
Experience the Biltmore Estate One of Asheville, North Carolina's most iconic attractions, the Biltmore Estate is a sprawling estate that once belonged to the Vanderbilt family. The estate features a magnificent mansion, lush gardens, and a winery, offering visitors the opportunity to step back in time and marvel at the grandeur of America's Gilded Age.
Interesting fact: The Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-owned home in the United States, boasting a staggering 178,926 square feet of floor space.
Marvel at the Blue Ridge Parkway Stretching for 469 miles along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the most breathtaking views in the United States. Travelers can enjoy a leisurely drive along the parkway, pausing to take in panoramic vistas, hike scenic trails, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Appalachian region.
Interesting fact: The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, attracting over 15 million visitors each year.
Explore the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, located in downtown Raleigh, is the largest natural history museum in the Southeast. The museum boasts an extensive collection of exhibits on topics such as dinosaurs, marine life, and North Carolina's diverse ecosystems, making it an educational and engaging destination for visitors of all ages.
Interesting fact: The museum's Living Conservatory is home to a live two-toed sloth named Snoopy, who has become a beloved mascot for the museum.
In conclusion, the road trip from Columbus, Ohio to Raleigh, North Carolina offers travelers the chance to explore a diverse range of attractions, from stunning natural landscapes to cultural and historical landmarks. With an approximate driving time of eight hours, the journey provides the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the American South. Whether travelers are drawn to outdoor adventure, art and culture, or educational experiences, this road trip has something for everyone.