Scenic Byways - Piedmont Region Byways

Hanging Rock Scenic Byway

By traveling the Hanging Rock Scenic Byway, motorists can explore the ancient Sauratown Mountains in North Carolina's rolling northern piedmont. To access the byway,take Exit 118 offU.S. 52 and follow N.C. 65 East through Rural Hall.

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Colonial Heritage Byway

The Colonial Heritage Byway provides an impressive tour of 18th and 19th century history in North Carolina. Begin following the byway from its western end in the Guilford County town of Monticello and follow N.C. 150 East through Williamsburg to Locust Hill. About 1.5 miles past Locust Hill, turn right onto U.S. 158 East and follow five miles into Yanceyville.

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Football Road

Named for the route Triad football fans used to travel to football games at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Football Road showcases the beauty of North Carolina's piedmont between the Triad and Triangle metropolitan areas.

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Crowders Mountain Drive

The Crowders Mountain Drive takes motorists by Crowders and Kings mountains in Gaston and Cleveland counties. To begin following the byway, take Exit 10 from I-85 and follow U.S. 29/74 to the community of Mountain View.

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Mill Bridge Scenic Byway

The Mill Bridge Scenic Byway begins south of historic Salisbury on Sherrills Ford Road (S.R. 1526) at the intersection of N.C. 150 in Rowan County. The seven-mile stretch of Sherrills Ford Road passes the Piedmont Agricultural Research Station.

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Uwharrie Scenic Road

The Uwharrie Scenic Road takes motorists through both the Uwharrie Mountains and the area known as the "Carolina Slate Belt" along N.C. 49 between Charlotte and Asheboro. Begin following the route at the byway's northern end at the intersection of N.C. 49 and U.S. 64. Travel south along N.C. 49 toward Concord.

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Rolling Kansas Byway

The Rolling Kansas Byway passes through an area known appropriately as “Rolling Kansas,” so nicknamed because of its hilly terrain and turn of the century farms and windmills. Access the byway from U.S. 52 in Richfield by turning onto South Main Street (S.R. 1134), which becomes Millingport Road. Follow the road for six miles.

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Pee Dee Valley Drive

The Pee Dee Valley Drive parallels the route of the Pee Dee River as it flows southward from Badin Lake to Lake Tillery. To access the byway's northern terminus, follow N.C. 740 from Albemarle to Badin and turn onto Nantahala Street.

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Grassy Island Crossing

The Grassy Island Crossing byway is named for Grassy Island, a group of earthen masses in the Pee Dee River north of Blewett Falls Lake along the Anson/ Richmond County line. The byway's western terminus is located at the intersection of U.S. 52 and Pinkston River Road (S.R. 1627) in Anson County.

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Sandhills Scenic Drive

North Carolina's Sandhills are a series of low rolling hills located between the Cape Fear and Pee Dee rivers. Settled by Scottish highlanders about 1740, the area was named for the coarse, sandy soil prevalent in this region. The Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve in the Moore County town of Southern Pines houses the last remaining cluster of ancient long-leaf pines in this area.

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Birkhead Wilderness Route

The Birkhead Wilderness Route begins along the northern reaches of the Uwharrie Mountains at the intersection of High Pines Church Road (S.R. 1143) and Hopewell Friends Road (S.R. 1142) in Randolph County. Traveling south along the long and winding High Pines Church Road, notice that the valley is bordered on both sides by the Uwharrie National Forest.

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Flint Hill Ramble

The remote yet beautiful Flint Hill Ramble begins on Flint Hill Road (S.R. 1306), just northeast of the Uwharrie community in Montgomery County. To access the byway, turn onto Ophir Road (S.R. 1303) from N.C. 109 in Uwharrie. Travel along this road five miles before reaching the Ophir community.

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Indian Heritage Trail

The Indian Heritage Trail byway explores a part of North Carolina's rich American Indian heritage. To begin following the byway from its eastern end, travel to Millstone Road (S.R. 1452) in Richmond County and follow it into Ellerbe.

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Pottery Road

The Pottery Road byway takes motorists from North Carolina's Sandhills to its Piedmont through an area known worldwide for beautiful pottery. The route's southern terminus begins near the golf resort community of Pinehurst in Moore County.

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Devil's Stompin' Ground Road

The Devil's Stompin' Ground Road extends from the courthouse in the Chatham County seat of Pittsboro through the farmlands and forests of the lower piedmont and across N.C. 22 to N.C. 705, north of Robbins in Moore County. Begin the route from the Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro by following U.S. 64 Business West and turning left onto N.C. 902 West.

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North Durham Country Byway

The North Durham Country Byway gives motorists a glimpse into Durham County's history as well as its forests, lakes and rivers. To access the byway, take Exit 182 off I-85 and travel north on Red Mill Road (S.R. 1632) for 4.5 miles.

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Averasboro Battlefield Scenic Byway

Located about two miles from I-95, the byway follows the route of Union Gen. William T. Sherman's march through the Cape Fear River Valley just north of Fayetteville in Cumberland and Harnett counties. Access the byway by taking Exit 65 off I-95 and follow N.C. 82 West through the community of Godwin.

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Scots-Welsh Heritage Byway

The Scots-Welsh Heritage Byway travels through Orange County along trade roads used by American Indians and early backcountry pioneers. The king of England gave much of the land along this byway to 18th century Scotch-Welsh settlers. Generation after generation has lived and farmed this land, each leaving its own mark, making this byway a unique journey through American history.

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