Driving the scenic North Carolina Highway 12 with sand and water

Driving the scenic North Carolina Highway 12 with sand and water

Usa, north-america

Length

238 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: North Carolina Highway 12, a dreamy coastal route stretching 147 miles along the Outer Banks! It's basically a ribbon of asphalt clinging to the sand, linking all those cool peninsulas and islands up north. We're talking two lanes for most of it, squeezed between the sound and the sea.

Now, fair warning, this road is a bit of a drama queen. Coastal storms LOVE to mess with it, so be prepared for potential flooding, sand invasions, and ferry shutdowns when the weather gets wild. Seriously, hurricanes can really do a number on NC 12. But hey, that also means awesome sand dunes and kite-flying opportunities when the wind's up!

And the scenery? Stunning! You’ll find so much to keep you entertained as you bop along the islands of the Outer Banks. Plus, you've GOT to check out the historic lighthouses at Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. Hatteras and Ocracoke are real gems. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Where is it?

Driving the scenic North Carolina Highway 12 with sand and water is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 35.7951, -97.6849

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
238 km
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
35.7951, -97.6849

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Cerro Gordo Peak?hard

Where is Cerro Gordo Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Cerro Gordo Peak in California's Inyo County. "Fat Hill," as the Spanish translation goes, is nestled within the Inyo Mountains, boasting a summit with some seriously cool communication towers. Now, the road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup. We're talking totally unpaved, rough as guts, and skinny enough to make you sweat. Forget about anything but a high-clearance 4x4 for this adventure. From the historic Cerro Gordo Ghost Town (once California's silver king!), you're looking at a roughly 8-mile climb. But oh, what a climb! You'll gain over 4,800 feet in elevation, with gradients reaching a butt-clenching 12% in spots. Talk about steep! Word to the wise: This road is usually a no-go from late October until at least late June or early July. Winter in the Inyo Mountains is not for the faint of heart!

Is Lolo in Idaho or Montana?easy

Is Lolo in Idaho or Montana?

🇺🇸 Usa

Wanna straddle the Montana/Idaho border? Then point your ride towards Lolo Pass! This epic stretch of Highway 12, also known as the Lewis and Clark Highway, clocks in at 134 miles of pure driving bliss, stretching from Lolo, Montana, to Kooskia, Idaho. Summiting at 5,242 feet, get ready for about 3 hours of non-stop scenery: think lush meadows, jagged mountain peaks, and endless forested hills. You'll be carving through the Bitterroot Range of the Rockies on perfectly paved asphalt, making it a total dream for motorcyclists. Speaking of which, this route is legendary for its curves — that famous sign doesn't lie: "Curves next 99 miles!" It starts you off easy, lulling you into a false sense of security with those gentle sweepers, but be warned: some of those turns tighten up on you when you least expect it. Keep your eyes peeled; there are few guardrails and some turns can be deceptively sharp. You won't find much in the way of services along the way, so fuel up and pack your snacks before you go. What you WILL find is breathtaking scenery steeped in history - you're basically retracing the footsteps of Lewis & Clark! Built in 1962 and tucked deep inside the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, this road is a must-do for any serious road tripper.

Where is Lemoigne Canyon Road?extreme

Where is Lemoigne Canyon Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers! I'm talking about Lemoigne Canyon Road, deep in Death Valley National Park in eastern-central California. This ain't your average Sunday drive! First off, you're gonna need a serious 4x4 with high clearance. Seriously. This 4.2-mile stretch is infamous for its massive washouts, relentless rocks, and generally unforgiving terrain. We're talking ruts, gullies, the whole shebang. Trust me, you'll be crawling along. The road starts off Highway 178, about 6 miles south of Stovepipe Wells. You'll eventually reach a barrier after about 4.2 miles, but parking or camping spots will appear before then. Don't even THINK about trying to take your standard car past the barrier! Expect a slow crawl – think a few hours to conquer this 4.2-mile beast. But, despite the bone-jarring ride, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stark, beautiful desert scenery, so it's worth the trek. The canyon itself, named after a French mining engineer, is steeped in history (lead-zinc-silver deposits, anyone?). Beyond the barrier, the old road transforms into a hiking trail leading further into the canyon, where you can explore on foot. Just remember to be prepared for a serious challenge!

How Long is the Red Rock Canyon Loop?hard

How Long is the Red Rock Canyon Loop?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure awaits on the Red Rock Canyon Loop! Just over 12 miles long, this beauty is nestled in Nevada, USA, and starts and ends inside the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Get ready for miles of eye-popping scenery, from the arid desert landscape to vibrant red and buff-colored rock formations. Seriously, the sandstone and limestone cliffs are unreal, reaching some pretty impressive heights! The whole loop is paved, so no need for off-road tires. But heads up, there are some steep sections – we're talking a max gradient of 10.25% on some ramps. You'll climb, climb, climb to the top, where you'll hit the highest point. If you skip all the stops (but why would you?!), the loop takes about 30 minutes. They call it the 13-Mile Scenic Drive, and trust me, the name doesn't lie. Important note: this road isn't always open. It opens daily, weather permitting, but flash floods can shut things down during the rainy season. Closing times also vary: around 5:00 PM from November to February, 6:00 PM in March and October, and a generous 8:00 PM from April to September. Plan accordingly!