How long is NC-12?
Usa, north-america
238 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising down North Carolina Highway 12 is like a dream! This epic coastal route hugs the Outer Banks, offering insane views of the Atlantic.
Clocking in at 147 miles, this baby's a ribbon of asphalt draped over sand, linking the islands and peninsulas. You'll even hop on a couple of ferries to explore both ends of Ocracoke Island – score!
Starting from U.S. 70 at Sea Level, it winds its way up the Outer Banks past Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island, and all the way to Corolla. Most of the drive is a chill two-lane road sandwiched between the sound and the sea.
Now, word to the wise: Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva here. Coastal storms can get wild, flooding the road and causing erosion. High winds can even shut down the ferries, and breaches from major storms are a real threat. Basically, keep an eye on the weather forecast! You’ll see sand dunes everywhere, and the wind is always perfect for flying kites.
But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Plus, there are tons of cool stops along the way. You HAVE to check out the historic lighthouses – Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. Seriously, Hatteras and Ocracoke are total gems!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 238 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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