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
Related Roads in north-america
hardHenderson Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Henderson Mountain in Montana's Park County is calling your name, but be warned, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 9,983 feet! The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and the occasional tippy moment. Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those who value their car's suspension). Winter? Forget about it – this road is snowed under most of the season. Seriously, experienced off-roaders only! You'll need a 4x4 and a healthy dose of courage. It's steep, and if it's wet, expect mud galore. Oh, and did I mention the views? Absolutely stunning... if you can keep your eyes on the road! Just try not to look down if heights aren't your thing. This wild ride is worth it for the views, if you're up for the challenge.
moderateMiller Flat Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah, on Miller Flat Road (aka Forest Road #0014). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 20.9-mile stretch of gravel that twists and turns from Highway 31 down to Highway 29. Now, don't let the gravel fool you. This road climbs to a breathtaking 9,173 feet above sea level, offering views that'll make your jaw drop. But Mother Nature calls the shots here. In dry weather, it's a pretty manageable ride. However, when the skies open up, Miller Flat Road transforms into a muddy, slippery beast that can become impassable. And trust me, with the brutal winters up here, she's seen her fair share of wild weather. So, check the forecast before you go!
moderateWhere is Stony Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Stony Pass, a wild ride high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado! This baby tops out at a whopping 12,618 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude. You'll find it east of the old mining town of Silverton, and trust me, this road has history etched into every rock. Speaking of rocks, that's how it got its name! Stony Pass Road (also known as Forest Road 520 and County Road 3, or even Hamilton Pass) is 10.4 miles of unpaved, rugged terrain. Think rocky, rough, and washed out in sections. This used to be a stage and freight route back in the 1870s, a lifeline for the miners hauling silver and gold. After falling into disuse, the Forest Service revived it in the 50s. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this one. Seriously, leave the Prius at home. The road follows the Rio Grande River for a good stretch, and there are some seriously narrow spots where you'll be praying you don't meet anyone coming the other way! Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. But when it's open, oh man, the views are incredible. Think panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide, fields of wildflowers, gurgling creeks, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, you'll be surrounded by mining history. It's an adventure you won't forget!
moderateWhen was the Klondike Highway built?
🇨🇦 Canada
The Klondike Highway is calling all adventurers! This epic route links the charming Alaskan town of Skagway with Dawson City, Yukon – the very heart of Klondike gold rush history. Think about retracing the steps of those 1898 gold prospectors, but on a smooth, paved road that opened in 1979. Clocking in at 708km (440 miles), this north-south adventure starts in Skagway, Alaska (following Alaska Route 98) and ends in Dawson City, Yukon (via Yukon Highway 2). You'll split your journey into the South Klondike Highway (Skagway to Whitehorse) and the North Klondike Highway (Whitehorse to Dawson City). It's *the* main artery connecting Southeast Alaska to Canada, so expect to share the road with some big rigs hauling goods. The Klondike Highway throws a few challenges your way – it's remote, the weather can be unpredictable, and those 11% gradients can be pretty steep in sections. You'll reach a peak elevation of 1.010m (3,313ft) near the Alaska/Canada border. And guess what? It's generally open year-round! Set aside 8.5 to 10 hours for the drive, and that's *without* stopping to soak it all in! Prepare for stunning alpine scenery, snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, and even remnants of old mining operations. There are sections of the drive where you might feel like you're the last person on earth, surrounded by raw, untouched wilderness. It's an unforgettable experience.