NC/SC Overland Loop?

[RedHeadedStepChild]

Hey there ONSCers,

I'm thinking of taking the family on a tour of the great Old North State (and possibly SC) this year. Aside from a few quick trips out to Asheville and one weekend up in Boone, we've pretty much camped out here on the South Eastern coast.

I'm hoping you all might be able to offer up some nice back-county routes and some good stops along the way that I could use to stitch together a 9 or 10 day loop (or maybe a few loops if there are enough suggestions).

Of course there are the obvious; Uhwarrie, Pisgah, Blue Ridge Parkway, OBX and if you have a recommendation for a must-not-miss for one of these I'd love to see it, but what I'm looking for are the lesser known places/stops/routes in your respective areas.

I'm decent with a topo-map and a compass if that's required for anything you might suggest.

Also, I kinda feel like some pretentious hipster typing this out, but I'm a sucker for good localvore type places.

 

[roadstr6]

These are some of my "go-to" spots. Maybe not as lesser known as what you are looking for but here goes....

Morrow Mountain State park is very close to URE and they have a nice campground right on Badin Lake. Also, some neat historical things to see. http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momo/main.php

Also near URE is Town Creek Indian Mound. http://www.nchistoricsites.org/town/town.htm

Down in the boonies not far from Pageland, SC is a place called 40 Acre Rock. It's a giant slab of granite in the middle of sand country. It's a neat little hike in and out. A good place to have a picnic. https://www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/managedland?p_id=42

Up in the Pisgah, Brevard area is what I believe to be the most beautiful lake in NC or SC, Lake Jocassee. My family spends a week there every summer camping at the state park. The lake is very pristine and not developed. Only 20-30 homes on the entire lake. Crystal clear water is 400'+ deep and there are dozens of waterfalls. A trip here would not be complete without renting a boat to see the falls. Super nice campground as well. http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/devilsfork/introduction.aspx

If you are ever up in the Northwest mountains of NC near West Jefferson, NC take a ride over to Zaloos Canoes and rent a canoe for the day and paddle down the New River. There are several small campgrounds and cabins to rent in the area as well. Golf at Jefferson Landing GC. http://www.visitnc.com/listing/zaloo-s-canoes-kayaks-tubes

Closer to you but further South in Murrells Inlet, SC is Huntington Beach State Park. The campground is really nice and the beach is beautiful and not developed. There is an old delapadated mansion, Atalaya, as well as Brookgreen Gardens. It's a neat place to spend a couple of days. http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/huntingtonbeach/introduction.aspx

If you are into local lore and ghostly legend-type places, this site is a good one to check out: http://www.northcarolinaghosts.com/index.php

 

[elkaholic]

I believe there is also a somewhat formal loop discussed over on the ADV forum (a forum for dual purpose / "Adventure" motorcycle enthusiasts).

 

[WHG423]

Highway 8 out of Winston Salem is a beautiful ride up through historic Danbury and continued on to Hanging Rock State Park.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I don't have any suggestions other than what was already said, but if you decide to stop in / around RDU, we can meet up for a beer!