North Carolina, recognized for its beautiful landscapes, dynamic cities, and historic attractions, provides a variety of North Carolina Transportation options to help you explore the state with ease.
Whether you’re exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, visiting the Outer Banks, or enjoying the charm of little communities like Bryson City, knowing how to get around is essential for a successful vacation.
This guide includes everything from car rentals and public transportation to biking and ridesharing services, allowing you to easily travel North Carolina.
Here is a guide to the available modes of transportation.
Car Rental in North Carolina: Your Guide to Exploring the State
An easy way to enjoy the area’s picturesque highways, quaint towns, and natural beauty is to rent a car in North Carolina.
Several large car rental businesses operate in North Carolina, offering a variety of vehicles and services.
Here is everything you need to know about car rental in North Carolina.
Enterprise Rent a Car: Convenient Rentals Across North Carolina
The car rental is available in major airports, downtown regions, and suburban areas.
- Daily rentals begin at about $40, with weekly reductions available.
- Services include one-way rentals, unlimited mileage options, and roadside assistance.
Hertz Car Rental: Affordable Options in North Carolina
You can find hertz in airports and metropolitan hubs throughout the state.
- Economy cars begin at $35 per day, with premium vehicle options available.
- Services include GPS rentals, kid safety seats, and fuel purchasing options.
Mountain View Car Rentals: Affordable Rentals Near Bryson City
This smaller rental firm is around half an hour’s drive from Bryson City and has a decent selection of automobiles, including sedans, SUVs, and economy cars.
- They make it simple for guests staying in cabins or vacation rentals to obtain an automobile without having to leave their resort by offering pickup and delivery services to nearby lodgings.
- Price can come around to $45 to $80
Avis Car Rental: Reliable Options Across North Carolina
Avis locations include airport terminals, business districts, and certain hotels.
- Competitive daily and weekly rates begin at roughly $38 per day.
- Services include car subscription services, a loyalty program, and free additional drivers with various subscriptions.
Turo: Peer-to-Peer Car Rentals in North Carolina
Peer-to-peer automobile rentals are offered throughout North Carolina.
- Pricing varies greatly, with both cheap and premium vehicles available.
- Services include contactless pickup and drop-off, insurance choices, and customizable pricing.
Biking and Walking Around North Carolina: Eco-Friendly Travel Options
Biking and walking are great options for eco-friendly travel in North Carolina.
Many cities have designated bike routes and pedestrian-friendly areas that provide picturesque vistas and easy access to attractions.
Bike-Friendly Cities in North Carolina
Several cities in North Carolina are noted for having bike-friendly infrastructure, including:
Bryson City: Cycling is a fantastic way to see Bryson City since it’s a sustainable form of transportation that also allows you to enjoy the scenery.
Raleigh: The city has significant greenway paths, including the Neuse River Trail.
Charlotte: Provides the Charlotte Rail Trail and bike-share programs.
Asheville: It is known for its mountainous topography and bike rentals to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Durham: The city boasts the American Tobacco Trail, a popular riding route.
Recommended Bicycle Rental Services in North Carolina
Bryson City Outdoors: Located in the middle of town, Bryson City Outdoors is a popular rental company that provides high-quality bikes for both beginners and expert riders.
Zagster Bike Share – Bike rentals are available in several North Carolina cities.
Trek Bicycle Store: It provides high-quality bikes for rent and purchase.
Biking and Hiking Trails in North Carolina: Explore the Outdoors
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nantahala National Forest surround us. So, hiking is a top outdoor activity in North Carolina.
Options range from a casual walk along a mountain stream to a tough wilderness trip and even bucket list treks, like the Appalachian Trail. Lace up, choose your path, and set your sights on the adventure.
Discover the Appalachian Trail: A Hiking Adventure Awaits
The A.T., or Appalachian Trail, is in the National Park System. It welcomes over 3 million visitors each year.
- The Appalachian Trail runs from its northern terminus at Katahdin, Maine, to its southern end at Springer Mountain, Georgia.
- It was fully connected in 1937. The A.T. is the world’s longest hiking-only pathway, spanning over 2,190 miles.
- Discover the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the area around Bryson City’s A.T. section hiking. Experience a simpler life, meet new people, get back in touch with nature, or get away from the stress of the city.
Explore Cheoah Bald: A Scenic Hike on the Appalachian Trail
At 5062 feet, Cheoah Bald is crossed by the Appalachian Trail.
The major draw is the attractive grassy campsite situated above the large grassy bald with a broad vista of the southern skyline on the south side. Nearly 3,000 feet high, Cheoah Bald dominates the Nantahala Gorge.
There are three trails leading to Cheoah Bald, all of which are rated as difficult hikes.
Length: 18 km
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Hike from Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion: A Scenic Appalachian Trail Adventure
This moderate 8-mile hike is an out-and-back trek along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. This climb to Charlies Bunion, a lovely stone outcrop, offers stunning views of the mountains.
- Drive 16 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the Newfound Gap Overlook parking area to reach the trailhead.
- The trailhead is located at the end of the parking lot, close to the bathrooms, to the left of the overlook. This well-liked hiking location can be reached by hikers heading east on the Appalachian Trail. There are some exposed cliffs on this well-packed trail.
Length: 12 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4 hours
Explore the Deep Creek Loop: A Waterfall Adventure
The best-known features of the Deep Creek region are its streams and waterfalls. A waterfall loop trail can be taken by hikers to reach three waterfalls.
- You may get to know gorgeous Deep Creek and three waterfalls by trekking for around 2.5 km.
- Indian Creek Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Juney Whank Falls are all part of the Deep Creek Waterfall hiking loop. The vast parking lot at the end of Deep Stream Road, across the stream from Deep Creek Campground, serves as the trailhead.
Get a trail map by downloading it.
- This is one of the few park pathways that allows bicycles, so mountain bikers may enjoy it.
- Bicycles are permitted on the Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails.
Length: 7.9 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
Hike the Indian Creek Falls Trail: A Year-Round Adventure
Discover this 11.7 km out-and-back trail in the vicinity of Walnut Cove, NC. It takes an average of 3 hours and 22 minutes to complete and is generally regarded as a moderately hard course.
- Although this is a well-liked trail for hiking and birdwatching, you can still find some peace and quiet during the slower periods of the day.
- The route is lovely to explore at any time of year and is open year-round. Dogs are allowed, however they need to be kept leashed.
Length: 11.7 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours 22 minutes
Public Transport in North Carolina: Your Guide to Getting Around
Visitors without a car can make use of North Carolina’s public transportation alternatives, which include buses, shuttles, and ride-sharing services.
Swain County Transit: Local Public Transportation in Bryson City
This is the public transit system serving Bryson City and Swain County.
- It provides transportation for shopping, doctor’s visits, and other necessary outings, mostly catering to the needs of the local population.
- There is some limited visitor transportation provided by Swain County Transit, however, reservations are frequently required and availability is sometimes restricted.
Local Public Transit Options in North Carolina
Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS): It provides bus service and the LYNX Blue Line light rail, Charlotte’s first rapid transit rail line. The light rail connects Uptown Charlotte with the southern suburbs, making it an important commuter route.
GoTriangle: This service connects three major cities—Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—via a network of buses and park-and-ride lots, making regional travel more convenient.
Asheville Rides Transit (ART): It focuses on local bus lines in Asheville, assisting residents and visitors to explore the city without a car. This is especially beneficial for getting to downtown and major attractions such as the Biltmore Estate.
Wilmington Wave Transit: Provides transportation throughout Wilmington and the surrounding seaside districts, including buses and trolleys for convenient local travel.
Shuttle Services in North Carolina: Convenient Transport to Outdoor Destinations
Shuttle services are offered by a number of private businesses, especially for tourists who want to visit outdoor destinations like hiking trails, rafting put-ins, or picturesque regions inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Scenic Train Rides in North Carolina
The state provides magnificent train trips through the cities.
- This is a well-liked tourist destination that offers a distinctive perspective of the surroundings.
- The train offers trips that leave from Bryson City and travel along Fontana Lake and through the Nantahala Gorge.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services in North Carolina
Ride-sharing and taxis are easily accessible modes of transportation in North Carolina.
- Uber is Available statewide, including in smaller areas.
- Lyft provides services to major cities and tourist destinations.
- Local taxi services are available in many communities that have autonomous taxi businesses, such as Charlotte’s Queen City Taxi and Raleigh’s Yellow Cab.
Conclusion | North Carolina Transportation
You can choose how adventurous or leisurely you want to travel around North Carolina.
There is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to transportation in North Carolina, whether you want to ride a historic train, bike on nature trails, drive on picturesque mountain roads, or just wander through the state.
You will undoubtedly be able to appreciate the beauty and charm of North Carolina, regardless of the method of transportation you use.
During your travel, consider staying at Elk Hollow Resort in Bryson City for an amazing vacation experience. Nestled in the picturesque Smoky Mountains, this resort provides the ideal hideaway with scenic views and exquisite rooms.
North Carolina Transportation FAQs
1. What are the best transportation options for tourists in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers various transportation options, including car rentals, public transit systems, biking, walking, ride-sharing, and scenic train rides. Whether you’re exploring cities or the mountains, you’ll find convenient ways to get around.
2. Can I rent a car in North Carolina?
Yes, car rentals are widely available across North Carolina, including at major airports, downtown areas, and popular tourist destinations. Rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Turo offer a range of vehicles for travelers.
3. Is there public transportation in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina has several public transit systems. Cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville have bus services, light rail, and park-and-ride lots. In addition, Swain County Transit serves Bryson City with limited visitor transportation.
4. What are the best cities for biking in North Carolina?
North Carolina has many bike-friendly cities, including Bryson City, Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville, and Durham. Each offers bike-share programs, greenway paths, and scenic routes for cyclists.
5. Are there hiking trails along the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina features several beautiful hiking trails, including parts of the famous Appalachian Trail. Popular hikes include Cheoah Bald, Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion, and the Deep Creek Loop, offering varying levels of difficulty and scenic views.
6. How do I get around North Carolina without a car?
Public transportation options such as buses, shuttles, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available. There are also private shuttle services for tourists visiting outdoor destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains.
7. Can I take a scenic train ride in North Carolina?
Yes, North Carolina offers scenic train rides, including trips from Bryson City through Fontana Lake and Nantahala Gorge, providing beautiful views of the state’s landscapes.
8. Are ride-sharing services available in North Carolina?
Yes, Uber and Lyft operate across North Carolina, providing convenient transportation in both large cities and smaller towns.
9. Is it easy to rent a bike in North Carolina?
Yes, bike rentals are available in many North Carolina cities. Popular rental services include Bryson City Outdoors, Zagster Bike Share, and Trek Bicycle Store, offering a variety of bikes for all experience levels.
10. What’s the best way to explore the Great Smoky Mountains?
You can explore the Great Smoky Mountains by hiking, biking, or taking scenic drives. Several transportation options, including shuttle services, are available for visitors heading to hiking trails and scenic spots within the park.
