Bucket list road trip spots: 2 Western NC stops are must-sees, Southern Living says

• Southern Living highlighted two Western North Carolina locations among its 25 best Southern road trip destinations.
• Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest offers a unique natural waterslide experience for visitors.
• Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge provides breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush at a high elevation.

With summer approaching fast, Southern Living named 25 road trip locations in the southern U.S. – including two right here in Western North Carolina.

Established in 1966, Southern Living aims to “celebrate the food, homes and places that define our region.” The magazine has recognized WNC locations plenty of times, including among a recent round of studies honoring the “South’s Best.”

On a list published May 24, 2025, of 12 “unforgettable” road trip stops, three locations in N.C. were honored – two of which were located in the western region of the state.

Here’s what Southern Living writers said about the N.C. stops that “every Southerner should see this summer.”

Bucket list road trip stops in North Carolina

The three suggestions Southern Living writers had for road trip stops in N.C. included Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest, the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain and Wilson’s Whirligig Park.

Here’s what to know about the two WNC locations mentioned.

Sliding Rock, NC

Not for the first time, Pisgah National Forest made Southern Living’s list. This time, writers suggested a road trip stop at Sliding Rock, WNC’s natural water slide.

Sixty feet in length, transporting 11,000 gallons of cold, steadily flowing mountain water, Sliding Rock is the perfect stop for Blue Ridge Parkway road trippers looking to cool down and experience a unique regional staple.

For $5, visitors can join the sliding fun or watch from observation decks and nearby trails. Asheville’s tourism website ExploreAsheville.com suggests sliding between Memorial Day and Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty and bathrooms/changing rooms are open.

The same article suggests arriving early and avoiding busiest hours between noon-4 p.m.

Location: Near Brevard, Sliding Rock is on U.S. 276 about 7.5 miles north of the Pisgah Forest intersection of N.C. 280, U.S. 64 and U.S. 276.

Mile High Swinging Bridge

The other WNC option on Southern Living’s list was the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather mountain, which writers called a “must-stop.”

Admission prices vary seasonally, with children’s tickets for $12 and adult tickets generally between $22-$32. Stairs and elevators provide access to the bridge, which spans 228 feet across a deep chasm at 5,280 feet elevation. Sweeping mountain views – and plenty of adrenaline – can be found at this famous spot.

Location: 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.