See link for the first part of this route here
See link for the first part of this route here
– the above link may not work when the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed by snow and when the ferries to the Outer Banks Islands are out of service
New Orleans to Washington 1 – A very diverse trip that combines the most interesting cities of Southeastern United States (New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville and Washington DC) with a variety of natural sites – the swamps of Louisiana, the white beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the banks of the Mississippi River, the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains, the scenery of the Blue Ridge Highway and the beautiful waterways of the Outer Banks Islands.
Please note: In the winter it can often be cold in the northern areas of this route (and even snowy in the Smoky Mountains, along the Blue Ridge Highway and in Washington DC). During summer months it is very hot and humid along this route. This route can be affected by summer hurricanes (which may mainly affect the New Orleans area and the Outer Banks Islands). The peak of the hurricane season is in September. It is possible to travel this route during summer months, but it is advised to be up to date regarding the forecast. The most recommended months for taking this trip are March to May, as well as October (the fall foliage season in the Smoky Mountains).
Day 1 – Land in New Orleans and enjoy the afternoon in the city
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 2 – Enjoy one more day in New Orleans
Lodging location: New Orleans
Day 3 – Drive from New Orleans to the plantations along the Mississippi River (most recommended: Whitney and Oak Alley Plantations), and afterwards drive to the shores of the Bay of Mexico, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Grand Isle
Day 4 – Enjoy the beaches of Grand Isle State Park, drive north and go kayaking in the swamps of southern Louisiana, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Houma
Day 5 – Drive to the town of Lafayette and take an Alligator viewing tour in Lake Martin, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Lafayette
Day 6 – Drive toward the beautiful town of Natchez (in Mississippi), on the way take another swamp tour and stop for a visit in Baton Rouge, 3 hours drive
Lodging location: Natchez
Day 7 – Drive north along the Natchez Trace Parkway, on the way stop for a visit in Jackson, 5.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Memphis
Day 8 – Enjoy a day in Memphis
Lodging location: Memphis
Day 9 – Drive to Nashville and enjoy half a day in the city, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Nashville
Day 10 – Enjoy a day in Nashville
Lodging location: Nashville
Day 11 – Drive to the town of Gatlinburg and visit the northern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Gatlinburg
Day 12 – Visit the northern part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Lodging location: Gatlinburg
Day 13 – Cross the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from north to south on route 441 and visit locations along the way, 1 hour drive
Lodging location: Cherokee
Day 14 – Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway north to Ashville and visit sites along the way, 2.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Asheville
Day 15 – Visit Mount Mitchell State Park and start driving east, 5 hours drive
Lodging location: Raleigh
Day 16 – Drive to Cedar Island and take the ferry to the island of Ocracoke in the southern Outer Banks Islands, 3.5 hours drive plus 2.5 hours ferry ride
Lodging location: Ocracoke
Day 17 – Drive north along the Outer Banks Islands (plus a take a short ferry ride to the island of Hatteras) and visit sites along the way, 3 hours drive plus 45-60 minutes ferry ride
Lodging location: Nags Head
Day 18 – Enjoy a morning around Nags Head and in Kitty Hawk and drive the coastal town of Virginia Beach, 2 hours drive
Lodging location: Virginia Beach
Day 19 – Drive the Washington DC and enjoy half a day in the city, 3.5 hours drive
Lodging location: Washington DC
Day 20 – Visit Washington DC
Lodging location: Washington DC
Day 21 – Fly home
– In order to fill this route with content – see our Southeast USA destinations pages, where you can find articles that include suggestions what to do in various locations along this route.
