How long is NC-12?

How long is NC-12?

Usa, north-america

Length

238 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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 โ€“ 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! Youโ€™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 โ€“ Bodie Island, Hatteras, and Ocracoke. Seriously, Hatteras and Ocracoke are total gems!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
238 km
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Mullan Pass?moderate

Where is Mullan Pass?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Mullan Pass! Nestled right on the border between Powell and Lewis and Clark counties in Montana, this beauty sits at a cool 5,902 feet above sea level. You'll find Mullan Pass straddling the Continental Divide, hanging out west of Helena in western Montana, practically hugging the Helena National Forest. Fun fact: It's named after Captain John Mullan, the mastermind behind the historic Mullan Road. So, how's the drive? Picture this: a 17.4-mile stretch called Austin-Mullan Pass Road, dating back to the 1860s, connecting US-12 to Birdseye. Heads up โ€“ most of the road is unpaved (except for the Birdseye Road section), which means it can be a bit of a bumpy ride! You'll usually have plenty of space for two-way traffic, but watch out for those washboards and the occasional rut. Seriously, the road conditions can change in a heartbeat. One day smooth sailing, the next you might be bouncing all over the place! Any vehicle can usually handle it with care, but always check the current conditions, know your car, and drive smart. Also, keep in mind that being high up in the Montana Rockies means serious snowfall. Winter can make this route a real challenge, so plan accordingly!

Where is Cerro Vista?moderate

Where is Cerro Vista?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're in northern New Mexico, right on the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, deep in the Carson National Forest. You're about to tackle Cerro Vista, a seriously high peak! The road? Oh, it's a total dirt track. 4x4 is a must, trust me. It's about 14.3 miles from start to finish, climbing over 3,458 feet. That's a pretty consistent climb, with an average gradient of around 4.6%. And heads up, usually, this road is not accessible during winter. But the views? Totally worth the bumpy ride!

Requa Road, a steep coastal drive in Californiamoderate

Requa Road, a steep coastal drive in California

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Requa Road, also known as Patrick J Murphy Memorial Road, is calling your name. Tucked away in Del Norte County, California, inside Redwood National and State Parks, this coastal drive is a total stunner. Sure, it's a tad bumpy, but trust me, the views are SO worth it! This paved, windy road clocks in at just under 2.5 miles, starting from good ol' U.S. 101. Word to the wise: skip this one after dark โ€“ no lights or markings here! But during the day? Get ready for one of the most scenic drives you've ever seen. Keep an eye out for fog, which can be pretty common in this area. The road can be a bit of a nail-biter, with some seriously steep and narrow sections and a distinct lack of guardrails. RVs and trailers? Probably not the best idea. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with the Klamath River Overlook, perched a dizzying 650 feet above it all. Get ready for a climb of around 615 feet from U.S. 101 with an average incline of almost 5%. It's a wild ride!

Mount Washington Auto Road is a truly legendary drive in New Hampshireextreme

Mount Washington Auto Road is a truly legendary drive in New Hampshire

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Get ready for the Mount Washington Auto Road โ€“ it's not just a drive, it's an adventure! This historic toll road, dating back to 1861, winds its way from Route 16 in Pinkham Notch all the way to the tippy-top of Mount Washington. We're talking 7.8 miles of pure adrenaline, climbing to a whopping 6,286 feet above sea level. Located in Coรถs County, New Hampshire, this fully paved road is STEEP. We're talking an average gradient of 11.37% and an elevation gain of 4,682 feet! Expect countless twists, turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop โ€“ when you're not gripping the steering wheel, that is. The weather on Mount Washington is seriously no joke. One minute you're basking in sunshine, the next you're battling gale-force winds and pea-soup fog. So, pack layers and prepare for anything! Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive. There are no guardrails, and the drops are seriously steep. And while it's now all paved, it's still narrow in spots. If you're scared of heights, this might not be your cup of tea. But oh, the views! Think panoramic vistas of the Presidential Range in the White Mountain National Forest. You'll need to pull over at the designated spots to really soak it in. Plan on about 30 minutes to reach the summit and another 30-45 for the descent. Keep an eye on closing times, too! Trust me, this road offers unparalleled freedom, fresh air, and memories that will last a lifetime.