There and Back Again: Lenoir to Pickens
Travel through a corridor of American history
Backroads transport us to the places in between. This regularly occurring feature takes you to and from two southeastern destinations via winding rural roads lined with charming small towns, captivating landscapes, historic structures and, in this particular journey, homes and businesses recovering from a devastating hurricane.
Our Winter 2025 excursion takes you from Lenoir, North Carolina, to Pickens, South Carolina—a historic corridor lined with American history and timeless beauty. Discover cozy cafés and tea shops, acclaimed wineries and breweries, an iconic overlook, artisan shopping, southern-style dining, and more.
The southbound drive from Lenoir to Pickens is 3 hours, 44 minutes, and 142 miles, compared to the journey back, which is 4 hours, 21 minutes, and 159 miles. We recommend booking a midpoint overnight stay so you can fully enjoy the journey. Be sure to check drivenc.gov for possible road closures and route delays.
At the end of this post, our Explorer and Voyager subscribers will find Google Maps links from Lenoir to Pickens, then back again from Pickens to Lenoir, plus bonus info about unique accommodations so you can book an overnight stay to break up your trip.
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