Roadtrip with RVshare Tallahassee to Mount Airy

Earle Hagen and Herbert Spencer may have paid a visit to Mount Airy before writing the theme song to the "Andy Griffith Show" as the town is Griffith’s home stomping grounds. Visitors to present-day Mount Airy may feel like they have stepped back to the 1960s, and that is perfectly OK with the locals who often take a fishing pole and head to their favorite fishing hole. Before you get to this historical community founded in 1885, you can have lots of fun by stopping at national parks, like Congaree and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and state parks, including General Coffee State Park, along the way. While you may not meet Barney Fife, you may encounter many memorable people during your Tallahassee to Mount Airy road trip. 

Nearby National Parks

Congaree National Park  

Congaree National Park offers some of the biggest trees east of the Mississippi River. There is one tree here that is so big that a family of four can barely reach around it. This location is a fascinating place to go camping, especially in May and June when the fireflies light up the night. Stand on the platform overlooking Weston Lake to see the turtles. You may even get lucky and see a river otter playing. This location is a fantastic place to go bird-watching as over 87 species have been spotted in the swamp and surrounding area. This park near Hopkins, South Carolina, is also a fantastic place to go on a kayaking adventure as you paddle your way around the tall cypress trees during your Tallahassee to Mount Airy RV road trip. 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  

Over 33% of the trees in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are over 100 years old. Consider taking the scenic drive that starts near Bryson, North Carolina, to see some of them. See historic buildings and farm tools by stopping at the Mingus Mill and Mountain Farm Museum. The Cataloochee Valley has many interesting historical buildings to see that workers moved to this location from other areas around the region. The valley is also a great place to watch elk grazing early in the day or around sunset. The Cataloochee Creek and its tributaries are fantastic places to go fishing. The area around Fontana Dam is an excellent place to go boating, so if you are a water lover, be sure to include this stop on your road trip itinerary from Tallahassee to Mount Airy. Check hiking part of the Appalachian Trail off your to-do list by following this trail starting at the dam. 

Nearby State Parks

General Coffee State Park  

You will love seeing log cabins, a corn crib, a tobacco barn, a cane mill, and other historical exhibits at General Coffee State Park near Nicholls, Georgia. Your kids will adore petting and interacting with the farm animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, and donkeys. Rent a kayak or canoe to play on this park’s lake. Bikes are also available to rent, making this an ideal spot for a family bike ride. Borrow fishing equipment from the park’s office to fish in the river. The beauty found at this park is so exceptional that many choose it as an outdoor wedding destination.

Crowders Mountain State Park  

If you love mountain hiking, then Crowders Mountain State Park near Kings Mountain, North Carolina, needs to be on your Tallahassee to Mount Airy RV road trip plan. You can hike up Pinnacle and Crowders Mountain or hike to Kings Mountain State Park and Kings Mountain National Military Park in South Carolina. The rugged terrain found at this state park makes it a terrific place to go climbing and bouldering. In particular, the Boulders Access Area offers outstanding opportunities for all ability levels. This park is also a great place to go fishing for largemouth bass and sunfish in the 7-acre manmade lake. 

Mistletoe State Park  

Mistletoe State Park, near Appling, Georgia, is located on the largest reservoir in the state. Bring your swimsuit for a fabulous day relaxing on the sandy beach and swimming in the lake. Boats are available to rent if you decide to camp at this location. Clarks Hill Lake is a fabulous place to go fishing for largemouth bass and catfish. This park is a fantastic place to go mountain biking on trails lined with tall trees. Eight blazed trails offer plenty of opportunities for everyone. Consider hiking along the Cliatt Creek Nature Trail Loop running along Cliatt Creek, where you may see silky camellias in bloom in the early summer. 

Raven Rock State Park  

Raven Rock State Park is on Cape Fear River’s shores near Lillington, North Carolina. The gigantic Raven Rock is a favorite hiking destination at this remote park. Alternatively, the woodlands on the northside of this park offer fantastic opportunities to go bird-watching. You can start at U.S. 1 and paddle the 56 miles to this park’s location, where the Lanier Falls and the Fish Traps offer exciting rapids to negotiate. Fishing is a popular activity in the river and its tributaries. 

Along the Way

Johnston-Felton-Hay House  

The Johnston-Felton-Hay House is one of the best examples of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture in the Southeast. This home in Macon, Georgia, was constructed between 1855 to 1859. Experts are constantly restoring this four-story home crowned with a two-story dome, allowing you to understand more about that period's building techniques. Most furniture in the home belonged to the Hay family, who lived in the house from 1926 until 1962. 

Tubman African American Museum  

The Tubman African American Museum is the largest museum in the country focusing on African American culture and history. The museum chronicles the history of African Americans in the United States since 1613. You can see many examples of Black American art at this museum in Macon, Georgia. 

NASCAR Hall of Fame  

If you are a NASCAR fan, this Charlotte, North Carolina, museum is a stop you will want to make on your Tallahassee to Mount Airy road trip. Consider taking the two-hour guided tour offered on Mondays and Fridays. Learn about the early pioneers of this sport and the men who made the hall of fame. Children will particularly love visiting here because there are numerous hands-on exhibits designed just for them. 

Billy Graham Library  

Follow the Billy Graham story from seeing his birthplace in Charlotte through his successful career to his final resting place here, where he is buried beside his wife. Wander the 20-acre landscaped grounds. Stop at the dairy bar for a treat and browse the bookstore. See early farming tools and learn what it was like to grow up on a dairy farm.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Albany, Georgia  

You are likely to fall in love with the rural setting of Albany, Georgia. There are great Albany campgrounds in the area, like CreekSide RV Park & Campground, where you can camp under tall trees, or the family-owned Albany RV Resort Inc. RV dump stations are available at BLOCSTOP Travel Center, Creekside Plantation Campground and R.V. and The Parks at Chehaw Campground. 

Augusta, Georgia  

The riverwalk in Augusta, Georgia, is a fun location to explore, and there are lots of outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. Consider camping in Augusta at Heritage RV Park, where security cameras help keep the area safe, or at Made in the Shade RV Park and Campground, with its nature trail. You can find Augusta RV dump stations at Callaway Plantation Museum, Mistletoe State Park and the Georgia Welcome Center. 

Charlotte, North Carolina  

If you are a sports fan, you are sure to love camping in Charlotte on your road trip from Tallahassee to Mount Airy. This city is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Carolina Panthers, and the Carolina Nuggets. Camping World Racing Resort is within walking distance of the track. If you have children, they will adore the themed activities at Midway Campground & RV Resort. RV dump stations are at McDowell Nature Preserve Campground, Lakeside Lodges & Campground, and Carowinds Camp Wilderness Resort.

Find Adventure from Tallahassee to Mount Airy

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Tallahassee to Mount Airy, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Tallahassee or Mount Airy.