Directions
Detour Information for Travel from Tennessee
Express Route via Scenic Interstate Byway
The NC Department of Transportation advises I-40 travelers from the west to take I-81 north to Johnson City, then I-26 east to Asheville. The I-26 route adds roughly 50 minutes to the travel time, and is one of the nation’s only interstate Scenic Byways. I-26 takes motorists through the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering scenic observation points, a welcome center and stunning views of the highest peaks in the East.
Detour Option via Dixie Highway
Travelers coming from the west on I-40 may also take exit 432-B for US-25/US-70 toward Newport. After Newport, TN, 25/70 becomes the Dixie Highway. Follow signs to stay on 25/70. Shortly after entering North Carolina, you will pass through the town of Hot Springs. Continue until you reach I-26. Take I-26 east to get to Asheville. This route adds roughly 30 minutes to the travel time and is a beautiful scenic mountain highway. Passenger vehicles only are permitted on this road–it is not a commercial travel route (i.e. motorcoach, RVs or dual-axle vehicles). Please consider possible weather and traffic congestion issues on this winding two-lane road.
Travelers heading west from Asheville to Cherokee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cataloochee Ski Area and points west should take Exit 27 off I-40 (Great Smoky Mountains Expy/US-19/US-23/US-74).
From I-40 East or West Bound
Take exit 51 (Sweeten Creek Road/US 51A exit). Turn left off the exit ramp onto Sweeten Creek Road. Once Sweeten Creek Road narrows from a 4-lane highway to a 2-lane highway, count 5 stoplights (approximate distance from the exit is 6 1/2 miles). At the fifth stoplight, turn right onto Royal Pines Drive (there is a Market Center Express gas station on the corner). The Inn will be one block down the road on your left.
I-26 West from Spartanburg, etc.
Take exit 40 (Asheville Regional Airport/Hwy 280 exit). Turn right off the exit ramp onto Airport Road. Go 2 miles to the intersection of Hendersonville Road (Hwy 25) and Airport Road. Cross over Hendersonville Road/US 25, and Airport Road becomes US 25A (Sweeten Creek Road). Continue 1 mile to first traffic light (there is a Market Center Express gas station on the corner). Turn left onto Royal Pines Drive. The Inn will be one block down the road on your left.
From Biltmore Estate
Go straight out of the estate (McDonalds is on your left). Continue straight through traffic light and continue for 7 1/2 miles on Sweeten Creek Road (Hwy 25A). You will cross under I-40. Once Sweeten Creek Road narrows from a 4-lane highway to a 2-lane highway, count 5 stoplights (approximate distance from the exit is 6 1/2 miles). At the fifth stoplight, turn right onto Royal Pines Drive (there is a Market Center Express gas station on the corner). The Inn will be one block down the road on your left.
From Blue Ridge Parkway
Take the US 25 South exit (Hendersonville Road). Follow Hwy 25 through Skyland for 3-1/2 miles. Pass Black Forest Restaurant (on your right) and Arden Presbyterian Church (also on your right) and at the next traffic light (Sagebrush Steakhouse is on left) turn left onto Royal Pines Drive. Go 3-1/2 blocks and turn right into parking lot.
