America's Scenic Byways

Pamlico Scenic Byway

127 miles - 3 hours

The Pamlico Scenic Byway centers around the river and sound with the same name. Pamlico was the name of an Indian tribe who once lived in this area. The river, first explored in 1584, extends for 33 miles from Washington to the sound. The Pamlico Sound is 80 miles long and 15 to 30 miles wide. It covers more than 1,800 square miles with a maximum depth of 21 feet.

Towns with colonial history dot the route and offer stories for curious visitors. The unique architecture of old buildings is available to the watchful eye. A rural way of life along the coast and swamplands is preserved along this byway.

Scenes of waterways, rivers, and shoreline provide a variety of views. Just past the town of Scranton travelers enjoy an unusual stretch of road where drainage canals and trees on either side form a unique and protective seven-mile tunnel with views of vast fields and tree farms on either side.