Scenic Drives

Grassy Island Crossing - Piedmont Scenic Drives

Named for the Grassy Islands, a group of earthen masses in the Pee Dee River north of Blewett Falls Lake. The byway begins on Pinkston River Road (S.R. 1627) in Anson County at the crossover with U.S. 52. Head south through the pines, hardwoods, swamps and farms along the banks of the Pee Dee River until the 4.8-mile mark, at which you’ll take a left onto Grassy Island Road (S.R. 1634).

Visitors may choose to visit the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge located on Grassy Island Road and operated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The Pee Dee Refuge, the only inland wildlife refuge in North Carolina, features a self-guided auto or hiking trail along a migratory bird habitat. A waterfowl observation blind allows for up-close viewing of bird species native to or passing through the region. The refuge office and visitor center are located on U.S. 52, three miles south of Ansonville. A trail will lead you to the observation/photo blind. Further along Grassy Island Road turn left onto N.C. 109 (after 4.6 miles). One mile more and you’ll cross the Pee Dee River, formed by the junction of the Yadkin and Uwharrie Rivers in Montgomery County. Flowing south along the Anson County line and into South Carolina, the Pee Dee empties into the intercoastal Winyah Bay.

On the opposite side of the river, two-and-a-half miles into Richmond County, turn right onto another Grassy Island Road (S.R. 1148). This 13-mile stretch of road features the geological transition between the lowland piedmont region to the Uwharrie Mountain expanse. Blewett Falls Lake, operated by Carolina Power and Light, lies to the south and west. There are boat ramps and fishing access points on the lake. The byway ends northwest of Rockingham at the intersection with Holly Grove Church Road (S.R. 1146).

Length: 26 miles
Driving Time: 40 minutes
Counties: Anson, Richmond

courtesy of NC Department of Transportation

added: September 15, 2009

updated: September 25, 2009