Coastal Plain Scenic Drives
Blue-Gray Scenic Byway
The naming and destination of this route signifies the great impacts this region had in the Civil War.
Begin the byway near Smithfield in Johnston County from the U.S.701/I-95 interchange at exit 90. Immediately off the exit and U.S 701, turn onto Devil’s Racetrack Road (S.R. 1009). Known locally as the “Devil’s Racetrack,” the road parallels the Neuse River and Hannah’s Creek. Legends say that people could see and hear the footsteps of a horse as the devil rode through the area, but no one ever saw the horse or its rider. Follow the course of the Neuse River to your left and Hannah’s Creek to your right for the next 8.5 miles where you will cross Hannah Creek.
This road also travels over Civil War battle sites, noted on the historic markers along both sides of the road. About one mile after crossing Hannah’s Creek, cross over Mill Creek. Here, General Johnston’s troops were prevented from attacking General Sherman’s troops from the rear because of a flood. The Confederates were able to escape after their defeat.
In the community of Bentonville, one half mile further, Confederate forces kept naval stores of tar, pitch and turpentine. These stores were burned by Confederates on their retreat from the Bentonville Battleground.
It is 1.4 miles from the community of Bentonville and where the byway and S.R. 1009 veer left. It is an additional 1.1 miles to Harper House Road (S.R. 1008). You will turn right and follow the road for a distance of 2.9 miles to reach Bentonville Battleground Historic Site. This 1865 Civil War battle slowed General Sherman’s marsh and was the bloodiest ever fought on North Carolina soil. Visitors may see reenactments (shown above) of this historic battle each March. Along both sides of the road are reminders of this battle. The Harper House was used as a Union field hospital and is included in the site’s tour.
After visiting the battlefield, backtrack three miles on Harper House Road (S.R. 1008) before turning on the third route to the right, St. Johns Church Road (S.R. 1196). Follow this road for three miles (which becomes Bentonville Rd./S.R. 1205 at the Wayne County line) to the stop sign. Turn left and travel north on U.S. 13 which parallels Falling Creek to the south. Turn right four miles later onto Grantham School Road (S.R. 1006) in Grantham. Grantham, located between Falling Creek and the Neuse River, was settled in the 18th century.
Follow Grantham School Road for three miles then turn left at the intersection with Oberry Road (S.R. 1120). Follow this road for 7.4 miles before crossing U.S. 117. Continue into the community of Dudley, settled in 1837 and named for North Carolina Governor E. B. Dudley. The road name changes to Sleepy Creek Road (S.R.1120). At this point you are about 10 miles south of Goldsboro.
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