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North Wilkesboro Speedway
Of all the places in NC's moonshine and motorsports story, Wilkes County earns a giant “X” on the map (and the illustrious title of “Moonshine Capital of the World”). In the 1950s and ‘60s, moonshine hauler and local NASCAR legend Junior Johnson steered North Wilkesboro Speedway — an original NASCAR track that hosted the 2023 All-Star Race — to fame. North Wilkesboro Speedway, a trail site that opened in 1948, returned to action in 2022 with a grassroots Racetrack Revival championed by NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the event’s wild success prompted the All-Star Race decision as part of the association’s 75th anniversary. Wilkesboro Dragway, NC’s oldest dragstrip, is another option for action in the area.
Copper Barrel Distillery
For a taste of local moonshine, start with Copper Barrel Distillery and Call Family Distillers, owned by the son of the late Willie Clay “The Uncatchable” Call, a bootlegger friend of Junior Johnson.
Stone Mountain State Park
For a different glimpse of moonshine history, head to Stone Mountain State Park. Known for its 600-foot granite dome, this trail stop was once a choice location for the moonshine trade. Pro tip: Sticking to the trails helps reduce disturbance.
Museum of Ashe County History
You can also add music to your itinerary and explore the Moonshine & Music exhibit at the Museum of Ashe County History, a new trail stop in 2024.
Hickory Motor Speedway
Find an off-trail stop in Newton. In 1955, Junior Johnson scored his first Cup victory at Hickory Motor Speedway, a short track that earned the reputation “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars” for the wins by Johnson, Lee and Richard Petty, and Ned Jarrett. The current race lineup includes the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.
South Mountain Distilling
Tap into spirits history at South Mountain Distilling in Connelly Springs. The distillery draws on whiskey and brandy recipes from owner Don Smith’s family. In Hickory, make an appointment to tour Gunpowder Creek Distillers and taste Stillhouse Forty-Four Corn Whiskey.
NASCAR Hall of Fame
The Queen City was the site of NASCAR’s first Strictly Stock Series race (now the Cup Series) in 1949 and is home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, part of the Moonshine and Motorsports Trail. The Hall of Fame is a must-visit site for entry-level interest, die-hard dedication and everything in between. Among the highlights: a custom-built still from Junior Johnson; storied racecars displayed on Glory Road, a track banked at angles found at speedways; a hands-on pit crew challenge; and a racing simulator.
NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame
From Charlotte, it’s a 30-mile shot to Mooresville, home of the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Memory Lane Museum, and race shops including JR Motorsports, Kyle Busch Motorsports and Team Penske Retail Store.
Southern Distilling
Keep driving to reach Statesville, touted as the “Liquor Capital of the World” in the 1880s, where Southern Distilling offers a line of refined spirits made with locally sourced ingredients. On the return trip, swing by Joe Gibbs Racing in Huntersville.
Joe Gibbs Racing
Before heading back to Charlotte, stop at Joe Gibbs Racing to explore one of NASCAR’s most successful team headquarters.
Great Wagon Road Distilling
Craft beverages thrive in Charlotte. While most distillers favor refined spirits, Great Wagon Road Distilling harnesses moonshine’s raw power in its Drumlish Poteen Carolina Whiskey. Or check cocktail menus for drinks such as Bramble On at Midwood Smokehouse.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
At Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, race fans fill the stands for the Coca-Cola 600, the Bank of America ROVAL 400 and other events. The 2,000-acre complex includes the ZMAX Dragway, the country’s only all-concrete, four-lane dragstrip, plus a clay oval for dirt racing. Take a tour, line up on the Kart Track or get behind the wheel with a racing school experience.
Dale Earnhardt Plaza
Check more race shops off your list at Hendrick Motorsports, RFK Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing in neighboring Kannapolis. But the most compelling reason to visit Kannapolis is Dale Earnhardt Plaza in the hero’s hometown. As a new trail stop, the plaza displays a 9-foot bronze statue that sculptor Clyde Ross Morgan loaded with symbolic touches reflecting the life of the popular driver.
Southern Grace Distilleries
Plan a behind-the-bars tour and tasting at Southern Grace Distilleries, housed in a former prison in Mount Pleasant.
Rockingham Speedway and Entertainment Complex
Its full name is Rockingham Speedway and Entertainment Complex, but fans call it The Rock. A key stop on the trail, it opened in 1965 as the North Carolina Motor Speedway. Junior Johnson drove his last race here in 1966. The track’s final Cup Series race was 2004’s unforgettable Subway 400, which saw driver Carl Young escape unscathed from a wild crash and Matt Kenseth beat Kasey Kahne by 0.01 seconds. Today, The Rock is undergoing a revival and renovation as a venue for racing and other events. Just across US 1, Rockingham Dragway maintains a full schedule.
NC Museum of History
Find context for moonshine and motorsports heritage at the NC Museum of History. This trail stop features a No. 3 car driven by Dale Earnhardt, a No. 43 car driven by Richard Petty, and the NC Sports Hall of Fame that honors champion drivers and motorsports trailblazers. (Please note: The museum is currently closed for renovations.)
Johnston County Heritage Museum
A half hour away, the Johnston County Heritage Museum — a new stop on the trail — tells the story of Percy Flowers, a moonshine producer who gained notoriety in the 1950s and ‘60s and was dubbed “King of the Moonshiners” by the Saturday Evening Post.
Wake County Speedway
South of downtown, Wake County Speedway earned the nickname “America’s Favorite Bullring” for its tight-cornered quarter-mile track. It hosts NASCAR’s Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.
Occoneechee Speedway
Hikers as well as motorsports fans are drawn to the Occoneechee Speedway in Hillsborough, the only remaining dirt track from NASCAR’s inaugural season. On the 44-acre site, preservationists have maintained the 1-mile oval that led to victory for Junior Johnson, Ned Jarrett, and Lee and Richard Petty.
Orange County Speedway
Engines continue to roar in nearby Rougemont on the Orange County Speedway, a new trail stop and billed as “America’s Fastest ⅜ Track.” A former Xfinity Series venue, the speedway is known for its 19-degree banked turns and affordable fun.
Local 22 Kitchen & Bar
Venture to Durham to sip on Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon (choose from apple pie, peach or blueberry) at Local 22 Kitchen & Bar.
Bowman Gray Stadium
NASCAR history lives it up in a city celebrated for its Moravian roots and tobacco heritage at Bowman Gray Stadium, NASCAR’s first weekly track and a new trail stop. The downtown stadium, which celebrated its 75th season in 2023 on a newly resurfaced track, ranks as the longest-running NASCAR-sanctioned track.
Broad Branch Distillery
Broad Branch Distillery honors moonshine tradition with Nightlab, which is crafted alongside other spirits.
To complete your journey, US 421 leads directly back to North Wilkesboro — but more new trail stops live outside of this personalized oval as well. The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort and Dismal Swamp State Park in South Mills all offer additional glimpses into NC's storied past.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
North Wilkesboro Speedway
Stop 2
Copper Barrel Distillery
Stop 3
Stone Mountain State Park
Stop 4
Museum of Ashe County History
Stop 5
Hickory Motor Speedway
Stop 6
South Mountain Distilling
Stop 7
NASCAR Hall of Fame
Stop 8
NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Stop 9
Southern Distilling
Stop 10
Joe Gibbs Racing
Stop 11
Great Wagon Road Distilling
Stop 12
Charlotte Motor Speedway
Stop 13
Dale Earnhardt Plaza
Stop 14
Southern Grace Distilleries
Stop 15
Rockingham Speedway and Entertainment Complex
Stop 16
NC Museum of History
Stop 17
Johnston County Heritage Museum
Stop 18
Wake County Speedway
Stop 19
Occoneechee Speedway
Stop 20
Orange County Speedway
Stop 21
Local 22 Kitchen & Bar
Stop 22
Bowman Gray Stadium
Stop 23