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ROA destination photo
CLT destination photo

ROACLT

Our Recommendation
8.2

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point for the most iconic geography on this short hop, including the Blue Ridge crest and a spectacular view of the Charlotte skyline during standard southern landing patterns.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
⛰️

Blue Ridge Parkway

Catch glimpses of the 'America's Favorite Drive' as it snakes along the ridge lines immediately after departing Roanoke.

💧

Smith Mountain Lake

A massive, jagged reservoir known for its 500 miles of shoreline, visible to the southeast shortly after takeoff.

🏙️

The Triad Skyline

On clear days, look to the horizon to see the distant skyscrapers of Winston-Salem and Greensboro.

🏢

Uptown Charlotte

Offers the best angle for the dense cluster of skyscrapers and the Bank of America Stadium when landing on the 18L/C/R runways.

Sit on the left for morning flights to enjoy the sunrise reflecting off the Appalachian peaks. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff to spot the Mill Mountain Star overlooking Roanoke. During the descent, this side typically faces the city center, providing a panoramic view of Charlotte's rapid urban growth.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
🌲

Jefferson National Forest

Dense, uninterrupted canopies of the Appalachian highlands dominate the view early in the flight.

🏔️

Pilot Mountain

The distinctive quartzite knob of Pilot Mountain can be spotted in the distance to the southwest near the NC/VA border.

🚤

Lake Norman

The largest man-made lake in North Carolina, featuring sprawling luxury estates and marinas just north of the city.

🌊

Catawba River

The plane often follows the path of this historic river during the final descent into the Piedmont region.

Choose the right side for late afternoon or evening flights to witness the sunset over the Appalachian plateau. This side is excellent for observing the 'Inland Sea' of Lake Norman during the descent. If the airport is landing to the north (Runway 36), the right side may catch a loop-around view of the city.

Top Activities in Charlotte
Route Information

Distance: 250 km (155 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 25 min

Departure: ROA (37.3255, -79.975403)

Arrival: CLT (35.2140007019043, -80.94309997558594)

Route Type: Domestic

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