I'm heading down to Charlottesville, Richmond, Durham, Elon, and Winston Salem(in that order) the first week of April(30-9) to take a look at possible colleges. I'm coming from MI, and will be traveling with my mom, I would personally love to stop somewhere in NC to hike for a day (on our way back north), but will it be to cold? I'm looking for short day trips or stops. Are there any "cant miss" attractions in northwestern NC? Or great-decently priced hotels?
I'd appreciate any suggestions!

Thanks,

I would see how far the Natural Bridge is from your sites. I would also suggest getting there early. It very nice to see without all of the people.

Natural Bridge is in Virginia and is close to Charlottesville I think.

Can't remember where Elon College is located but neither Durham or Winston Salem are in northwestern NC. A five hour drive if I'm not mistaken.

Go to Monticello while in Charlottesville.

I'd pick either UVA, tie UNC/Wake Forest as my top school picks.

Monticello is a very good choice, even better than the Natural Bride.

How did I forget???

I assume you will be checking out Wake Forest University (Go DEACS!) while in Winston-Salem. It is an hour drive from Elon and about ninety minutes from Durham. While you are visiting the area you might enjoy hiking Hanging Rock State Park (about a half hour from campus) or Pilot Mountain State Park (about twenty minutes from campus). A ninety minute drive would take you to Stone Mountain State Park. All of these areas offer some good day hikes. You will find reasonably priced hotels very near the WFU campus (just make sure you don't overlap with graduation). It will not be very cold in late April and early May unless we have a freak storm. Generally the temperatures are mild and you will be delighted by the flowers and trees in bloom. Plan on a stop at Reynolda Gardens adjacent to the WFU campus while you visit. Have a good lunch at the Village Tavern.

I am sorry, I misread the dates of travel. Early April is usually mild as well.

If your route takes you through Roanoke, VA, there is a trail head there for the Applachian Trail. It actually is in Daleville right beside the interstate ramp.

What???? NO UNC-Chapel Hill?? How dare you!!

I second the Hanging Rock area of NC for hiking. It is north of Winston Salem so it will fit perfectly in your return trip. While in Durham, make sure you visit Duke Chapel and Duke Gardens on campus. The gardens will be gorgeous in April-May. You should also drive the 10 short miles to Chapel Hill to see the UNC campus. While in Winston Salem I would visit Old Salem, an old restored Moravian community.

Hope this doesn't confuse things.Consider taking Rte 80 east to State College,PA (Penn State), drop down to Rte. 83 & Harrisonburg, VA (James Madison),stop at the Skyland Resort on Skyline Drive (Shenandoah Natl. Park), onto Charlottesville (UVA),Williamsburg,VA (William & Mary) and then back down the Rte. 95 corridor.Spending time on Skyline Drive,Williamsburg or Monticello would all be great.You can sleep on the 10th.Great schools & scenery!

If you do end up in the Williamsburg area, York River State Park has some nice hikes. It is just off I64. Elon has been getting rave reviews from kids I know that are attending. This is an exciting time in your life. Enjoy it and know that you will end up at the college that is right for you.

Birdie said it well - enjoy!You will see this on a map but I gave you the wrong route above. Take Route 81 south from central PA into VA and then find your favorite way to head east on Rte. 64 toward Rte. 95.