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Driving Directions

Main Campus—Cullowhee

NCCAT is located across from the campus of Western Carolina University (WCU), 52 miles west of Asheville. Take I-40 west from Asheville, toward Knoxville, past Canton. Take Exit 27 ( US 19-23-74) toward Waynesville. Follow the signs through Waynesville on US 23-74, through Balsam Gap (where the Blue ridge Parkway crosses the highway) and down the mountain to Sylva. Take Exit 85 (Business 23-East Sylva). Follow the road past the hospital, turn left at the "T" intersection onto Hwy 107 toward Cullowhee and WCU (approximately 8 miles). Turn RIGHT at the traffic light at the entrance to WCU campus. Our signs will direct you to NCCAT's registration area.

Eastern Campus—Ocracoke Island

NCCAT is located at the mouth of Silver Lake harbor. Ocracoke Island is accessible by airplane and ferry only. There are three ferry routes to get to Ocracoke depending on your location within the state. For up-to-the-minute news, visit the Department of Transportation website at www.ncdot.gov/transit/ferry. Hatteras Ferry—This route is free and more flexible when driving to Ocracoke because it offers more ferry runs. The Hatteras Ferry runs at least every hour on the hour, sometimes more frequently depending on the need. Total crossing time is 35 minutes. Wait times can be extensive in the summer so please plan ahead and check the Department of Transportation website listed above. Cedar Island Ferry—This route costs $15 and offers less driving time to Ocracoke. There are fewer runs from Cedar Island due to budget constraints. Reservations are required to guarantee your spot on the ferry by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY or by visiting the website at www.ncdot.gov/transit/ferry. You must be in the ferry line 30 minutes prior to departure or your reservation will be canceled. Total crossing time from Cedar Island to Ocracoke is 2 hours and 15 minutes. Swan Quarter Ferry—This route costs $15 and offers less driving time to Ocracoke. There are fewer runs from Swan Quarter due to budget constraints. Reservations are required to guarantee your spot on the ferry by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY or by visiting the website at www.ncdot.gov/transit/ferry. You must be in the ferry line 30 minutes prior to departure or your reservation will be canceled. Total crossing time from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke is 2 hours and 45 minutes.