Interstate 26 (I-26) is a major east–west highway in the southeastern United States, stretching from the mountains of eastern Tennessee to the coastal plains of South Carolina. Despite its even number, I-26 runs in a diagonal direction from northwest to southeast, connecting key cities including Kingsport, Asheville, Columbia, and Charleston. The highway serves as a vital connector for commerce, tourism, and local travel across Appalachia and the Atlantic seaboard.

The route begins at its northern terminus in Kingsport, Tennessee, where it intersects with I-81. From there, it travels southeast through the Blue Ridge Mountains into North Carolina, offering breathtaking scenery near Asheville and providing access to popular mountain destinations. After passing through the mountains, I-26 continues through the rolling hills of Upstate South Carolina, linking Spartanburg and Columbia—two of the state’s major urban centers.

Continuing southeast, the interstate descends toward the Atlantic coast, terminating in Charleston, South Carolina. The Charleston area serves as a critical seaport and cultural hub, making I-26 an important corridor for freight transport and tourism. Along its entire route, I-26 intersects with several key interstates, including I-40, I-85, I-77, and I-95, enhancing its strategic value in the region’s highway network.