Here's a tentative route (along with directions from I-40W from their website) that according to MS Streets & Trips is the quickest way from Fontana Lodge. I typically use somewhat spirited driving speeds on all road types. You'll see that I allowed until 11 AM at the Fontana Dam photo shoot and then 3 hours at Biltmore. Gets you back to Fontana Dam around 5:30 PM. Within the window, but makes it a little tight to really enjoy the Biltmore House.

Stay off the BRP (Blue Ridge Parkway), which begins in Cherokee and passes near Asheville. Great scenic drive, but posted speed limits never exceed 45. It is strictly a leisurely, scenic drive all the way to the Shenandoah Forest in VA. You won't have the time to enjoy any of it.

Call ahead to check on tour times. During the fall season, the Biltmore House is crowded as it has one of the prettiest gardens anywhere in the world. They've been advertising it steady for about 3 weeks now.

And as mentioned earlier, IT IS PRICEY!

Estimated Self-Guided Tour Times

History of Biltmore House (Interesting trivia about Biltmore House - While the home was built based on a French Chateau in the Loire Vally, the main difference between the 2 homes is the circular staircase. One home has the staircase running CW, the other CCW.)

Hope this helps,