The great explorers found hidden treasures using detailed maps. For people looking to find North Carolina's hidden treasures, the best resource is the 2009-2010 State Transportation Map.

"This map is an important resource for those traveling our great state," said Transportation Secretary Gene Conti. "This map highlights so much of our diverse history and the beautiful areas that can be found from Murphy to Manteo."

The N.C. Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) official map is now available free of charge and can be ordered by calling the NCDOT Customer Service Office toll-free at (877) DOT-4YOU from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can be ordered online and viewed or downloaded digitally by visiting www.ncdot.gov/newsroom and clicking on "Maps and Publications."

Maps are also available at North Carolina welcome centers, rest areas and NCDOT offices throughout the state.

The map cover features the Linn Cove Viaduct, which winds its way around the perimeter of Grandfather Mountain. Also on the cover is an artist's rendering of the NASCAR Hall Of Fame, which is scheduled to open in 2010 in Charlotte; a waterfront view of New Bern, which will celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2010; and strawberries from the State Farmers Market in Raleigh.

In addition to descriptions of travel destinations, the map contains a section of safety information for motorists including an overview of North Carolina's traffic laws, contact information for the N.C. State Highway Patrol and details about accessing travel information via phone and over the Internet.

This map marks a return to a two-year publication for the first time since 1997-98. North Carolina produced a two-year map in the 1970s, 1980s and most of the 1990s.