Book a comfy room, then grab a cold one with the locals and swap stories about your epic Smoky Mountain motorcycle rides. However, more interesting for touring riders, Ms. Kirley found that riders from nearby states are 55% more likely to crash than North Carolina riders and riders from farther away are 91% more likely. The best motorcycle roads in NC are here! Some reasons why there are so many great motorcycle rides in North Carolina are because the mountain roads not only give riders exciting twists and turns but every ride in this article features outstanding scenic views. There are 318 curves in 11 miles, so it's anything but boring. Also, you can drag the "Person Icon" above the zoom bar to the route for a 360° tour using Google Maps Streetview system. But it's not just riding, is it? North Carolina | Top 10 Best Motorcycle Rides & Routes - Great Motorcycle Roads. It will scare them away. )
Plus, it gives you access to the Tail of the Dragon, if you want to add on an adventurous detour. Along with Pisgah National Forest you'll have a chance to explore other iconic places on this route such as Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and Looking Glass Rock. US 276 makes up the first half of the byway, from Pisgah Forest to Woodrow; this section features Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock Falls, Cradle of Forestry, Shining Rock, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Careful observers will notice several nozzles on the bridge's sides that are part of this system. At nearly 5, 000 feet above sea level, this is the highest elevation on any interstate in North Carolina. Rattler mountain bike race. The road quality is great and there are posted speed limits that allow you to extract the maximum enjoyment from your ride without fear of breaking the law. The road is in good shape and there's much less traffic and law enforcement here than on other nearby rides. Below is our detailed list of the best North Carolina motorcycle rides! Because of its height and the severity of winter weather in North Carolina's higher elevations, the bridge was designed with an automatic de-icing system. You can also click on the route segments for detailed directions. Grab a bite and top up the tank. The Skyway is a wide open road with very little congestion and delivers unobstructed and awe-inspiring views at multiple scenic overlooks along the way. This is a challenging route even for experienced bikers.
The byway begins on N. C. 209 at Exit 24 on I-40 near Lake Junaluska and Waynesville. Hop back on your bike and continue on to the glistening Lake Lure, then round out your ride with a return trip along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway – a Smoky Mountain motorcycle ride in its own right! This is a motorcycle ride in the state of North Carolina. "The Dragon" is 90 miles of curves, scenic views, and road side attractions. There may even be more curves per mile on this road than on the Tail of the Dragon. If you've never explored this part of North Carolina, it might be worth it to stay and take in what this part of Western North Carolina has to offer. NC 80 THE DEVIL'S WHIP. 5 Fun Roads to Ride in North Carolina - Motorcycle Nerd. There are no facilities other than restrooms for the entire ride, so plan ahead and make sure you have enough fuel to make the crossing. From Robbinsville, head north on Tapoco Road (US-129), a gently curving road that leads to the town of Tapoco on the Little Tennessee River. Keep a full tank - In the mountains, there are often very long distances between gas stations. Tackle the entire 469 miles or break it up into sections that cut through mile-high mountains. Not so many hairpins in this section, but a mesmerizing sequence of lefts and rights that settle any question about how this road earned its name and why it has such a reputation. Coming out of the National Park, look for the Blue Ridge Parkway on the left not too far past the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
The Cherohala Skyway takes drivers to elevations of more than 5, 400 feet. Take care of fuel and food at either Cherokee, NC or Gatlinburg, TN before accessing the route. For extended North Carolina motorcycle trips, it doesn't get any better than a ride along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Begin following the byway by taking I-26 West from Asheville to Exit 19 in Weaverville. 19 and enter the Nantahala River Gorge, part of the Nantahala National Forest. You will have to go to federal court if you get a speeding ticket. The rattler motorcycle ride map.html. The road is well maintained, so, when needed, riders can use their technical skills to navigate the route's many tight curves and twists. A former 1800s settlement, this leisurely ride through Cades Cove meanders along for 11 majestic miles near Townsend, Tennessee.
The Tail of the Dragon is as challenging as it is exciting. Day 3 keeps it going with two more roads that motorcyclists from all over the world seek out. Along the way, your traveling companions include lush forest landscape, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Fontana Village at Fontana Dam. Use the information to decide when to start out each day and to keep track of progress through the day. For tips on riding technical roads, take a look at Riding Tips to Tame a Dragon. What is the best month to motorcycle the Blue Ridge Parkway? Continuing westward, the highway passes a N. Welcome Center, located alongside the eastbound lanes. Choose from a single-family home that can accommodate a group of riders, a cozy mountain cabin big enough for one or two people, or anything in between. The speed limit is 55-mph but use caution when taking the turns during or after rain. The rattler motorcycle ride map planner. While the entire Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles in length, the road spans approximately 205 miles within NC. Straight onto US-23 BUS S/Asheville Rd. Did we hit the mark? Do not expect a flat open highway. I-26 Scenic Highway.
Hot Springs is about three miles beyond the recreation area. The unique wildlife habitat was created to enhance the environment along the highway's roadsides. 2 mi to APPCO Convenience Center for gas. The center was constructed to resemble a typical mountain farmstead. This tour was able to cover five of the best, but there are so many more. Make sure you have AMA Roadside Assistance. Motorcycle Riding & Driving. Some of the great motorcycles rides in North Carolina include: - Blue Ridge Parkway. By Rattler2work (9 McR Points) on Aug 20, 2018.
We only ask that you link to this page as a reference. The 16-mile loop is near the community of Little Switzerland. Follow US-421 to Bristol and then take I-81 to Wytheville. The back roads are in good condition and although some are a little curvy (TN-107 being the twistiest and most interesting), they are a fairly easy ride. Click the Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down button to email your feedback. This will help reduce wind noise and make your ride a little easier and more comfortable. It's hard to imagine a better way to start a day of riding than on a well-curved park road, passing through miles of undeveloped American beech and yellow birch forests.
Further information on the history of Mars Hill and Madison County is available at the Mars Hill College Rural Life Center, about one-half mile from the highway. If all the curves of the Tail of the Dragon make you want something more relaxing and scenic, the nearby Cherohala Skyway will give you plenty of that. Right onto Edwards Cove Rd. Enter Entrance ramp onto I-40 W. Go 9. Look out for road signs, town names, interstate names and more. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery and take a break if you need.
If reconnecting with nature and being inspired by breathtaking mountain vistas is what you're after, then hit the Parkway with friendly locals and let your bike fly. It's located near Lake Santeetlah and Fontana Lake. ROUTE 80 (DEVIL'S WHIP). Traveling north from Asheville, take U. Hang out under our BackPorch Pavilion and swap stories around the campfire with fellow riders. Stay at least 50 yards away from the elk and bears. Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. Here are some tips and tricks for riding a motorcycle long distance: - Double and trickle check that you brought your spare key with you. This is where Devil's Whip begins. If you're looking for a nice way to extend your tour of North Carolina, the Hellbender 28 is a perfect compliment to your ride of the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway.
Continue on I-26 West and pass Exit 9, where U. Now grab your gear, fire up that bike, and let's get riding! The section known as Diamondback begins roughly 3 miles past NC-221 and continues for roughly 8 miles to Little Switzerland.