Top Motorcycle Roads in North Carolina
North Carolina offers some of the most breathtaking motorcycle routes in the eastern United States. From the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway to the challenging twisties of the Tail of the Dragon, riders will find an incredible variety of scenic roads and thrilling experiences. Before we dive into the Tar Heel State’s offerings, it’s worth noting that neighboring states like Tennessee and Virginia also boast excellent riding opportunities that complement North Carolina’s routes.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
- Location: Western North Carolina
- Distance: 205 miles in NC (469 miles total)
- Key features: Scenic mountain views, high elevations, steep grades, tight curves, tunnels
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall, especially during fall foliage season
- Notable attractions: Multiple scenic overlooks, access to hiking trails
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a crown jewel of motorcycle routes, offering unparalleled views of the Appalachian Highlands. Riders should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and limited amenities along the route.
2. Cherohala Skyway: Scenic Delight
- Location: Southwestern NC to Eastern TN
- Distance: 43 miles (27 miles in NC)
- Key features: Mountain forest scenery, elevation changes up to 5,400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall
- Notable attractions: Santeetlah Overlook, access to recreational areas
The Cherohala Skyway is often less crowded than other popular routes, providing a serene riding experience through lush forests and over mountain peaks.
3. The Copperhead Loop
- Location: Pisgah National Forest
- Distance: 75-77 miles
- Key features: Uphill/downhill sections, curves, switchbacks, sweepers, mountain streams
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall
This loop showcases the beauty of Pisgah National Forest while offering a diverse riding experience that keeps riders engaged throughout the journey.
4. Hellbender 28
- Location: Western NC
- Key features: Twisty roads, scenic mountain views
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Notable attractions: Precursor to Tail of the Dragon
Often considered a warm-up for the infamous Tail of the Dragon, The Hellbender offers its own set of thrills with less traffic.
5. The Devil’s Whip
- Location: Western NC
- Key features: Steep inclines, switchbacks, tight turns
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Notable attractions: Crosses under Blue Ridge Parkway, near Mount Mitchell State Park
The Devil’s Whip lives up to its name with technical riding that rewards skilled motorcyclists with stunning vistas.
6. Tail of the Dragon
- Location: Deals Gap (NC/TN border)
- Distance: 11 miles
- Key features: 318 curves, challenging twisties
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall, avoiding peak tourist season
The Tail of the Dragon is a bucket-list ride for many motorcyclists, known for its intense concentration of curves and technical riding requirements.
Top Motorcycle Roads in North Carolina
1. The Rattler (US-209)
- Location: Hot Springs to Lake Junaluska
- Distance: 33 miles
- Key features: Curves, straightaways, scenic views
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
The Rattler offers a mix of tight curves and open stretches, allowing riders to experience varied riding conditions and beautiful mountain scenery.
2. Smoky Mountains Loop
- Location: Western NC, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Distance: Approximately 250 miles
- Key features: Mountain views, diverse landscapes, access to multiple scenic roads
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall
This extensive loop provides a comprehensive tour of Western North Carolina’s motorcycle offerings, including portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway and other notable routes.
3. Wild Dam Waterfall Loop
- Location: Southwestern NC
- Distance: 80 miles
- Key features: Waterfall views, scenic dams, sweeping turns
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time to ride: Spring through fall, especially after rainy periods for best waterfall views
The Wild Dam Waterfall Loop combines natural beauty with engineering marvels, offering riders a unique perspective on North Carolina’s landscape.
Motorcycle Laws in North Carolina
Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with North Carolina’s motorcycle laws. Key regulations include mandatory helmet use for all riders and passengers, as well as specific requirements for eye protection and equipment standards.
Preparing for Your Ride
- Check weather forecasts and pack appropriate gear
- Ensure your motorcycle is in good condition, with recent maintenance
- Familiarize yourself with local gas stations and service areas along your route
- Consider joining a riding group or taking a motorcycle safety course to enhance your skills
Nearby States for Extended Trips
North Carolina’s prime location in the Southeast offers easy access to excellent riding in neighboring states. South Carolina boasts coastal routes and the stunning Sassafras Mountain, while Georgia offers the twisty roads of the North Georgia Mountains. For those looking to extend their journey, Virginia’s Skyline Drive and Tennessee’s portion of the Tail of the Dragon are just a short ride away.
North Carolina’s diverse landscape, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast, provides motorcyclists with an incredible array of riding experiences. Whether you’re seeking challenging curves, scenic vistas, or a combination of both, the Tar Heel State has something to offer every rider. As you plan your North Carolina motorcycle adventure, consider exploring the equally impressive routes in Virginia to the north or venturing into the mountain roads of Tennessee to the west for an even more comprehensive Southern riding experience.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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