Motorcycle North Carolina

Motorcycle North Carolina
Touring Information

		The western section of North Carolina is exceptional for motorcycle touring. Ride through pristine forests, enjoy beautiful scenery, experience fun twisty roads, and stay at one of many motorcycle resorts. You could easily spend a month exploring the back roads of this state. The beauty of the Appalachian mountains makes this state a motorcycling destination. Spring and Fall are the best seasons to ride. Summer is the rainy season. MOTORCYCLE LAWS Helmet Use: Required Riding Two Abreast: Yes. See state law for specifics Eye Protection: Not Required Daytime Use of Headlight: Required, modulating headlight permitted More Information on Laws

		BEST RIDES IN THE STATE Tail of the Dragon - Deals Gap - US129 Crossing Deals Gap at the Tennessee / North Carolina state line, the Dragon (US129) is considered as one of the worlds best twistie motorcycling roads, with 318 curves in 11 miles. Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkways is the longest rural parkway in the United States. It runs 469 miles, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains in southern North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in northern Virginia, and stretches across the southern Appalachian Mountains. Cherohala Skyway The Cherohala Skyway is a beautiful 36-mile national scenic byway. The highway runs between Santeetlah Gap 11 near Robbinsville, North Carolina, and Tellico Plains in Tennessee. Officially the Cherohala Skyway is State Route 143 in North Carolina and State Route 165 in Tennessee. The Diamondback Loop The Diamondback is located in the area of Little Switzerland and the Blue Ridge Parkway about 50 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina. This 38 mile diamond shaped loop includes NC 226A, US 221, Toms Creek Road, NC 80 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hellbender 28 North Carolina Highway 28 North. Starting at Johnson Gap ride 22 miles of motorcycle heaven bordering Fontana Lake in the Great Smoky Mountains and intersecting The Dragon at Deals Gap. Moonshiner 28 North Carolina Highway 28 from Deals Gap to Wahalla South Carolina. Stretching from US 129 at the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Moonshiner 28 winds its way southeastward through Franklin and Highlands North Carolina before turning southward into Georgia and South Carolina at Walhalla. The Rattler State Road 209 Located just outside of Hot Springs, NC, it twists and turns all the way to Lake Junaluska , NC. There are over 234 twists, turns and curves from Lake Junaluska to Hot Springs and another 30 from Hot Springs down to the Bobarosa Saloon. Thunder Road (wayah road) North Carolina SR1310. Catch this road on US19 just a few miles north of the 129/19 intersection. The road travels over the mountain and into Franklin. It's 28 miles of twisting fun. Great North Carolina Loop This ride includes Tail of the Dragon, Maggie Valley & Blue Ridge Parkway it is about 218 miles and plan on it taking 7 hours (not including stops) Forest Heritage Scenic Byway Ride through the beautiful Pisgah National Forest. Start at the intersection of HWY 64 and State Highway 215, near Rosman. Travel north up 215 to Woodrow. From Woodrow take State Rt. 276 South. This is a wonderful road that goes by Looking Glass Falls. At the end you can head towards Brevard and onto Hwy 64, which is a great ride throught the Sapphire Valley Ski Area to Highlands, then up to Franklin and then on to Murphy. The Winding Stair is a steep zig-zagging climb from Morganton in the foothills up to the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's known as highway 181. With approximately 25 miles of many challenging curves and a rise in elevation of 2800 feet, the Winding Stairs give you awesome views of the gigantic granite profiles of Table Rock and Hawksbill mountains as it passes by one of the three popular overlooks for viewing the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights. Traveling north, Grandfather Mountain will appear in the distance. There are handy mile markers and passing lanes on this stretch for speed or leisure riding. Cresting the mountain you pass through an area known as Ripshin Ridge, notorious for its fierce winds yet acclaimed for it's sweeping panoramas. North of Ripshin Ridge you can enter on to the Blue Ridge Parkway from highway 181 at Pineola.

		MOTORCYCLE FRIENDLY CAMPGROUNDS AND LODGING MOTORCYCLE EXCLUSIVE Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground Canton, North Carolina. Cabins and Tent Sites Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort is located at the south end of the famous Dragon. 1 mile south of the TN/NC state line in Tapoco, North Carolina. Campsites and motel units. High Country Cycle Camp Ferguson, North Carolina. Cabins and Tent Sites. Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge Stecoah, North Carolina. Cabins and Campground Kickstand Lodge Stecoah, North Carolina. Cabins, Tent Sites, Laundry, Showers Riders Roost Ferguson, North Carolina. Cabins and Tent Sites. Stations Inn Motorcycle Resort Laurel Springs, North Carolina Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway Lodge, Restaurant, Store Tipi Camp Ashville, North Carolina Tipi's, Showers, Tours Close to Blue Ridge Parkway Two Wheel Inn Robbinsville, North Carolina Rooms with Motorcycle Garages The Diamondback Lodge Little Switzerland, North Carolina The Diamondback Lodge at Switzerland Inn is an ideal base camp for your motorcycle group. The 8-room cabin features smaller rooms with either 1 double or 2 twin beds, perfect for motorcycle groups traveling the mountain roads near Spruce Pine and the winding routes of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Diamondback Lodge has private baths and TVs, but no phones. CAMPGROUNDS Crawfords Camp & Cabin Rental Murphy, North Carolina Tent Sites, Cabins, Showers, Laundry, Camp Store Camping Along The Blue Ridge Parkway There are 9 National Park Service Campgrounds located along the Parkway, open from May-October that offer restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables & grills. Five of the camp sites are located in North Carolina, and four are located in Virginia. Brochure Hide Away Campground Bryson City, North Carolina campsites, bunkhouse, showers, laundry. WiFi Look Rock Campground Located on the Foothills Parkway primitive campsites with water and flush toilets Persimmon Creek Campground Persimmon Creek campground is located only13 miles from the Ocoee River, and is in the heart of some of the best motorcycle riding in the country. Located 12 miles west of Murphy and 7 miles east of the Tennessee line on Hwy. 64, it is situated in the ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts. Tent and RV sites, Showers, WiFi Motorcycle Friendly Rose Creek Campground & Cabins Franklin, North Carolina Cabins, Tent Sites, Showers, Laundry, Pool, Store Motorcycle Friendly North Carolina State Parks RENTAL CABINS Bear Creek Cabin Rentals Hot Springs, North Carolina Carolina Mountain Vacations Cabin Rentals in Bryson City, Cherokee & Nantahala areas of the North Carolina Smoky Mountains Dancing Sun Cabins Hot Springs, North Carolina 3 rental cabins Dragon's Rest Cabin Rentals Located in Robbinsville, North Carolina Euchella Mountain Lake Cabins Featuring three, four, five and six bedroom cabins in the Nantahala Gorge of western North Carolina. This location is convenient to the Moonshiner28, Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway and Blue Ridge Parkway. Great for groups Golden Valley Getaways Golden Valley, North Carolina 10 Motorcycle Friendly Rental Cabins in the Blue Ridge Area of North Carolina Limestone Cabin Hot Springs, North Carolina One bedroom Cabin Rental with Hot Tub Motorcycle Friendly Mountain Bear Cabins 5 Rental Cabins in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina Mountain Brook Cottages Located in Sylva, North Carolina Cabins Mountain Ivy Rentals Robbinsville, North Carolina 4 Rental Cabins Ride Franklin Franklin, North Carolina Vacation Rental Cottage House sleeps up to 10 (8 privately). Motorcycle Friendly River Cove Cabins Murphy, North Carolina Cabin Rentals near the Dragon & Cherohala Motorcycle Friendly Snowbird Log Cabin Rental Secluded Two bedroom with loft, three bath luxury rental is located on Snowbird Creek just 12 miles from Robbinsville. Paved access with level hard packed gravel parking. Hot tub on deck overlooking Snowbird Creek. Tail Of The Dragon Vacation Rentals 3 Rental Cabins located 2 miles from the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway (North Carolina). The Steel Horse Stable Apartments Robbinsville, North Carolina Looking for a clean inexspensive place for your group? $150 a night for up to 12 people in two apartment units. Wireless Internet, cleaning rags for bikes, washer/dryer, mini-kitchen, paved access. Apartments also rented separately. Garage for Motorcycles Two Sisters Vacation Chalet Located on Happy Valley Road just 2 miles from US 129 and 5 miles from the Dragon. Satellite TV, sleeps up to ten. Gravel access, paved garage/carport parking West Buffalo Creek Cabin near Robbinsville, North Carolina Cabin sleeps up to 6 people Western NC Cabin Rental Robbinsville, North Carolina Wha-ta-view Cabin Rental Maggie Valley, North Carolina B & B, RESORTS, MOTELS Abbey Inn Motel Maggie Valley, North Carolina Rooms, WiFi Very Motorcycle Friendly Applecover Inn Maggie Valley, North Carolina Motel Rooms and RV Park A Holiday Motel Maggie Valley, North Carolina Motel Rooms, Very Motorcycle Friendly Andon-Reid B&B Located in Waynesville, North Carolina 5 Rooms, WiFi Motorcycle Friendly Blue Ridge Bed & Breakfast Glade Valley, North Carolina 6 rooms, guided mc trips available, located between mile markers 225 & 226 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Motorcycle Owners Blue Waters Mountain Lodge Robbinsville, North Carolina Rooms Motorcycle Friendly Brookside Mountain Mist Inn B&B Waynesville, North Carolina 5 Rooms, Motorcycle Friendly Dry Ridge Inn Weaverville, North Carolina Bed and Breakfast in the Ashville Area, Motorcycle Owners Fontana Village Resort Located at Fontana Dam, North Carolina. Lodge, Cabins, Tent Sites Fryemont Inn Bryson City, North Carolina Rooms, Cottage Suites, Pool, Restaurant Motorcycle Friendly Laurel Park Inn Maggie Valley, North Carolina Rooms, Rental Cottages, Pool, WiFi Motorcycle Friendly Lindville Falls Lodge & Cottages Lindville Falls, North Carolina Rooms, Cottages, BBQ Restaurant Motorcycle Friendly Microtel Inn Robbinsville, North Carolina Located in downtown Robbinsville on the US 129 Bypass. Biker friendly. Continental breakfast included Mountain Meadows Motel Gerton, North Carolina located between Asheville and Chimney Rock, NC. Rooms, suites and cottages. WiFi available. Motorcycle Friendly. Nantahala Village Resort Located in Bryson City, North Carolina Lodging, Cottages, Restaurant Skyline Lodge Located in Highlands, North Carolina Lodge, Cabins, Restaurant San-Ran Motel Located in Robbinsville, North Carolina Smoky Mountain Mansion Located in Robbinsville, North Carolina 6 B&B rooms or rent the whole house for your group, sleeps 18-20 people. Close to Tail of the dragon and Cherohala Skyway. WiFi Motorcycle Friendly Switzerland Inn / Diamondback Motorcycle Lodge Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 334 8 room cabin with covered motorcycle parking. Tapoco Lodge Resort Located in Tapoco, North Carolina Lodge, Cabins, Restaurant Tuskeegee Motel Located near Robbinsville, North Carolina Rooms, Gas Station, Store

		NATIONAL PARKS Blue Ridge Parkway Cape Hatteras National Seashore Clingmans Dome At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Great Smoky Montains Guilford Courthouse National Military Park Moores Creek National Battlefield Wright Brothers National Memorial

		ATTRACTIONS TO SEE / DESTINATIONS Wheels Through Time Museum Located in Maggie Valley Biltmore House Located in Asheville Fontana Dam The highest dam east of the Rockies is located just 35 miles West of Bryson City, North Carolina. Towering 480 feet in height this dam backs water for 30 miles and provides a major source of energy for the Tennessee Valley. Grandfather Mountain The entrance to Grandfather Mountain is located on US 221, two miles north of Linville, North Carolina, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. Privately owned park featuring beautiful mountain scenery, a mile high swing bridge, nature museum and more. Blowing Rock Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Scenic train journeys Waterfalls : Dry Falls Dry Falls is located near Highlands, in southwestern North Carolina. Take U.S. route 64 (also NC route 28) west approximately 3.5 miles from Highlands. Here, on the left (south) side of the road, there will be a sign and parking area for Dry Falls. This point is about 16.5 miles east of Franklin. There is a $2 per vehicle fee. Take the short (no more than a few hundred yards), paved walkway to the falls. There is a trail leading behind the falls. Bridal Veil Falls Bridal Veil Falls is unique because you can drive your car right underneath it! The water falls 120 feet from above, right over U.S. 64. It is a good place to stop on your way to Dry Falls and Cullasaja Falls. Bridal Veil is easy to find. Just look for the sign on U.S. 64, 2.5 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja Gorge. Looking Glass Falls Looking Glass Falls is located right off of U.S. 276. From Brevard, take U.S. 276 north, about 5 miles past the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. The falls will be on your right. Cullasaja River Gorge Scenic Road between Franklin & Highlands along the river, with beautiful waterfalls. Carolina Smokehouse BBQ Us Highway 64 W Cashiers, NC 28717 Great Food!

		RALLIES AND EVENTS Rally at the River Held in May in Salisbury North Carolina Dam Bike Rally on the Dragon Held the first weekend in June Freedom Bike Fest Held in July in Fayetteville Smokey Mountain Bike Week - Fire in the Mountains, held the first weekend in October Thunder In The Smoky's Rally - Held in April & September Maggie Valley, North Carolina

		RESOURCES AND LINKS America Rides Maps The most comprehensive pocket maps of the best roads in the Southern Appalachin Mountains. Tail Of The Dragon Official website for US 129 - Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway and other area roads. This is a great site with maps and lots of information on roads to ride! Article on the Dragon Smoky Mountains Information on places to visit around Maggie Valley & Waynesville Smoky Mountain Rides Information on riding in the Smoky Mountains Motorcycle USA Ride Guide for North Carolina Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Lots of visitor information on area attractions, scenic byways, national & state parks and forests. Blue Ridge Parkway Organization Printable maps and information on the parkway Blue Ridge & Smokey Mt. Motorcycle Adventure Maps This site provides up to date riding conditions and weather reports for the area. They sell several riding maps to help you find the best motorcycling roads. North Carolina Road Rides List of great roads to ride that are GPS downloadable, printable tank maps North Carolina Sportbike Roads Great roads to ride, submitted by riders Great Smokies Scenic Roads Smoky Mountain Connection Stopping Points North Carolina maps, history, local information, and other points of interest broken down by county North Carolina Scenic Byways The North Carolina Department of Transportation has designated 51 Scenic Byways to give visitors and residents a chance to experience a bit of North Carolina history, geography and culture while raising awareness for the protection and preservation of these treasures. Following the byways, you will see some of the most breathtaking scenery from the Blue Ridge Mountains to fertile plains and the crystal blue coastline. Biker Road Biker Friendly Bars in North Carolina