Once you hit Lake Lure, the road becomes very twisty almost all the way to Asheville. This is undoubtedly one of the most incredible national parks in the country and we're lucky enough to call it ours. Read More: Things to Do on the Outer Banks. This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You North Carolina Like Youve Never Seen It Before, North Carolinas Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 11 Different Waterfalls, Take A 98-Mile Drive On The North Carolina Waterfall Scenic Byway And Pass Scores Of Waterfalls, The Ultimate North Carolina Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Scenic Spots In The State, Cool Off This Summer With A Visit To These 7 North Carolina Waterfalls, It Just Isnt Summer In North Carolina Until You Visit The Bust Your Butt Falls Swimming Hole, Take A Ride Down A Waterfall Sliding Board In The Pisgah National Forest In North Carolina, Hike Less Than Half A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In North Carolina, Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide. Read More: Bear Lake Reserve (Everything You Need to Know about this NC Mountains Getaway). ! Use Of This Web Site Is Covered By OurUsage Covered By Terms Of ServiceTERMS. The hike from the parking area is under a mile and typically is rated as easy for those with full mobility. Landmark has vacation rentals in five unique locations on the Plateau: 2021 | Landmark Vacation Rentals - All Rights Reserved. This loop ride is very popular, so consider getting an early start to beat the crowd. As you get back on NC-107, turn right onto Pine Creek Road. 1. It is always good to have on hand. .ai-viewports {--ai: 1;} Landmark gives you options. The biggest downside to this road is the popularity (there will be traffic on most days), but if you can catch this ride on a less busy day, there's lots of beautiful scenery and sweeping curves.CLICK FOR MAP LINK, For an excellent road with minimal traffic, check out US-74 Alt, just off Hwy 40 in the Black Mountain, NC area. Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the covered bridge at High Falls all served as backdrops for scenes from the film. Continue West on Highway 64, and cross Lake Sequoyah at the outskirts of Highlands and see Sequoyah Falls, the waterfall caused by the Dam. Just outside Brasstown is the John C. Campbell Folk School, a cool place for visitors to learn the arts, music, dance, and trades like pottery and weaving. They even have waterfalls, which we think makes them some of the best swimming holes in North Carolina. After turning left on NC-107, youll see a gas station, which is a good spot for a short break and fuel-up. The total distance is 87.7 miles, which should take 2.5 hours at a minimum without stops. The best road trips through North Carolina lead to some truly fun activities, scenery and history. text-decoration: underline There are numerous scenic views and overlooks here. Highlands is the highest mountain town on the East Coast at 4,000 feet in elevation. Cullasaja Falls is the first and largest of the beautiful falls youll encounter. Land of the Waterfalls Loop Ride Horse Cove Road Copperhead Loop Cullasaja Gorge Keep reading to learn about the best motorcycle rides in the country, all of the great motorcycle rides in North Carolina, where to stay, tips for riding long distances on a motorcycle, and more. - Cherohala Skyway (27 miles)- NC Route 28 (53 miles)-Blue Ridge Parkway (NC, 205 miles)-Route 80 - Devil's Whip (38 miles)-Copperhead Loop (75 miles)-Shiner's Run (33 miles)-Wild Dam Waterfall Loop (80 miles)- Newfound Gap Rd (35 miles)- US-74 Alt (40 miles)- Wayah Rd (28 miles). An ideal trip allows for a full weekend away that wont drain the tank or your wallet. Turn left onto Wayah Road and follow it along the course of the river to the alpine Nantahala Lake. You also get a chance to explore some of the top small mountain towns in Western NC, which just adds to the adventure. 33 Distance: 165 miles Ride Time: All day ride Start: Maggie Valley Photo ( 52438)) Soco Falls Ride: Maggie Valley to Franklin Follow US 19 - Soco Road west and climb to Soco Gap. There are several pull-offs along the highway where you can park and access the falls. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. This is a nice 165 mile loop ride that will take you to a dozen roadside waterfalls in a day. The eastern side offers scenic waterfalls and more tight cornering. The 150' tall Toxaway Falls will be on your left under the bridge, and Lake Toxaway on your right. Its not visible from the road, but you can leave your bike in the parking area on the right-hand side and reach the waterfall on foot. The town of Murphy is also the westernmost Waterfall Byway stop that well mention. Waterfall loop ride in North Carolina - Polaris Slingshot Forum Dupont Five Falls Loop: 167 Reviews, Map - North Carolina - AllTrails Hooker Falls Access Area, Dupont state forest, Parking lot, Hendersonville, NC 28739, USA, Next up, and located just a few miles up the road, is North Carolina's famous Sliding Rock. You'll find it located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.4. At Law Tigers, were a national network of lawyers who ride and provide legal help to riders. You'll soon cross the famous French Broad River that goes through Asheville NC and Biltmore Estate. text-decoration: none The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. From US-64, youll only be able to see the very top of this waterfall, but its a nice view regardless. padding-left: 10px; Keep in mind that its more of a trickle than a waterfall during dry periods. Some of the great motorcycles rides in North Carolina include: Keep reading to learn about the best motorcycle rides in the country, all of the great motorcycle rides in North Carolina, where to stay, tips for riding long distances on a motorcycle, and more. In the winter, consider day trips to places like Shoji Spa and Lodge in Asheville or Beech Mountain, known as the snowiest town in the state. Beyond the waterfalls themselves, the drive offers an opportunity to connect with nature. Before you do, here are some more guides to our favorite scenic roads in NC. Here are the 10 best motorcycle rides in North Carolina: The best part about motorcycle rides through North Carolina is every drive is scenic. Continue onto U.S. 64 and pass over Toxaway Falls. Touradozen roadside waterfalls on thisscenic day ride. .ai-viewport-2 { display: none !important;} waterfall ride | Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider The Jackson County town of Cashiers is an inviting mountain town with lots to see and do! ), Fontana Dam (How to See NCs Tallest Dam in Person! @media (max-width: 767px) { Its one of the better kept secrets in western North Carolina and a ride not to miss. The cascading falls offer a bit of an enchanting oasis. ). See why the Copperhead is Beauty With An Attitude! Rated 5.0 /5 based on 4 reviews 5.0/5 based on 4 reviews Save. Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. Bryson City, North Carolina. This isnt an endurance run. (Photos: flickr.com / 600riders.com)CLICK FOR MAP LINK, US-276, NC-215, US-64DISTANCE: 75 milesTIME: 2 hours, Much of this North Carolina motorcycle ride follows the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway through the Pisgah National Forest, and is a perfect combination of everything riders would want - uphill/downhill, curves, switchbacks, sweepers, amazing views and peaceful mountain streams. Please turn on for a full experience. } Along with some gorgeous waterfalls that include Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, youll pass through the Cullasaja Gorge. .rll-youtube-player, [data-lazy-src]{display:none !important;}. Youll cruse along the top of the mountain then back down a long stretch of road through the national forest. . What are the best day trips in North Carolina? Of course, there are so many wonderful things to do in North Carolina. As you ride on US-64, watch for the overlook on a tight curve near Whiteside Mountain, which provides a breathtaking view of over a dozen majestic cliffs. Every year over 200,000 visitors hike well-worn trails to view Grotto, Laurel, Abrams, Rainbow, and other popular waterfalls in the park. You cannot go wrong. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. NC Tripping uses Mediavine to manage all third-party advertising on this Website. Larry Deane is co-owner of Blue Ridge Mountain Life. Land of the Waterfalls Loop Ride (186 miles) - One of the Top Motorcycle Rides in North Carolina with Hundreds of Waterfalls Blue Ridge Parkway Motorcycle Ride (469 miles) - Smooth, Scenic Drive Along Blue Ridge Waterfalls, Forests & Mountains Cherohala Skyway Motorcycle Ride (52 miles) - One of the Top Scenic Blue Ridge Mountain Motorcycle Rides Hwy 64 that not only immerses you in the beauty of North Carolina's mountains, but allows you explore some of the best waterfalls in western NC as well! This trail that takes you by three waterfalls sits just a few miles north of Bryson City, one of our favorite mountain towns. There are many fatalities on this road, so even the most experienced riders will want to navigate this route with caution and focus. Please visit our Disclosure and Privacy Policy pages for further explanation. If you have driven on the Waterfall Byway, wed love to know which are your favorite stops. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Follow Pine Creek Road as it crosses the dam at Thorpe Reservoir and twists around the lake, then turn right to remain on Pine Creek Road when it reaches North Norton Road. There are 4 superb waterfalls as we wind our way into Highlands. From waterfalls to vistas to beautiful displays of wildflowers, there is something for everyone on the Parkway trails in North Carolina. There is easy access to the Copperhead Loop from Interstate 26, simply take Exit 40 off I-26 (the Asheville Airport exit), turn toward Bervard, NC traveling an easy 16 miles on NC Rte. text-decoration: none While the entire Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles in length, the road spans approximately 205 miles within NC. Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Brevard (Within 1 Hour). Children ages seven and under will need to go down the slide with an adult. The Land of the Waterfalls Loop Ride begins in Maggie Valley at milepost 455.7, From there, head west on Soco Road/U.S. text-decoration: underline For a great fall day trip try Winston-Salem Quarry Park or something even simpler like apple picking. This 411-foot waterfall, called the "King of Waterfalls," is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States and has been designated a North Carolina Natural Heritage Area. Tips for traveling theHighway 64 Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive, Wrapping up Highway 64 Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive. For a better view of Toxaway Falls, there are pull overs on the right side of the road heading west on hwy 64. These and many other Great Roadsare found on America Rides Maps -. Wanted to post some pictures of a great ride we went on about a month back. The Great Smoky Mountains Expressway is perfect for sightseeing and Alarka Road is a good place to stop for gas. Since we will ride this portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway on another day we will continue northward on NC 215 until we reach Bethel were we will turn westward on US Hwy 276 into Waynesville and then get on US Hwy 19 to take us back to Cherokee. (Photos: flickr.com/ D. Rondinelli)CLICK FOR MAP LINK, Any bloggers or website articles that would like to use these routes, please feel free. It takes riders along the southwest boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Tell us all about them in the comments section or by email. After Cashiers, youll cross over into Macon County. Western North Carolina is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau region is home to some serious mountain views and one of the only temperate rainforests in the U.S. - GreatMotorcycleRoads.com. Be sure to take your time, and enjoy all the wonderful things this drive has to offer. It dates back to the era of the Model T and snakes through the North Carolina mountains, by waterfalls . He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. You will receive your first newsletter soon. Pronounced "Cashers" by locals, Cashiers is one of the oldest resort towns in Western North Carolina. You can also consider one of the many fun train day trips in North Carolina. Waterfall Hikes - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) Waterfalls near Murphy NC include: Leatherwood Falls, Hemlock Falls, Shoal Creek Falls and Bald River Falls. One of the best motorcycle roads in North Carolina is full of mountainside forest scenery and elevation changes. First, you'll start the day on a trailhead that's accessible from a parking area in the DuPont State Recreational Forest, just south of Brevard. We love driving the Waterfall Byway, especially the Cullasaja Gorge section between Highlands and Franklin. .ai-viewport-1 { display: inherit !important;} Cherokee is a great place to stop to get to know the Cherokee Indian heritage and history. If you're traveling by motorcycle, don't forget your helmetthey're required for both drivers and passengers in North Carolina and Tennessee. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Blue Ridge Mountains Discover the Beauty, Wheelchair/Disabled Accessible Waterfalls, Highway 64 NC Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive. Our friends at Nurture & Nature Glamping are also here if you're looking for a cool place to stay while visiting. Land of Waterfalls: 250+ Cascades Near Brevard, 2023 Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, use caution and obey all rules and warnings. Steep inclines, switchbacks, quick and tight turns - all describe this extremely challenging NC motorcycle ride dubbed Devil's Whip. You'll reach Bust Your Butt Falls about 6.5 miles after leaving Highlands NC. From Cashiers, continue West along Highway 64 for 12 very curvey miles to Highlands, NC. Watch out for the sign marking the start of a series of challenging curves. and all scheduled bike shows happening in North Carolina! However, this roadside waterfall is just as pretty as its better-known compatriot! Feel the wind in your hair, smell the fresh mountain air and take it all in. About six miles out, Silversteen Road makes a sharp turn when it meets Macedonia Church Road. There are 4 falls along road. If you walk down to the Falls along the short paved trail, you can walk behind the waterfall. Last updated: October 7, 2019 The Blue Ridge Parkway spans from Virginia to North Carolina. Highlands is the highest incorporated community on the East Coast, at 4,118 feet in elevation. The Waterfall Loop Horseback Riding | North Carolina - TRAILSOURCE.COM He has spent more than 20 years exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has a deep passion for nature, history, storytelling, and adventure. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Top 6 North Carolina Motorcycle Rides - Motorcycle Shipping Company One of our favorite sections of the Waterfall Byway is the part between Highlands and the town of Franklin to the west. Easy 4.6 (2351) Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition to those waterfalls, this Byway takes you through Nantahala National Forest, some of the best mountain towns, and more attractions. Pull over, and walk under the falls for a refreshing natural shower. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. This area is home to 250 waterfalls, including the highest in the East and some that starred on the big screen. Looking Glass Falls is one of the most symmetrical waterfalls in western North Carolina. } You run along the scenic lake for a few miles with beautiful scenery and a spot to get a picture along the lake. Land of Waterfalls: 250+ Cascades Near Brevard - Visit North Carolina fbq('init', '754829038551418', {}, { Theres nothing separating you from your surroundings. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. Deep Creek's Three Waterfall Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a pleasant and relatively easy hike that offers views of three different waterfalls, wildflowers and wildlife. From here, continue onto U.S. 64 east and look out for the left turn onto N.C. 215. Kids and adults alike will have lots of fun here, as its a natural slide with a swimming hole. It follows the bank of the river as it cascades down the slope from the lake above, crossing it on narrow bridges a few times. The trail is 1.5 miles one-way with some uphill stretches, so be prepared for a somewhat-strenuous hike. Whether the Western North Carolina Highlands-Cashiers Plateau area is your final destination or youre looking for somewhere new to discover and explore, youll enjoy staying in a Landmark vacation rental on the Plateau. Drive a little further down Highway 281 for Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. This motorcycle-friendly lodging is located just off Highway 64 near the charming town of Sapphire, NC, making it an ideal starting point. See what it's like to motorcycle the Cherohala Skyway and the Hellbender 28. There is also lots of natural seating for relaxing and picnicking. NC-64 is a beautiful scenic ride through the Cullasaja River Gorge with a few waterfalls to stop by and check out. While youre in the area, be sure to check out the quaint mountain town of Brevard, a Land of Waterfalls base camp of sorts, where you can enjoy everything from boutiques and bistros to music festivals. To see more, visit the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for small-town charm, luxury vacation rentals, mountains, waterfalls and more. Print/PDF map. The community of Gneiss is 2 miles past Cullasaja Falls. Hike Three Waterfalls Loop. The Santeetlah Overlook is a must stop for anyone wanting the complete experience. The Santeetlah Overlook is a must stop for anyone wanting the complete experience. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 23 min to complete. Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local NC Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in North Carolina! Roads are not maintained in the winter, so it's a good idea to check ahead of time for road closure information. The 138-mile Outer Banks Scenic Byway is truly magnificent. If you want to hit a spot the locals love, don't pass up the chance to slip down the falls at Sliding Rock in North Carolina. } Murphy, North Carolina, is a picturesque town nestled in the western part of the state. If youve 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. What are the best road trips through North Carolina? (Photos: hdforums.com / trustgeneralstore.com)CLICK FOR MAP LINK, Routes 281, 64, 107DISTANCE: 80 milesTIME: 2.5 hours, As the name of this loop implies, this great motorcycle ride in North Carolina will offer fantastic views of some of the state's best waterfalls, as well as crossing over scenic dams in the southwestern part of the state. Click on each North Carolina motorcycle map link for the direct Google Maps routes. }); 2023 Law Tigers. Its become so popular that theres a swinging rope for extra fun. 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains, The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Mountains Park - EAST, The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Park - SOUTH, The Best Unpaved Roads SOUTH of Smoky Park, 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains | America Rides Maps, Southeast Blue Ridge Map Package | America Rides Maps, Motorcycle Rides surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park | America Rides Maps, 3 Map Smoky Park Unpaved Set | America Rides Maps, #6 The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Mountains Park - EAST | America Rides Maps, #7 The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Park - SOUTH | America Rides Maps, Best Rides NORTH of Smoky Park | America Rides Maps. Add in the misty fog on a sunny morning and Lake Sequoyah is truly one of the most breathtaking scenes around. .sidebar a { } ); Head out on this 2.6-mile loop trail near Little Switzerland, North Carolina. You'll love some time in the plunge pool and the lagoon of a 12-foot waterfall on the Little River. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a must-visit for those interested in geology and gemology. There are 318 curves in 11 miles, so its anything but boring. Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!). (Photos: cherohala.com / roadrunner.travel)CLICK FOR MAP LINK, The western portion of this NC motorcycle road is referred to as Hellbender 28, and for good reason. Cashiers is a great small mountain town to stop, take a break, and explore.. The section from Rutherfordton to Lake Lure is a two lane country road, with not many intersections. The Falls are right next to Highway 276, and is easily viewable Learn More Lower Bubbling Spring Branch Falls text-decoration: none This is the only trek along the waterfall loop that has a moderate incline. We wind across the top of the mountain and then plunge down the back side on a long stretch of road through the wilds of the National Forest. text-decoration: underline waterfalls | Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rider Western North Carolina is home to waterfalls galore - many of which are accessible via trails on public lands, including within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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