BEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES IN NORTH CAROLINA

ROUTE: NC-143
DISTANCE: 27 miles
TIME: 45 mins

The Cherohala Skyway is one of the best North Carolina motorcycle rides because it’s of mountainside forest scenery and elevation changes. Described as a “Drive among the clouds”, this motorcycle dream route reaches elevations of over 5400 ft high. While many riders come to this part of the state to ride the legendary Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, many motorcyclists actually find the Cherohala Skyway road to be more enjoyable. Along with multiple vistas and overlooks, the Skyway provides easy access to various protected and recreational areas to stop and stretch your legs. The Santeetlah Overlook is a must stop for anyone wanting the complete experience. Enjoy the experience of riding one of the best motorcycle rides in NC!
(photo: cherohala.com)


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ROUTE: Blue Ridge Pkwy
DISTANCE: 469 miles
TIME: 12 mins

Truly one of the best roads in the entire eastern United States, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a national treasure and an absolute joy to motorcycle. This is because the Blue Ridge Skyway offers motorcycle riders high elevations, steep grades, tight curves and lots of tunnels. While the entire Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles in length, the road spans approximately 205 miles within NC. Look out for wildlife, especially during dusk and dawn. There are many overlooks to pull over and take in all the beauty, so allot plenty of time for this great motorcycle ride in North Carolina.
(photo: neilpeart.net)


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ROUTE: US-276, NC-215, US-64
DISTANCE: 75 miles
TIME: 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. Even experienced motorcycle riders will enjoy the challenging technical curves this loop provides, but there’s also easy-going sweeping turns and some rapid elevation changes. The Copperhead Loop is one of the most technical, yet enjoyable North Carolina motorcycle rides. Find out why the Copperhead is “Beauty ­With An Attitude!”
(photo: visitncsmokies.com)

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ROUTE: NC-209
DISTANCE: 33 miles
TIME: 1 hour

Shiner’s Run is the stretch of North Carolina State Road 209 that starts at I-40 and goes north for 33 miles before ending in Hot Springs, NC. Referred to by locals as “The Rattler”, this great North Carolina motorcycle road features many challenging twisties, high-speed sweepers and long straightaways across valley floors. You’ll see old farms, rock bed rivers and scenic mountain overlooks. It’s one of the better kept secrets in western North Carolina and a ride not to miss. The road is in very good shape overall as well.
(photo: trustgeneralstore.com)


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ROUTES: US-64, NC-281, State Rt 107
DISTANCE: 80 miles
TIME: 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. NC-64 is a beautiful scenic ride through the Cullasaja River Gorge with a few waterfalls to stop by and check out. On NC-281, you enjoy a series of sweeping downhill turns as you roll down to Tuckaseege.


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ROUTE: US-441
DISTANCE: 35 miles
TIME: 1 hour

The beginning of this epic mountain motorcycle road starts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and winds through Smoky Mountains National Park to Cherokee, NC. With significant altitude changes as you ride through Newfound Gap you have several scenic pullouts that afford long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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.


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ROUTE: Wayah Rd
DISTANCE: 28 miles
TIME: 1 hour

Wayah Road is a lesser known gem that follows the eastern shore of the lake before descending into the Nantahala Gorge. Little traveled and tucked away from more famous nearby routes, Wayah Road offers technical switchbacks and flowing S-curves through the wilderness. The climb out of the depths of Nantahala Gorge is steep and twisty right from the start. 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. At the top of the climb, the road relaxes and rolls across the heights of the mountain passing through the small community near the lake. The road gets tight again along the shoreline of the lake, then climbs a bit more to reach the gentle run across the high stretches of Wayah Bald.
(photo: flickr.com)


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GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near North Carolina and the Southeast United States. Discover more great motorcycle roads in the Southeast with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!