Best Motorcycle Roads in North Carolina! | Top 7 Rides

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Join us on Patreon to unlock more features including Google maps showing where every route is located in the state, GPX files for each route, exclusive routes for each state as well as Alaska, Hawaii and Canada and exclusive videos! www.patreon.com/greatmotorcycleroads

[@davidfaulds815]

Last year 2 weeks after my final chemo treatment I took a 1500+ mile trip from the back of the dragon in VA to the Tail of the Dragon at deals gap via the Blue Ridge parkway and did every side road named after a reptile or amphibian. B.O.T.D.- 421 the Snake - 226a the diamondback- the copperhead loop 276 & 215- 209 the rattler- 28 the hellbender-and the Tail of the Dragon at deals gap. I threw in hw 80 the devils whip , 88, 194,221, and the Cherohala skyway for good measure. It was honestly one of the best trips of my life. No one could ever go wrong taking 5 -10 days to make this trip depending on riding style and pace.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

that's awesome! thanks for the comment, sounds like you got some great riding in. And congrats on your health. All the best!

[@chrisjohansson5409]

Did the dragon 2 times in one day...worth it once! The Blue ridge was absolutely amazing and will do that again ..slower! The views, the tunnels, the stops, the people we met ...amazing!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on! Yes Blue Ridge is one of my favorites for sure

[@mikeandrews1899]

I rode the tail of the dragon in 1991 on a F2 ....

[@deelzridesandadventrues]

I have ridden all of them. You've got tonadd the Rattler on your list. The rattler, Hellbender and the ride through Tellico Plains are my favorites. All rides are wonderful on this video thats why we stay in the town of Maggie Valley, NC. Its in the middle of all these beautiful roads.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@soujrnr]

Any channel that uses Rush as it's music is worth subscribing to!! LOL I love Rush!! I live in northeastern Tennessee, and so I'm very close to many fantastic rides right out my front door! Next week, I'm taking a friend and his wife on the Snake. After that, I'm heading toward Cumberland Gap to ride the Copperhead Road!! Looking forward to those!!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

@@soujrnr right on brother same here love Rush! 🎸

[@Dsanrides]

I moved to North Carolina 3 years ago. There is no shortage of perfect roads. Every little side street off the Blue Ridge is twisty and empty. All the piedmont area roads are gentle hills and big sweeper turns with beautiful farms everywhere. There are endless county roads and highways everywhere that allow you to get anywhere without getting into traffic. I love this state.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

You live in a great state to ride for sure!

[@flextron5]

My favorite is the Wayah Rd from rt 74 to rt 64 near Franklin. Beautifully paved with lots of curves that follows a stream before it becomes a lake. 28 miles with a mix of sweepers and technical turns. Added benefit is that it is not very busy.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Great tips thanks for the feedback!

[@kta647]

one of my favorite rides

[@kcrlaterbye]

Great job, I live in N.C. and I have rode all of these roads on Goldwings. FUN FUN FUN...

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@garyallen6486]

Love this site (I’m with your parents, haha). I used it when I lived in WA state and again now that I live in FL. My wife and I are heading to Pigeon Forge, TN to celebrate our 20-year anniversary, and we are bringing the bike. Your site was a must watch for both TN and NC roads, and I’m chomping at the bit now. Thanks for the detailed research and simple explanations and do’s/don’ts… they’ve never failed me.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

That is awesome, happy anniversary. That’s a huge accomplishment in this day and age. Safe riding!

[@USAonHarley]

North Carolina is a paradise for bikers! OMG! So many options! Great summary, as usual 🤘🏼😝🤘🏼

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Very true, thanks!

[@gerbman2004]

Typing this from Rodeway Inn Walhalla, SC... taking on Moonshiner 28 and Tail of the Dragon tomorrow. This will be my 4th time on the dragon but only second for the Moonshiner.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

right on!

[@castle228]

Rte 28 south all the way to Wallhalla, SC is a great ride! Once you get to Wallhalla, turn west and ride over to Helen, GA.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks for the tip!

[@chromedome4243]

My wife and i got caught in the rain at dark while riding the parkway and it was a cheek clincher lol

[@alsavage6320]

My wife and I rode the cherohala here a couple years ago I let her lead cuz she didn't not want to do the dragon being that she is not comfortable on those type of roads she thoroughly enjoyed the cherohala for being a more inexperienced Rider at the time she is doing better of course but she loved the cherohala and she did some of the other ones around there I let her lead and I think she did fantastic no problems anybody it's new to bike riding is a place to go

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on thanks!

[@dustincollins16]

So glad I live within 10 to 250 miles from every road you just mentioned. My goldwing loves them.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

great part of the country!

[@triumphrider9796]

The only one I've not yet ridden is Copperhead, which was already on my list for the next trip! Also check out Wayah Road between US70 and NC28. I'm surprised you didn't include a shot of the directional arrow for "The Loop" on 441 (corkscrew?), funniest directional arrow ever. And that side trip to Clingman's Dome is best made early in the day; I got there late morning and the parking lot was near full, and when I left there was a half-mile backup waiting to get in! The 226/226A loop bears the name "Diamondback" and is not to be missed either. Devil's Whip proper is the part between Marion and the BRP; my first ride on it was unplanned, as I realized my original plan to ride all the way up to the northern end of the Parkway would mean I'd get home around 3am or so. Next junction just happened to be 80, I looked at my map and saw it would lead me over towards I40, so I started down. With no clue whatsoever of what I was in for. That sign near the top that says "Steep Winding Road Ahead" is no joke! Another great ride is from 226 up over Roan Mountain, don't recall the route number, starts in NC and changes route number in TN as you ascend. Also NC209 from Hot Springs down to Lake Junaluska, AKA "The Rattler".

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Great tips thanks! Yes we have included Wayah Rd on our website

[@triumphrider9796]

Cool, I found it in a flyer I picked up at Wheels Through Time. Unfortunately it had rained overnight before I rode it and many curves were covered in wet leaves so it wasn't quite as much fun as it could have been!

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Same here. Discovered it by accident. A riding buddy of mine almost lost it going into a curve and he had a lot of riding experience and very well skilled. Anyone else would have driven right off into the unknown.

[@NicholasNormile]

NC 181 from Morganton to Pineola is a great warm-up route for more advanced and technical nearby roads later in the ride. Lots of sweeping higher speed corners with good visibility, well-kept pavement, multiple four-lane passing sections, and a nice overlook at Brown Mountain where you are almost guaranteed to bump into at least a few other riders. Another excellent very underrated route that I rode for the first time yesterday is NC 261/TN 143 from Roan Mountain TN to Bakersville NC. It does go through the Roan Mountain State Park so traffic may be present, but my group only encountered a few vehicles yesterday, and the view is spectacular even compared to many of the roads leading to the area. A good mix of sweeping corners as well as a few tight turns and some straightaways as well. Definitely not for the faint of heart though (especially on the NC side) as there are a few scary corners along huge cliffs with no guardrails or other barriers. Can be easily combined with NC 80/Devil's Whip from Bakersville.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on! Thanks for the comment. Will have to check those routes out!

[@GARamblinMan]

Another great list of motorcycle roads. NC is definitely one of my favorite destinations and the ride I took with my good buddy, NC Stoney on NC 276 north to the Blue Ridge Pkwy from Brevard was one of my most memorable. Thanks for sharing some of my footage of this great road. Ride safe!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on, thanks!

[@travelingwithruffy]

Great video! Thanks for the shout out! Love the editing.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

You got it, thank you!

[@zemquoi]

I have ridden every one of those routes and your descriptions are spot on accurate. I like your choices.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

@@zemquoi right on thanks!

[@sharrison56]

Check out The Rattler (209) from Hot Springs to Fines Creek.

[@BaxterTheBiker]

Great video. I've been going to the NC mountains frequently, and you almost can't find a bad road to ride. One additional comment on Tail of the Dragon is to keep an eye on your mirrors and pull into one of the frequent pull-offs if someone wants to pass. Just common courtesy.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Yes good tips!

[@northbysoutheast5439]

I live in north Ga and ride NC roads quite a bit. 😎👍

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on!

[@chrislovett6120]

Great video, the roads here are part of why I moved to NC from Maine in 06. The Devils Whip and 226/226A is a great area. The Cherohala skyway is definitely a don’t miss when in the Deals Gap area.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks! Also helps to have a longer riding season than in Maine!

[@harryhowell5644]

I have ridden five of them so far. You forgot about the foothills Pkwy.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Excellent road! Will be covering Foothills Pkwy in our upcoming TN video

[@TheJosesantiago123]

In reality any road in NC is fun to ride including the interstate, specially in the fall. Great video as always.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks!

[@alanwortham6413]

Awesome list of just a few of the great m/c roads in NC. If you are riding The BRP take a short trip on NC 151. It's south of mm 405. Yery technical road not for the novice but it is fun and not well known. It runs into Canton but just take it down from the Parkway and once at the bottom (you will know you are there) turn around and head back up. It will get your blood flowing from your leisurely ride on the Blueridge.

[@alanwortham6413]

Runs to Candler not Canton

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Good tips, thanks for the recommendation!

[@jamesheuer5139]

Just off the Dragon, is a Park Service Fire Road, Parsons Branch, that will take you to Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains National Park! 👍

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks for the info!

[@grilled5227]

I really love your road recomendations. June 1st I will begin a trip from Key West FL. to Massachusetts on a 2021 Road Glide. my plan takes me across the Cherohala, The Tail of the Dragon to Deals Gap then to Cherokee. Blue Ridge Parkway to Skyline Drive. Then up thru the Poconos, and Catskill’s I have the entire route planned except, I cannot find any good off highway routes from Tampa Florida up through Georgia Can anyone recommend any great motorcycle roads for this section? Love this channel! Thanks for all your great info.

[@brianyoung4863]

Great list! Thanks for making the video!

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Keep in mind these are public roads. Locals drive these roads as well as vacationers and you never know what you will come across. Blind curves can be a surprise. Don't get too crazy and become a statistic.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Good tips to keep in mind, thank you!

[@big566bunny]

Especially in shady areas or sharp turns debris can easily accumulate at the turn apex.

[@kevinmatthews365]

Ridden a few times and going back in three weeks to ride again. Then out to Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming with routes plotted out thanks to these awesome videos. Thanks!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on, sounds like a great trip!

[@Scootphoria]

Deals Gap=Overrated and dangerous due to inexperienced thrill seekers. Blue Ridge Parkway=best pleasure ride. All the roads are still great rides.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Parkway is definitely one our favorites in the country

[@youtubeaccount5153]

Just an FYI. Not trying to be snotty. “Deals Gap” is a location. Tail of the Dragon is the route. It’s not dangerous unless you ride dangerous. Cherohola is a better choice than Blue Ridge. Same ride, far less traffic. And check out Bald River Falls off the spur on the TN side.

[@Spartan1925.]

Couldn't agree more!

[@big566bunny]

​@@youtubeaccount5153Do "Tail of the Dragon" on a weekday, away from any 3 day weekends. Vehicles do cross the center line so stay alert. Blue Ridge Parkway is very nice but be alert near lookout points as the flatlanders do some crazy, heedless turns/pull-offs here.

[@scottytriglide]

Another excellent selection of rides to take. We love your channel and website. Keep up the great work!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thank you!

[@lukefish7562]

Much appreciated! Just picked up my first ADV bike and about to get out and do a bunch of Moto camping here in NC. Blessed to live in the blue ridge mountains of NC and want to see as much as possible. Everyone enjoy and stay safe! 🏍️💨

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on, thanks for watching!

[@alsavage6320]

There's a lot of good rides around North Carolina I would not do the dragon to give a little bit more experience on it cherohala as good you've got the gauntlet which goes from North Carolina up in the Georgia it's a nice laid back ride there's a few of them outside of Waynesville North Carolina which is easy laid out plenty of nice riding over there but I would not recommend the dragon right now

[@leviefrauim1425]

Fantastic review- thank you!

[@chowhall1656]

Great list! One more tip, be honest with yourself!! Early into riding the dragon it became clear that my motorcycle skills were not as good as I thought, I backed off and survived. Cherhola was more fun, also know that if you go down on the dragon emergency services will at best reach you in 40 minutes.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Totally agree, thanks for the comment!

[@RVLifeSoaringTogether]

Love your channel and all the great riding information you share. Keep up the excellent work.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thank you!

[@Kghost0311]

9 mile rd to Shaw hwy in Pender County is a great ride. It was off limits to active duty stationed at camp Lejeune for a long time, not sure about now

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Ok thanks for the recommendation!

[@IndianJill]

The cherohala moonshiner and dragon are all amazing my husband and I try to ride them each year. The dragon I could take or leave for overall enjoyment because it is very technical and can be dangerous depending on traffic (other riders /drivers create a lot of danger). Highly recommend the dragon mid week much less traffic to be able to enjoy the ride.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Yes same here

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Correct about the dragon. Mostly other riders/drivers being reckless make it very dicey to ride.

[@billboggs535]

I agree its best to try to hit the Tail of the Dragon mid week. It's a great ride, with a huge reputation, but for me there are far more enjoyable rides in the area. That said I think a reasonably experienced rider with some time on mountain roads should be able to handle it no problem. The ToD, Cherohala Loop is a dang memorable ride though I liked Cherohala more.. I was up at the beginning of this summer for a week and we did that, Moonshiner 28, a bunch of other great roads and then the Rattler and over to Asheville, before heading back to the coast. Planing to come back up over Labor Day week. Will do Cherohala again but plan to skip the Dragon. Not saying it'll be a one and done for ToD, but crowds and crazies aren't what I'm looking for so skipping it this time. Hope to do at least part of the "Copperhead Loop" as I used to run 276 from Brevard up to the BRP often when I lived in Upstate SC.

[@nomoreblahblah]

So many roads. Only So many days. All look great 👍

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Very true!

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel...

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thank you!

[@Malcivious]

If you go up Newfound Gap (441) don't forget to go left before Gatlinburg down Fighting Creek road. Some of the best scenic pull-offs. Also, if tight curves aren't for you, head West on Route 64 along the Ocoee River. Some of the most beautiful vistas' you'll ever witness. Seriously though, the whole Smoky Mountains park area is just so amazing.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Good tips, thank you!

[@codylink]

Agree with this video. In two days you can do a loop from Asheville that will hit the majority of these magnificent roads

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@kurtkitchel3716]

Headed to Dale's Museum in Maggie Valley from Bisbee, Arizona in May..Looking forward to riding in N Carolina.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on, thanks for the comment!

[@JustGKue]

Thank you✌🏾

[@shoku2725]

I’ll hit some of these roads this summer

[@garyclark2698]

I love your channel! I share it often!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Much appreciated!

[@motolaxin2514]

Thanks for the great suggestions. Haven't made it out that way yet...but thinking about an October getaway. I would think the fall colors would be amazing in this neck of the woods.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Yes great time of year to be out there!

[@johnkrumenacker8625]

Thank you for all of your content!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Yes sir thank you!

[@JohnDc]

Unicoi Turnpike. AKA. Joe Brown Highway is interesting. Runs along the Hiwassee River and Appalachia Lake. Staring at Murphy, North Carolina. It is about 20 Miles to the Hiwassee Dam. Or you can ride an additional 10 miles of the unpaved section to Coker Creek, Tennessee.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Very cool will check those out! Thank you.

[@STho205]

Basically every 2 lane road without town traffic in western NC, East TN and North GA. I put 60k living here on my current recreational bike over just a few years...every time I go out I find another great road somewhere.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on!

[@gjb16]

Bryson City,NC to Johnson City,TN. On Google Maps hit avoid highways. It’s about 130 miles one way. Hot Springs is halfway if you want to do out and back

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

that looks like a great ride, thanks for the recommendation!

[@ashishsekhda354]

Awesome Video! Been on each of these roads and Cherohala is the best…

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@raleighrider5631]

Thanks man, great video.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks!

[@robertgagne9355]

Great info. I have to say that while the Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful the speed limits and enforcement of those limits make it one of the longest speed traps in the country, for that reason it's more for bicyclist. I visit this area every year and have for the past 12 years, this is truly a great motorcycle destination, thanks for highlighting some of the gems.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Good tips thanks!

[@richardc7849]

Interesting comment on the Law Enforcement. I've ridden the BRP several times a year for over 20 years. Very seldom to never see Park Rangers. Occasionally the Asheville PD where it goes through town.

[@GS_Johnny_ADV]

Smoky Mountain national park last week had multiple people in my lane head on, watch out! Ride WAY right

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

@@GS_Johnny_ADV good tip gotta watch out for those lunatics

[@RetiredAtenPilot]

Fantastic video and ideas !!!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thank you!

[@hfd413]

Love the Appalachians. Neil would most definitely have had some choice words for that careless rider.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Indeed!

[@vishwanadhanm1943]

Thanks for the informative video. BTW, I'll be traveling from India to NC in couple of months. And have 1 week of leisure time. Want to know if there are any motorcycle tour providers including offroad experience.

[@slushyslushslushbruh]

I know this is catering to motorcycle enthusiasts, but these roads are also great for car enthusiasts.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Absolutely!

[@Jalan_Hendrikus]

Hati hati dijalan kawanku.

[@nancymartin6701]

Loved the roads, but the beginning it seemed like you’d showcase some coastal routes too. Would like to know more about the east side if there are any good MC roads.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Yes true if we had more on the list we could have included more on the coast. Next time!

[@gorrdd]

Thanks... Allot of these roads were already covered in some of your other videos. I was hoping that you might have at least one covering some of the east coast shoreline. Gord

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

True, we did cover some of the same. May be we have to do a hidden gems video for NC!

[@gorrdd]

@@GreatMotorcycleRoads Yeah... if you already have the routes documented that would be really neat to view. Gord

[@paultaylorduke]

Going there next week, all of these or at least parts of all of them are on my itinerary.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Awesome have a safe ride!

[@krob-sn7ek]

Good Job! You from N. Chattanooga maybe?

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks! We are not

[@rodcoulter997]

Great videos ….plz expand on the maps, a little.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks!

[@gregbaldwin9460]

Nice video, 28 and 80 do belong on the list. But you missed the really great roads. But most do which makes them the really great roads

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Of course! Thanks for watching

[@Aiels]

I’ve ridden the copperhead loop so many times, but never knew it had a nickname 😂 Just an embarrassment of riches for great riding in this part of the country, almost any road that climbs up to the blue ridge parkway is going to be fantastic riding

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Absolutely, you live in one of the best areas to ride a motorcycle!

[@tealcheif1949]

Love your channel! My bucket list gets larger with every video!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Thanks for watching!

[@twodaniels]

'The Dragon' is actually 'Tail of the Dragon', for those looking up info on it later

[@ThomasBranson-yv5ub]

The best way to enjoy our roads out here is, slow down and enjoy your ride. Ride to enjoy the ride, it is not a racetrack.I been riding bikes on these roads in North Carolina since I was a kid on a bicycle. Then hauling shine on the back roads. Lot a people come here and see how dangerous they really are. Some don't make it.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Yes enjoy the ride. Thanks for the comment!

[@MaximumShellz]

NC finally made the cut huh 😆 our roads aren’t dat bad

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Not bad at all!

[@waynepurcell6058]

Miata driver here that lives not two miles from the Devils Whip. Don't ride that road stupid. The county has been hard on (shut down) "sports photography" on this road after a couple recent fatalities from showoffs. That's not the warning though. The locals won't hit the ditch if you are leaning into their lane anymore. They are sick of "making way" at their cost (busted tires and such). If you hit a curve too hard and lean across the yellow lines, your face will be a grill ornament. They're not budging if they are in their lawful lane. I'm not joking.

[@guzziguy2011]

Literally too many killer (no pun intended) paved rides to list for the area. What’s equally as great are the hundreds of unpaved roads up here. It’s why as a local, many of us typically own/ride dual sport and smaller displacement machines. Small = Fun in tight stuff! We also don’t usually ride the BR Parkway because once you know all the arterial roads off the parkway, you realize how much more fun they are!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on, thanks for the comment!

[@ShutterUp]

Good Choices. The Dragon is over rated in my opinion. The Snake 421 out of blowing rock is just as good and no traffic.

[@blueridgebiker6209]

BIKERS BEWARE on NC 80 (Devils Whip. Watch out for SLOW Moving RVs campers Faith wheels and motor coaches coming down to Marion to camp or go to local RV dealer. From the Blue Ridge Parkway.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Good tips thanks!

[@fraghead9813]

When we doing Michigan?

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Hopefully this year!

[@alpineacres8042]

Riding the Whip (RT80): kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGvlGh5m7d_bMU As you said, it's a great ride, but not for beginners, some of the switchbacks are really, really tight on this road.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Nice footage!

[@otter4x4]

Wayah Rd.

[@Dixifrog]

I think you missed the Foothills Parkway.

[@mojomanmurph1925]

It's in Tennessee but still a great road to travel if one is in the area.

[@paintballphil]

Great Video, but you can't do North Carolina justice for its Motorcycle infrastructure in a 15 minute video. And then to be surrounded by other states with the same opportunity to ride. Bring your bikes and spend weeks without riding the same road twice.

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Very true!

[@loogadis]

so glad you correctly called it "the dragon".........not the tail

[@ronahlstedt6045]

I've been on the Dragon over 50 times. The real ride starts around 11:00pm. Thanks for not naming some other great roads in the area that only locals like me know about. Flatlanders please learn how to ride mountain roads before coming here.

[@derikandreoli5177]

"Learn to ride mountains before going to the mountains."

[@knifelore1647]

Newfound gap, the first park area heading to Gatlinburg is where my wife's and mine ashes are spread! It's God's finest work in my opinion! Beautiful memories!

[@GreatMotorcycleRoads]

Right on!

[@bugteethdotcom]

There are so many rides in NC and TN

[@knifelore1647]

Lol will be !