Overall Route Rating
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4.37 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.37
53 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Feb 28, 2009

Rider Reviews

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Guest
July 21, 2009
Found this one by accident when Blueridge was…
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Guest
May 29, 2014
RIDERS BEWARE: just north of the Mt Mitchell Golf…
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Written Directions

Start this motorcycle ride in a town called Pleasant Gardens, NC which is about 30 mi east of Asheville off US Highway 70. Head north out of Pleasant Gardens on NC 80 and just stay on NC 80 as it crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway and continue north all the way up to US Highway 19 in the town of Micaville, NC.

Scenery

Climbs 2500' in elevation. Crosses Blue Ridge Parkway east of Mt Mitchell. Beautiful lake on south end and great views of Mt Mitchell at Mt Mitchell golf course.



Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09: "A switchback just before the Blue Ridge Parkway." Update provided by CptUSA on 6/25/12: The scenery is beautiful and unimpeded by commercialism. Once past the final residences there is nothing but road road and road.

Drive Enjoyment

Good road condition. More curves and elevation changes than the Dragon's tail with a lot less traffic also. Several switchbacks. Not for the novice rider. Update provided by CptUSA on 6/25/12: The road is on a steep incline providing a whole new set of challenges. Asphalt is is good condition with only normal brush and gravel from time to time. Light traffic, nasty switchbacks, and towards the top there is a virtual slalom of quick tight turns.

Tourism Opportunities

Not much here but a great ride. Get on Blue Ridge up to Mt Mitchell. Stop at golf course for something to drink. Fill up before you go. Update provided by CptUSA on 6/25/12: There is nothing on this road but road. Amenities are in Marion at the entrance or in Burnsville many miles beyond the BRP.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Update provided by CptUSA on 6/25/12: https://www.thedevilnc80.com/ This gives pictures and descriptions as well. I am not affiliated with the site but having ridden the road dozens of times, I felt it needed its own listing here. - View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
July 21, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Found this one by accident when Blueridge was closed at Mt. Mitchell. Took the rider backrest off on the second run to get down lower on the bike, drug the boards a couple times. I like it much better that the dragon. Old guys like me don't care for head-ons from 70 mph from other bikes.
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11 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
May 29, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
RIDERS BEWARE: just north of the Mt Mitchell Golf Course on Hwy 80 is a curve that turns very sharply at the end. Unexpected. I live across the river from this curve and there are many fatal accidents at this spot on the highway every year. Lucky me I get to hear them happen. Be Careful of this Turn. Just after the golf course if you are riding north from Marion or the Parkway. And enjoy your ride.
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4 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
June 2, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Upon riding the civilized scenic Blue Ridge, i took a detour onto the aggressive route 80 (South -- Down Hill). Although I only road 10-13 miles of it, this road really put my motorcycle levels to the absolute max. Fantastic steep curves with dips in them, steep "U" corners, blind corners, and fantastic S's.

I encountered no traffic on a Saturday afternoon and road conditions are fairly good.

This road is not at all for beginners. It had me scraping pegs on some corners going the Speed Limit.

(Will put video link soon)
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3 riders found this road review useful