Overall Route Rating
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4.5 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.5
29 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Apr 30, 2000

Rider Reviews

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Orange-GTO
2 McR Points
October 30, 2013
We did the portion of this route known as the…
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Guest
June 3, 2013
What a Great road! We were visiting the Blue…
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Written Directions

I usually start my ride out of Marion, NC off of hwy 70. Head west out of Marion and grab hwy 80 going north all the way up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head north/east on the Blue Ridge Parkway to hwy 226a (Little Switzerland). Head south on 226a until it intersects with 226 and head back north on 226 back up to the parkway. North on the parkway to 221 and where you want to get on 221 heading south and back down to hwy 70/Marion. To get to the suggested starting point in Marion, from Charlotte head north on I-77 to I-40 west. from Ashville, NC take I-40 east into Marion.

Scenery

If you dare to take your eyes off the road you will see some of NC's awesome mountain scenery. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "Taken above the "Cradle of Forestry". Take the Parkway West towards Mt. Pisgah; its the last overlook before you come to highway 276 (which takes you to Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry). Its a beautiful ride, not too difficult."

Drive Enjoyment

There are some steep drops and lots of tight curves. Hwy 80 can be "interesting" if you encounter a log truck. Traffic is generally light and only locals. 80 is on the narrow side, and has a significant grade. Usually the pavement is in decent to good shape (new blacktop summer of 2001). Curves are banked just right. 226a, 226, and 221 are generally a little more traveled by those dreaded 4 wheel cages but also a lot of fun.

Tourism Opportunities

There are several food and fuel establishments in Marion, NC including an ice cream shop at the intersection 80 and 70. Little Switzerland also has food and lodging. There is a country store at the bottom of 226A that serves burgers and dogs and fuel. There are also several food establishments along the parkway in various locations.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Visit North Carolina web site.
 

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Share Your Comments ( 29 )
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Guest
August 8, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Took this route with some friends today. It was alot of fun. However that is what we enjoy, the twisties! Agreed, its not for beginners! My only issues were that 80 was not in great condition, needs paved & it was trashy. Lots of gravel limbs in the road. I am hoping it's just from the recent storms in this area. We will go back to find out.
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Guest
August 29, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Rode 70-80 a couple of years ago to get to the park way. Not my kind of riding on a Harley. Miles of switch backs.
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Akumu
November 21, 2019
3916 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
It's a shame it seems to rain so much off of Blue Ridge down the devil's whip to 70. However, the one time that I've been on it of the numerous times in this area the road was pretty intimidating, and even more so in the wet. However, it was entirely worth the ride. Another mainstay that should be added to the list of all comers in this area. A down and back Blue Ridge to Blue Ridge via 80 would probably be more interesting than the loop that is mapped.
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