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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red bud
December 2, 2019
344 McR Points
Motorcycle Type :
lots of curves and beautiful views enjoy
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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Some great riding. This loop incorporates part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. But adds in 226A loop and part of the best of highway 80 from Marion up to the Blue Ridge. Nice little couple hour ride. Stop for a great sandwich at Little Switzerland. Alternate take highway 80 back down the other side to Micaville (see someone else's route planned for that). Good pavement, Often the Blue Ridge can be closed at the drop of the hat by the NPS for ice, snow, etc, even when other roads are clear and dry.
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Miss_Mo
September 10, 2018
6 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Sorry, I hit enter too soon.
This route is a great route if you have experience with switchbacks. I prefer to travel up 80 (Devil's Whip) and down 226A (Diamondback) as it is easier to really get into the turns. The ride between the two on the Blue Ridge Parkway has a couple overlooks to photo-op with the stupid grin that you get after a nice twisty ride. A favorite stop for everyone is the cafe in Little Switzerland as you get ready to hit the Diamondback.
The only reason that it is a 4 and not a 5 is that on the weekend days it is a madhouse on 226, 226A, and 80. The number of people out there has exploded in the last 10 years. The mini cooper guys seem to be out there EVERY time i go.
If you go early, during the week, or when it is cool, you will have a better chance to open it up.
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