Overall Route Rating
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3.6 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.6
5 Reviews

Hickory Nut Gap Road

Motorcycle Route Author

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By bkvest (12 McR Points) on Mar 25, 2017

Rider Reviews

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bkvest
12 McR Points
April 1, 2017
This is a nice "short cut" between Banner Elk and…
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Akumu
4000 McR Points
November 22, 2019
This is indeed a honey of a little short cut.…
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Written Directions

From downtown Banner Elk, proceed south on NC184 for approx. 1/2 mile. Just after passing the mill pond, turn right onto Hickory Nut Gap Road (NC 1342). 8.5 fun miles later, you'll arrive in downtown Newland.

Scenery

This is a very rural and typical mountain road with elevations above 4000'. Not many long range views but still a beautiful ride. There are mostly houses along the road with the occasional Christmas tree farm.

Drive Enjoyment

This is a very twisty road with some sweeping curves and straights thrown in for good measure. The straightest section is closer to Banner Elk. This road goes through a lot during the winter and it can show. The surface isn't the greatest but I didn't see any serious hazards (pot holes, etc.) during my last ride.

Tourism Opportunities

The only amenities for this short ride are in Banner Elk and Newland.
 

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bkvest
April 1, 2017
12 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This is a nice "short cut" between Banner Elk and Newland. It has a great mix of straights, sweeping curves and twisties. Regardless of where I'm riding in the area, I like to throw HNGR into the mix.
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2 riders found this road review useful
Akumu
November 22, 2019
4000 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This is indeed a honey of a little short cut. Lots of silly twisties, hair pins and sweepers. The speed limit drops down a good bit, but that doesn't really matter because you can only go so fast around the damn turns. Continue down 184 if going south or take this road for its shortcut. You win either way, really.
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1 riders found this road review useful
Jim823
December 15, 2020
209 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is an ok ride. There are more scenic and roads with more curves in the area.
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0 riders found this road review useful