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

Motorcycle Route Author

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

Rider Reviews

bkvest
12 McR Points
April 1, 2017
This is a nice "short cut" between Banner Elk and…
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Akumu
3916 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.
 

Share Your Comments ( 5 )
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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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BaddgerrNC
September 18, 2017
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Great little Route, lots of twists and turns. This road runs through residential areas and is fairly narrow, easy to run wide on some of the sharper curves. Not recommended at high speeds as the posted limit is typically between 25 and 35mph. This is a great route to practice up on your carving techniques. Ran this in September and there was a fair amount of debris on the road and gravel in a few spots. Couple this with #12 Valle Crucis for some added pleasure
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