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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rtcoker
January 26, 2020
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Especially the east side from Marion, NC up to the top at the Blue Ridge Parkway the road is awesome. Lightly traveled. Good pavement, nice curves including a few switchbacks. Not many pull offs until you get up top. Then back down the other side for some fun twisties. Make sure your brakes are cool before going down! Fun stuff. So many other roads that 80 connects to down in the valley as well. From the end of this route, turn right into Micaville and then back left onto 80 north of 19. Take that up to Bakersville and then back down 226 to Spruce Pine. Continue on 226 to Little Switzerland and then take 226A for a loop ride. Your face will cramp from grinning so much!. Great stuff, good riding.
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Jim823
January 2, 2021
209 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
As good as the dragon.
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mcordova
April 10, 2020
198 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Best way to visit Mt, Mitchell. Beautiful views from top of ride.
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