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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gruve76
August 30, 2021
149 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
What riding is all about
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Guest
August 4, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
i use 80 as part of a longer ride and i believe for the thrill vs. cops ratio it offers a better value than the dragon. It could actually be another dragon if more people knew about it. A great ride from 226 to 70 to 80 to BRP to 226A to 226 to 223 to BRP to Blowing Rock...back on 221 to 18. A great ride. Try it. but it does take about 4 hrs.
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Frazzell
September 8, 2020
39 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Another great western North Carolina road
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