Overall Route Rating
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4.2 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.2
5 Reviews

Route 9 - Black Mountain to Bat Cave

Motorcycle Route Author

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By 91Softail (5 McR Points) on Jun 17, 2016

Rider Reviews

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Dudewatson
89 McR Points
November 18, 2020
Rode it last weekend from the Chimney Rock side…
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billypoo32
81 McR Points
May 19, 2021
good scenery and overall good ride
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Written Directions

From Asheville, NC, head east on Route 70 to Black Mountain. Follow signs for Route 9 South.

Scenery

This route begins with a steep climb along switchbacks up the mountains to the Eastern Continental Divide. Near the top, take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge mountains and the Foothills region of NC. Across the Divide, the road descends through lush mountain hardwood forest to the valley below. The road flattens out a bit and passes scenic farms with golden fields and old barns, and coursing mountain streams .before ascending through more forest along twists, turns and switchbacks. The road then passes more farms along some nice sweeping turns before ending at Bat Cave.

Drive Enjoyment

This road has everything from steep switchbacks and hairpins to some flat cruising with spectacular scenery. The road surface is excellent except for the occasional bit of shoulder gravel in some of the turns. Definitely keep speed in check through the turns as gravel can appear suddenly.

Tourism Opportunities

There's literally one stop along the way; The Straightaway Cafe. Nice atmosphere and a fairly extensive menu for a place in the middle of nowhere. Good place to stop for lunch with a great selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads as well as many other menu items.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

This is a fairly short ride that can be incorporated into a stop at Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. It's also easily incorporated into a loop by taking Rt. 74 back towards Asheville and I-40 East to Black Mountain.
 

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Dudewatson
November 18, 2020
89 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Rode it last weekend from the Chimney Rock side to Black Mountain. This is a good road, has a few really sharp curves and it gets narrow in some of the curves so watch out for other people in you lane! This is really a fun road!!
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billypoo32
May 19, 2021
81 McR Points
Motorcycle Type :
good scenery and overall good ride
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mchance
June 29, 2021
899 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Locally known as the "Sidewinder", this is a nice curvy and hilly route, with a few challenging twisties and switchbacks (mostly at the northern end of the route), and some very nice scenery. Makes for a nice ride to Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, and Lake Lure.
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