Top Motorcycle Riding Routes in North Carolina
If you want to hit the road with your motorcycle, here are the top routes in North Carolina to explore. Read on to learn more, then visit Beach House Harley-Davidson® to pick a bike that’ll help make your outing more fun and memorable. We are in Shallotte, NC, so swing by today!
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway and Lake James Loop
This nearly 90-mile loop will take almost three hours to complete, but more if you want to stop for a meal, take photos, and soak up the views! The adventure begins and ends on the Parkway in Little Switzerland.
Recommended Rider Experience Level
It's best left to more experienced riders due to the many challenging areas, including tight curves on low-traveled roads.
Route Highlights
You can enjoy the stunning sights at Crabtree Meadows Park, which offers fantastic views of Crabtree Falls, Lake Tahoma, Lake James, the Brown Mountain Overlook, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. You can also feel the adrenaline rush as you conquer The Devil's Staircase, which offers steep grades and tight curves. If you want to experience a blast from the past, stop by the Historic Carson House Museum.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This motorcycle route goes over 42 miles, taking US441 from Cherokee, NC, and goes to Gatlinburg, TN—the only major road that takes motorists through the Great Smoky National Park.
Recommended Rider Experience Level
This motorcycle route is accessible for beginners. There are a few switchbacks that are easy to navigate due to the national park speed limit.
Route Highlights
This is among the most visited national parks in the world! The route goes through many altitude changes and offers plenty of striking views. As you travel down the road, you'll find plenty of scenic pullouts that provide beautiful sights of the mountains. When you reach Clingman's Dome, you'll be at the highest point in Tennessee. You can look over a dozen mountain ridges when you look east on a clear day.
Furthermore, you can enjoy plenty of amenities in Cherokee and Gatlinburg, including well-stocked visitor's centers at both ends, where you can buy gear and souvenirs.
3. Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon motorcycle route runs along the Great Smoky Mountains. The trail, which starts at Deal's Gap and ends at Tabcat Creek Bridge, is among the most fondly frequented roads among racing enthusiasts. The route features over 300 curves in an 11-mile stretch, making it one of the most challenging and exciting routes in the US.
Recommended Rider Experience Level
Due to its challenging nature, the Tail of the Dragon route is for experienced riders. Beginner riders may find the route difficult and risky. Therefore, it is advisable to evaluate your abilities before heading out.
Route Highlights
The Tail of the Dragon route offers fantastic attractions you wouldn't want to miss. Some of the most notable highlights include the scenic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, picturesque waterfalls, awe-inspiring forests, and incredible wildlife. The scenic spots are ideal for taking a break and soaking in the beauty of the place.
We hope you find this guide handy when searching for motorcycle routes in North Carolina. If you need more ideas or want to upgrade your bike to the latest model, visit Beach House Harley-Davidson®. We have an excellent collection of premium motorcycles for sale, and we can help you select a model that fits your budget and riding style. We proudly serve Shallotte and Brunswick County, NC, so reach out today!