- The Road to adventure is paved with curiosity -
Rev your engines and prepare for the ultimate adventure on the Western North Carolina thrilling winding mountain roads! This picturesque region boasts some of the most breathtaking and exhilarating routes on the planet. Feel the rush as you navigate the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, a paradise that guarantees unparalleled thrills.
For those seeking off-the-beaten-path excitement, explore the hidden gems and winding back roads of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva. These vibrant mountain towns serve as ideal base camps for your adrenaline-fueled escapades. Get ready to conquer the open road and create unforgettable motorcycling memories in Western North Carolina!
Often overlooked by riders, Jackson County in the Western North Carolina mountains offers a plethora of rider-friendly, lesser-traveled back roads. This hidden gem provides convenient access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a larger section of the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Parkway than any other county in the state. Situated centrally, it’s an ideal base for riders to make the most of their visit, spending less time in traffic and more time exploring the magnificent mountain vistas. Discover this motorcyclist’s guide, featuring recommended routes from local riders, and get ready to embark on your next thrilling adventure in the Western North Carolina mountains!
Distance: 162 Miles
Full-day journey
This is 4 hours without stops, but you are going to want to stop plenty. Enhancing the thrill of the iconic Tail of the Dragon, the exhilarating Explorer loop awaits. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through two states, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Recommended by local riders, this full-day loop is designed to amplify the excitement already offered by the Tail of the Dragon. Get ready to elevate your adventure and create lasting memories as you conquer this remarkable route. Brace yourself for an experience like no other!
Distance: 55 Miles
2 Hour journey
Cullowhee Mountain Road offers a true off-the-beaten path experience. Exclusively in Jackson County and recommended by local riders, this route provides riders a curvy back-road excursion spanning from Cullowhee and looping around N.C. 107 North back to Sylva.
Insider Tips:
- Pines Recreation Area, 1965 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723: Offering 26 miles of shoreline, 3 waterfalls, and place to take a rest, Lake Glenville is one of the highest elevated lakes east of the Mississippi. The Pines Recreation Area amenities includes a sandy swimming beach with plenty of parking for multiple bikes, restrooms, and picnic benches to eat a packed lunch.
- Cashiers, North Carolina, 6 N.C. 107, Cashiers, NC 28717: The
mountain town of Cashiers, North Carolina is accessible on this
route by heading South on N.C. 107 (right turn), instead of North, for approximately 6.5 miles. Cashiers is home to upscale shopping, dining, and quaint southern charm. It also hosts The Village Green, a relaxing commons/park area worthy of exploration. - Gravel Driveways: Proceed with caution on this route. Many
driveways along both Cullowhee Mountain Road and N.C. 107 are unpaved, and gravel and will occasionally wash out into the road.
Distance: 158 Miles
Full-day journey
Prepare for the ultimate thrill on America’s beloved two-lane touring road, the legendary Tail of the Dragon. With an astounding 318 curves packed into just 11 miles, this iconic route is an experience that defies expectations. Located a scenic hour’s drive from Sylva, it beckons riders & drivers seeking a full day of heart-pounding adventure. Embark on this exhilarating journey and test your skills on this technical motoring masterpiece. Brace yourself for an experience that will leave you breathless and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Insider Tips:
- Curves are incredibly sharp, heed posted warning signs at all times. Stay in your lane, do not pass, and do not exceed posted limits.
- Picture Perfect: motorists taking on the Tail of the Dragon are photographed by killboy.com. Photographers are set up at various corners on the road and pictures are available for purchase online the day after your ride.
- The Best Way to End a Full Day: Returning to Sylva/Dillsboro, riders will find a wide variety of dining options ranging from biker-friendly bars to elevated farm-to-table restaurants, and over 120 taps at our breweries to satisfy a long day’s ride.
Distance: 141 Miles
Full-day journey
Embark on an epic journey with one of the longest and most diverse routes, spanning through captivating destinations such as Sylva, Cashiers, Brevard, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, and Cherokee. This remarkable route offers a little bit of everything, and it can be customized to suit the preferences of each rider. However, it’s important to note that this route is a full-day adventure, featuring multiple thrilling twisty back roads, breathtaking mountain passes, and awe-inspiring scenic vistas along the way. Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate exploration of Western North Carolina’s captivating landscapes.
Distance: 126 Miles
Full-day journey
Embark on an epic journey with one of the longest and most diverse routes, spanning through captivating destinations such as Sylva, Cashiers, Brevard, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, and Cherokee. This remarkable route offers a little bit of everything, and it can be customized to suit the preferences of each rider. However, it’s important to note that this route is a full-day adventure, featuring multiple thrilling twisty back roads, breathtaking mountain passes, and awe-inspiring scenic vistas along the way. Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate exploration of Western North Carolina’s captivating landscapes.
Distance: 68 Miles
Half-day journey
Discover the enchanting Scenic Jackson, a captivating loop that transforms your Blue Ridge Parkway experience into a picturesque journey back to Sylva through eastern Jackson County via Charleys Creek Road (S.R. 1756). Along this route, you’ll traverse five tributaries of the Tuckasegee River’s East Fork – Tanassee Creek, Wolf Creek, Gage Creek, Charleys Creek, and Sols Creek – while immersing yourself in pastoral scenes and breathtaking mountain vistas. Don’t miss the landmarks that dot the way, including Richland Balsam, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a glimpse of the majestic 5,574-foot Charley Bald, and the inviting Balsam Lake. Take a moment to relax and rejuvenate at the U.S. Forest Service picnic area, complete with public restrooms. Scenic Jackson beckons, promising an unforgettable journey through nature’s wonders.
Distance: 67 Miles
Half-day journey
This route will take you past 3 of the region’s best: Wolf Lake, Lake Toxaway, and Lake Glenville, and makes for a relaxing, enjoyable half-day ride.
Insider Tips: Pack a lunch: This route is a true half-day route. Considering the route’s secluded nature, local riders recommend packing a lunch or a snack to enjoy along the way. There is a gas station near the
N.C. 107/N.C. 281 intersection but no other gas stations before reaching Cashiers
Distance: 98 Miles
3/4 day journey
This loop will take you from Sylva to Cherokee… and
everywhere in between. Starting and ending in Sylva, riders will experience the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway, some back-road farmlands, and gives you the option to explore Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
Insider Tips:
- Wheels Through Time Museum, 62 Vintage Lane Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751: Home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of “one-off” automobiles, the Wheels Through Time Museum is a must-see. Operating hours Thursday-Monday, 9am-5pm.
- Best BRP Views heading north: Riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway gives riders the opportunity to see some truly spectacular views along the way. With many named pull-offs along this route, riders are encouraged to check out Cowee Mountain Overlook, Richland Balsam, and Devil’s Courthouse. Richland Balsam is the highest point along the BRP standing at 6,053 feet and is a favorite for riders to take pictures. Cowee Mountain Overlook offers a fully
panoramic view and is regularly among the best places to catch a sunset in the N.C. Mountains while the Devil’s Courthouse pull off is a great opportunity to stretch your legs and hike a short trail to an amazing view
Distance: 98 Miles
3/4 day journey
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway, renowned as America’s most celebrated motor route. This haven for motor enthusiast’s is a true mecca, boasting sweeping scenic vistas, exhilarating curves, and convenient overlooks that offer breathtaking views. Jackson County takes pride in being home to more of the Blue Ridge Parkway than any other county, allowing riders to fully indulge in this pristine ride. Embark on the following route, designed to begin from the captivating towns of Sylva and Dillsboro, and bring you back to the same location, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Insider Tips:
- Overlooks: Along this route, there are many overlooks, each offering a unique view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Among them is
Waterrock Knob, which offers an ideal place for riders to rest and take a picnic. Waterrock Knob’s amenities include restrooms, a gift
shop, a large parking area, picnic benches and even a short hike to one of the highest points and best views along the Blue Ridge Parkway. - Riders will want to make sure that they are
stocked up on supplies and fuel because there are few restaurants or gas stations along this route. If either is needed, proceed back to Cherokee before continuing on the Blue Ridge Parkway portion of this ride.
When on the road, it can be imperative to know where you can get trusted maintenance services. We’ve compiled a list of regional repair and service shops that can help keep you traveling.
- Cycle Tec Custom Cycles
- Smoky Mountain Indian Motorcycle
- Waynesville Cycle Center
- Harley Davidson of Asheville
- Eurosport Asheville
Jackson County offers a large rider friendly atmosphere, with many restaurants, breweries, and attractions that will cater well to
any size group of riders:
- Dillsboro: Innovation Station & Foragers Canteen, Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
- Cashiers: The Orchard Restaurant, The Library Kitchen and Bar, and Whiteside Brewing Company
- Cullowhee: Campus Scoop Ice Cream
- Sylva: White Moon, City Lights Cafe, Lazy Hiker & Mad Batter Kitchen, Balsam Falls Brewing & Eatery, the Cut Cocktail Lounge, Guadalupe Cafe, Baxley’s Chocolates, Speedy’s Pizza, Lulu’s on Main, Nantahala Brewing & Creekside Oyster House