North Carolina's (NC) is endowed with some of the greatest motorcycle rides in all of America. It hosts a beautiful diversity of inspiring scenery. Starting in the west, motorcycle riders will find outstanding Blue Ridge Mountains riding. Moving east will bring riders into a large swath of territory running down east central and central North Carolina known as the Piedmont Plateau. Green rolling hills with numerous rock outcroppings typify this region. Moving further east to the Atlantic Coastal Plain area will bring motorcycle riders to an area characterized as wet, with many rivers, marshes, swampland and primarily used for agriculture. Motorcycle road highlights in North Carolina include the ever famous Deal's Gap (AKA Tail of the Dragon), The Blue Ridge Parkway, and southern access to The Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Best Rated Motorcycle Roads & Rides
Color Key: top-5 ranked routes in the state
#1#2#3#4#5
Routes ranked below the top-5 are drawn in gray
Amazing scenery. To me, this is a better run than the Dragon. Winds its way the mountains from I-40 to Hot Springs on 209. There are old farms, rock bed rivers, scenic mountain overlooks, old…
This route takes several back roads through the Uwharrie Mountains between Troy and Asheboro. There are a lot of views of the Uwharrie Mountains, lakes and streams, and one place to definitely stop…
The road was completely covered by the trees throughout the whole route. It was 21 miles of twisty mountain road, with some rock formations reaching almost into the road surface. You are riding in…
As you travel along 52 North of Winston-Salem the rolling hills of North Carolina are starting so turn into mountains of Virginia. The hills let you see miles ahead of beautiful mountains roads.…
The scenery along this route is some of the prettiest I have ever seen, with the road carved out of the mountain. The mountain is so close to the edge of the road if you have a passenger they could…
Rural farmlands on the trip to the North Carolina coast. Small towns show some real character of Eastern NC.
Along NC 12 you are on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. My son and I rode along with the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and the Intercoastal Waterway on the other! Lots of sand dunes, and people along…
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…
Just a nice refreshing little scenic jaunt through the countryside. Pastures and farmland a plenty.
Wilkesboro says that it's the gateway to the mountains and if you take this ride, you'll see why. As you top the hills, the views are breathtaking as they overlook the Blue Ridge mountains.
Quiet and tranquil scenery consisting of large farmland meadows, grain silos, old country estates and barns, shade trees run along road several spots. Expect seeing some sort of wildlife. Beware of…
You'll be traveling through the beautiful Nantahala National Forest known for it's deep mountain gorges and valleys . The lake off Route 107 is gorgeous! Whitewater Falls off Route 281 is worth the…
You will experience rural country houses and farms. Occasionally crossing streams or small lakes. At points along the path you will emerge into a moderately populated town while at other points you…
Nothing is better than riding through the woods, along waterfalls. This road will take you to four water falls, three of them are easy access to. You can drive you vehicle under Bridal Veil, you can…
Heading north on the Hellbender 28, you find a completely different road experience with sweeping curves and drop offs, all lakeside in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are few drives in America that…
Mountains, mountains, and more mountains ... GREAT mountain views from the top.
This road follows the southern edge of Lake Lure in Rutherford County, NC. It provides views of the lake and surrounding mountains if you're brave enough to take you eyes off the road.
You'll see and smell the lush green pine forests. You'll pass many old farmhouses and open fields. The road occasionally tops a small mountaintop and reveals distant views and nearby ridges. There…
This cyclist's dream road connects Robbinsville, North Carolina, with Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It can be desolate at night and extremely dangerous in the winter months. There are no facilities…
This route is located very close to the Smokey Mountain National Park. However, it will offer some of the same breathtaking beauty of the park with out the traffic and congestion. You'll drive in…
