Overall Route Rating
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4.5 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.5
29 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Apr 30, 2000

Rider Reviews

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Orange-GTO
2 McR Points
October 30, 2013
We did the portion of this route known as the…
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Guest
June 3, 2013
What a Great road! We were visiting the Blue…
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Written Directions

I usually start my ride out of Marion, NC off of hwy 70. Head west out of Marion and grab hwy 80 going north all the way up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Head north/east on the Blue Ridge Parkway to hwy 226a (Little Switzerland). Head south on 226a until it intersects with 226 and head back north on 226 back up to the parkway. North on the parkway to 221 and where you want to get on 221 heading south and back down to hwy 70/Marion. To get to the suggested starting point in Marion, from Charlotte head north on I-77 to I-40 west. from Ashville, NC take I-40 east into Marion.

Scenery

If you dare to take your eyes off the road you will see some of NC's awesome mountain scenery. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "Taken above the "Cradle of Forestry". Take the Parkway West towards Mt. Pisgah; its the last overlook before you come to highway 276 (which takes you to Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry). Its a beautiful ride, not too difficult."

Drive Enjoyment

There are some steep drops and lots of tight curves. Hwy 80 can be "interesting" if you encounter a log truck. Traffic is generally light and only locals. 80 is on the narrow side, and has a significant grade. Usually the pavement is in decent to good shape (new blacktop summer of 2001). Curves are banked just right. 226a, 226, and 221 are generally a little more traveled by those dreaded 4 wheel cages but also a lot of fun.

Tourism Opportunities

There are several food and fuel establishments in Marion, NC including an ice cream shop at the intersection 80 and 70. Little Switzerland also has food and lodging. There is a country store at the bottom of 226A that serves burgers and dogs and fuel. There are also several food establishments along the parkway in various locations.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Visit North Carolina web site.
 

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Guest
September 23, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This road seperates the bikers from the posers. Beware!! tends to take chrome off the mufflers and my kidneys hurt for a week after my girlfriend finally let go. Don't ride this to prove anything. It's deceptive and unforgiving. Deserves a 10 but I'm always looking for the "next greatest".
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3 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
April 19, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
This road is a great road to ride! I only live less that 5 miles from it and one reason it is one of the last great roads in NC is because there has not been alot of people that knew about it untill the last few years. Now it is getting all this attintion it will be just like the Dragon or 421 in TN. or 181 in NC. It can continue to be a great road to ride as long as everyone comes and rides it and shows this road the respect in deserves because it will Bite, and it will Bite you hard! If you slip up its a long way down the side of the mountain!!!! So come ride and enjoy, but please be carefull!
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2 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
March 29, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I truly think HW80 and 226 are more fun than the dragon. The elevation change is incredible! But seriously be careful, there is no room for error on this ride. With rock walls on your right and blind right turns, you should be ever vigilant for those 1000 foot drops and trucks not in their lanes!
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2 riders found this road review useful