Overall Route Rating
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4.52 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.52
30 Reviews

Diamond Back Loop (226 & 226A)

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By WVrider (187 McR Points) on Jan 20, 2012

Rider Reviews

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LifesAcurve
November 11, 2012
Rode the full Diamond Loop (226A 80) yesterday…
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Brian Fistler
93 McR Points
March 7, 2015
Drove this road March 2015. 226A repaving is…
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Written Directions

If you are in the area of Little Switzerland, NC this is a must if you like curves and twisties. Start at Little Switzerland just off the Blue Ridge Parkway or from the intersection of NC-226 and BRP. It is most fun to ride this loop clockwise. From Little Switzerland go left at the stop sign on NC-226A to the intersection of NC-226. Go right for a few miles and take NC-226A to the right. Follow NC-226A back to Little Switzerland. Just a super fun little loop if in the area. They actually sell Diamond Back collectables, shirts, stickers, etc. at the shop in Little Switzerland. Great restaurant and lodging there as well.

Scenery

There are a few beautiful spots along this short route. What is nice is you can do this loop while enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Drive Enjoyment

Lots of twisties all the way around. The roads were super nice. Crazy fun on the sport tourer.

Tourism Opportunities

Little Switzerland has everything but fuel. Fuel can be found nearby off NC-226 just a few miles north of the BRP.
 

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Guest
June 2, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I visited Little Switzerland (home of the Diamondback 226A) on May 29-June 1st 2014.

I can confirm that the tar snakes are 85% gone as they have repaved the entire road. (It is still under construction and probably mid to end of Summer until it is 100% tar snake free).

I enjoyed this road very much, and virtually worry free. (I will be posting Video link soon on this page that shows the fresh new road)

There are some nice steep dipped in corners, and best of all little to no traffic when riding the inside loop.

Not a really hard road but will catch beginners off guard.

I will be visiting again in the Fall when the road is 100% complete.
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Guest
May 29, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
rode this on memorial day weekend. tar snakes crisscrossing road the entire length feel like ice when you hit them, so take it easy. this would be a great road if had new pavement.
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Guest
May 28, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Just visited the Diamondback this past weekend on a beautifully sunny day with perfect weather conditions. This is a fantastic riding road if you're just meandering along. However, I agree with another reviewer about the road patches, specifically on 226A. The asphalt smears cause really unnerving feedback from the front and rear tires. Moderately aggressive cornering made both tires feel like they were covered in oil. If you intend to ride this road aggressively, make sure you take out a hefty life insurance policy... The little cafe in Little Switzerland near the northern end of the loop was INCREDIBLE!
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