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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Nabubba
March 17, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This is a great ride. I grew up in this area and still live close to it. The Diamondback Loop however contains Highway 80 (Devil's Whip) along with Highway 226A (Diamondback) Highway 226 is not considered part of the loop. It has truck traffic as it is the only way trucks have to get to the Spruce Pine area. It is a great road if you can catch it without trucks...lol
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Roadking27
June 2, 2020
22 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Road was in good condition but they were repaving in front of the Little Switzerland Cafe 6/1/2020.
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MarkAlsip
August 8, 2020
73 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Did this based off a map from Deals Gap resort. We included a stint on the Blueridge Parkway as well. 226a is unbelievable. It is tight and challenging similar to the Tail of the Dragon with next to no traffic on the weekday we went. Maybe better than the Tail in my opinion.
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