Overall Route Rating
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4.18 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.18
17 Reviews

NC Hwy 261- Roan Mountain Road

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By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 17, 2011

Rider Reviews

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Shemp
August 2, 2015
shhhhh! Don't tell anyone! The roads of WNC in…
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Miss_Mo
6 McR Points
July 25, 2017
Did this route as part of a ride from Roan…
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Written Directions

The road is very curvy going up and back down. Many switch backs and very few straights. You can stat this ride in Bakersville, NC and you will end up in Roan Mountain, TN. Or you can start it in TN and come over to NC. Great rode and very few cars. Great ride in the late spring and early fall.

Scenery

Fantastic views from the overlook at the top of Roan Mountain at the NC-TN line.

Drive Enjoyment

Road has many curves and very few cars. You basically climb Roan Mountain on one side and back down the other.

Tourism Opportunities

For the most part, nothing on the mountain except an overlook and hiking area. But at the bottom of either side you have Bakersville on the NC side and Roan Mountain on the TN side. Bakersville is a very nice little town with a restaurant/coffee shop, Helen's, and antique shop. You are not far from Elizbethton and Johnson City on the TN side.
 

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dragonflyTN
April 25, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Rip roarin' curves and TONS of scenery. When you get to the top of Roane, there is a pullout, which is a good place to take pics.
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5 riders found this road review useful
Steve Anderjack
May 6, 2019
54 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Rode from TN to NC. Made the mistake of trying to follow GPS. When I turned south on 143, the GPS had me take a left and we went off into some back roads that turned into DRIVEWAYS! Stay on 143 and enjoy the ride to Bakersville. At Bakersville, turn left at stop sign before the traffic light and eat at Helen's Restaurant. Plenty of parking and lunch specials. You won't go hungry if you eat there. Great road with lots of turns and hills with no traffic. Can't wait to ride it again!
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4 riders found this road review useful
ThomSS
October 30, 2019
3743 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
Very nice leisurely ride! We started in Tennessee and rode south. Bet this is beautiful ride in the fall.
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2 riders found this road review useful