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

NC Hwy 261- Roan Mountain Road

Motorcycle Route Author

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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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dragonflyTN
April 25, 2013
Rip roarin' curves and TONS of scenery. When you…
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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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Christopher Kmet
May 23, 2021
327 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Challenge & scenery: what more do you need? Add to your bucket list!
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Akumu
May 30, 2021
3916 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
As of May 2021 this road has marking all over it, on the NC side, though the TN is probably even worse, in that I would imagine they're going to be tearing it down and repaving it in the next year or so. It doesn't really matter to me. This road, despite it's appearances, is more lazy sweepers than twisties, really. It was decent enough, sure, but nothing I'll ever go out of my way for again.
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