Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4.46 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.46
15 Reviews

The Waterfall Byway Along the Cullasaja River Gorge

Motorcycle Route Author

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

Rider Reviews

See All Rider Reviews
rtcoker
197 McR Points
February 14, 2019
The Cullasaja Gorge is a beautiful ride between…
Read More
Thumbsup
No Image Found
Guest
May 21, 2012
Even in the rain it's a great road, the…
Read More
Thumbsup

Written Directions

Keep in mind that the entire area surrounding this road is a motorcyclist's paradise. Once you try this road, you'll easily find more unbelievable motorcycle roads in the area. Start your run in the town of Franklin North Carolina (its in the far west southern corner of North Carolina ... about 25 miles south of The Great Smokey Mountains National Park). Take 64 south from Franklin all the way down to the town of Highlands (just north of the Georgia/North Carolina border). YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS ROAD!!!

Scenery

This road is a short but sweet 19 mile path through the great Smokey Mountains. Along this road you will see a beautiful river gorge that has carved its way through some of the Smokey Mountains. The road passes by and through over ten beautiful waterfalls and is the reason it is known as the 'Waterfall Byway'. You'll be able to see the Cullasaja Falls that dive over 300 feet in elevation along about a half of a mile of river. It gives you a great view of the Cullasaja River and its gorge, Lake Sequoyah and as the huge Smokey Mountains.

Drive Enjoyment

The motorcycle road qualities of this road are fantastic. It starts out pretty tame as it passes through some gentile rolling farm country but after a few miles it starts climbing into Higdon Mountain. The road parallels the path of the Cullasaja Gorge. As the road slithers around the mountains, it becomes more narrow and curving. However, keep in mind that, for those who like to have the road all to yourself, unfortunately crowds can be a problem in this popular North Carolina resort area.

Tourism Opportunities

The town of Franklin calls itself the 'Gem Capital of the World' because of the local ruby, garnet and sapphire mines. The highlight of this road is Dry Falls. Here you can take a trail UNDER THE 75 FOOT WATERFALL. At Bridal Veil Falls dive 120 feet. Recently US 64 has been developed and rerouted to go around the falls. Yet a portion of the older US 64 remains and still travels under the falls themselves. The road ends in the town of Highlands North Carolina. This is the highest town in North Carolina sitting at 4,118 ft. It is has extremely lush and green surroundings due to the fact that it is also North Carolina's wettest town. In Highlands you will find tons of B&Bs, shops, and art galleries as well as restaurants. This town is a popular tourism center.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Visit North Carolina web site. ?1999-2007 MotorcycleRoads.com
 

Top Images

View All Add Photo Add Video
Share Your Comments ( 15 )
  Earn McR Points
Write a review
rtcoker
February 14, 2019
197 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
The Cullasaja Gorge is a beautiful ride between Franklin, NC and Highlands, NC. The road is very twisty and on a week day can be a fun ride. It can be VERY crowded, especially on weekends. The gorge and waterfalls are spectacular. there are a few places to pull over and take photos. But that is the danger. Many cars park and kids running around, into the roadway. This road was repaved in 2015 or 16 and is very nice now. Highlands is a great little town to stop and eat lunch. Buck's coffee is my favorite spot for great coffee and sandwichs.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
3 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
Guest
May 21, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Even in the rain it's a great road, the waterfalls were beautiful! Highlands Smokehouse for lunch... and then you twist a little, squiggle a little, and curve, curve, curve some more!
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
2 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
Guest
April 27, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Yes! Great Rd. Rode w/ my 17 Y.O. daughter (beginner - she loved it) We went from Highlands to Franklin which is down. The dry falls area has been improved. Good eats in Highlands at Pescado's or get a big burger at the market. Blue Ridge Roadhouse ( I think) is the place in Franklin. LoneStar style w/ friendly staff and good food. Can't seem to add pix at this time.
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
2 riders found this road review useful