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4.46 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.46
15 Reviews

The Waterfall Byway Along the Cullasaja River Gorge

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

Rider Reviews

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rtcoker
197 McR Points
February 14, 2019
The Cullasaja Gorge is a beautiful ride between…
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WVrider
187 McR Points
July 2, 2014
This is by far the most beautiful portion of…
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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
 

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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.
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Guest
October 1, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Took State Rt. 28 (runs concurrently with 64 in this stretch) from Deal's Gap to Franklin, Franklin to Highlands and beyond to Seneca,SC. Great ride with lots of curves, beautiful scenery, curves, watefalls, great small towns, and more curves. This section through the Cullasaja Gorge is the best part of this great ride. The highlight of a 5 day, 8 state ride!
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Guest
June 27, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This is my husbands favorite road. We always stay in Franklin, NC and ride 64 at least once when we go. My husband drives and I sightsee from the back of the bike. Lots of curves and beautiful water to look at almost all of the way. Numerous places to pull off & you can climb down to the river. They are also constructing a large pull off with picnic tables, ect not far from Highlands. We were there last weekend and it looks like they may have if finished before the end of summer. Nice place for a picnic lunch and lots of good photos. 64 is definitely worth the ride!
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