Overall Route Rating
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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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Guest
October 1, 2010
Took State Rt. 28 (runs concurrently with 64 in…
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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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Akumu
December 31, 2019
3916 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Great twisty road the further south you get, but with the biggest problem being the traffic. There's just a lot to do on this route, I guess. There's lots of recreational area, it's a main artery through the Smokys, and as such count yourself lucky if you do get to 'hit the twisties' at a spirited pace. More than likely you'll have bursts of free time, but be stuck behind a Soccer Mom/Dad or camper etc. That said, it is a pretty road and has great views while you're stuck behind said person. You can see on the map where it gets twisty. It's not really worth much of a damn north of that...
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WingWanders
June 25, 2020
619 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
The scenery is breathtaking and multiple waterfalls on this route. The road is a cyclist dream with twists and turns. Outstanding!
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Mark B.
July 20, 2020
262 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This route is great for the waterfall photo opportunities. Some you can get you bike in and others need a brief hike to enjoy. The road is well know for having sections of it fall off, into the raven that it hugs, so proceed with caution. It is also a busy connector for local traffic so watch for on-coming big rigs.
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