Best Motorcycle Roads & Destinations in North Carolina, United States

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Best Roads and Destinations in North Carolina

2.1 The Hellbender - NC 28
2.2 Diamondback Loop
2.3 The Copperhead Loop
2.4 High Heaven Ride
2.5 Cherohala Skyway
2.6 Brevard to Bryson City
2.7 Lake Toxaway Loop
2.8 The Rattler
2.9 Grandfather Mountain Ride
2.10 Route 9 - Black MountainTo Bat Cave

3. Motorcycle Laws in North Carolina

3.1 North Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Laws
3.2 North Carolina Motorcycle Passenger Laws
3.3 North Carolina Motorcycle Equipment Requirements
3.4 North Carolina Lane Splitting Laws

4. Motorcycle Luggage for North Carolina Motorcycle Tour
5. Parting Words

1. Introduction

If you decide to have your motorcycle trip in North Carolina or “the Old North State,” you made an excellent choice. North Carolina is renowned for having no shortage of lovely and exciting motorcycle roads that span for dozens or hundreds of miles. Many of the routes will cut through marshes, swamplands, rolling hills, and mountainous areas. If you are an experienced motorcyclist, you may be familiar with many notable motorcycle routes exclusive to North Carolina including Cherohala Skyway, Copperhead Loop, etc.

This article will give you a preview of North Carolina’s prominent motorcycle roads and destinations along with supplementary information on this state’s motorcycle laws and possible luggage options.

2. Best Roads and Destinations in North Carolina

2.1 The Hellbender - NC 28

Distance: 22 miles
Time: 36 minutes
Start: Stecoah
End: Tapoco

Setting out from Stecoah, you will follow along the sweeping curves and sudden drop-offs that make up the Fontana Road. As you slowly swerve in a northwest direction, you will soon find yourself traveling beside Fontana Lake. Along the way, you can stop by Moonshine Run Campground and Cable Cove Campground or get a look at Firescald Ridge, Williams Cove, and Bee Cove.

When you arrive at Fontana Dam, you will have reached the halfway point of this route. You will also have gotten closer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You can head over to the Lewellyn Cove Trailhead or go over to Brooks Cove just outside the town. This is an ideal rest stop since this town has restaurants, supply stores, and a resort to help you unwind before resuming your trip.

As you head westward, you will travel alongside Cheoah Lake for the remaining duration of the trip. When going around a bend, you will get close to the Twenty Mile Trailhead if you are interested in hiking. Nearing the end, you will transition onto Tapoco Road. Just in the distance, you should be able to make out the start of the Tail of the Dragon and the Deal’s Gap.

2.2 Diamondback Loop

Distance: 16 miles
Time: 33 minutes
Start: Little Switzerland
End: Little Switzerland

While you are still in Little Switzerland, you should check out the shops to see if there are any Diamondback collectibles, memorabilia, or souvenirs you would like to purchase. As you head southwest on the NC-226A, you will find that the road is characterized by sudden drop-offs and quick, tight hairpin curves.

As you curve around the western section of the Diamondback Loop, you will find the highlight to be the erratic twists and turns cutting through the mountainous forests. Since the direction and length of the twisting road constantly changes, it makes for a welcome challenge for experienced riders.

The southern and western sections of the Diamondback Loop should be uneventful and easy to navigate. Aside from the small creeks you cross over and the dense rows of trees you pass by, there is not much to see beside the natural scenery.

Approaching the home stretch as you traverse the northern section of the Diamond Loop, you can visit the exhibits at the Museum of North Carolina Minerals. You can also make out Blue Ridge Parkway just north of your current route.

2.3 The Copperhead Loop

Distance: 78 miles
Time: 2 hours 13 minutes
Start: Brevard
End: Brevard

While you are still in Brevard, you can take a quick breather at Franklin Park, Silverstein Park, or Bracken Preserve before you head out on your motorcycle. After leaving the city behind, you will come across Pisgah National Forest. You can get a better look at the natural scenery if you head up to Art Loeb Trailhead.

Continuing northward on the right side of the loop, you will pass by many examples of natural scenery including Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Justus Cove, Pisgah Ridge, Bullpen Cove, etc. Before you transition onto the northern section of the loop, you will follow alongside the Pigeon River.

Looping back southward towards Brevard, you will get to check out even more of North Carolina’s natural beauty including Lake Logan, Hickory Flat Cove, Sunburst Rocks, Little Bird Falls, Sunburst Falls, Courthouse Falls, etc. Though this road is a challenge for even the most experienced riders due to the technical curves, there are instances of relaxing sweeping turns and sudden changes in elevation.

2.4 High Heaven Ride

Distance: 19 miles
Time: 36 minutes
Start: Highlands
End: Franklin

Starting out in Highlands, you can enjoy the calm atmosphere of the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Or you can walk above the waterfall tumbling into the Mill Creek at the Highlands NC Greenway.

Continuing onto U.S. Highway 64 then transitioning to Franklin Road, you will ride close to Lake Sequoyah and get to feel the spray from Sequoyah Falls. Curving around the length of Cullasaja River, you will then get close to Bridal Veil Falls.

As you continue on towards Cullasaja, you will get the opportunity to explore natural sites and hiking trails including Bust Your Butt Falls, Cullasaja Goldmine Road, and Cullasaja Falls. This road has lots of twists and sharp curves yet manages to remain on relatively level ground.

2.5 Cherohala Skyway

Distance: 51 miles
Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Start: Robbinsville, NC
End: Tellico Plains, TN

If you choose to explore Robbinsville before heading out, you can spend time at Graham County Park or take a short walk up Junaluska Memorial and Medicine Trail. Heading westward, you will curve around and cross over the fingers extended from Santeetlah Lake.

You continue to head deeper into the Nantahala National Forest which takes you to natural sites and hiking trails such as Spirit Ridge, Huckleberry Knob, and Benton MacKaye Trail.

After you pass the North Carolina-Tennessee border, you will enter the northern region of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Because the road is full of twisties and sweeping curves that can reach up to elevations of 5,400 feet high, it is recommended that you be mindful of your speed.

Heading towards Tellico Plains, you will pass by the Falls Branch Scenic Area and Cherokee Wildlife Management Area. You can also admire Tennessee’s environment by going to Grassy Gap Trailhead, Turkey Creek Overlook, Tellico River Gorge, and Wildcat Falls.

2.6 Brevard to Bryson City

Distance: 147 miles
Time: 4 hours
Start: Brevard
End: Bryson City

Passing through the Nantahala National Forest, this is a roundabout way to get between Brevard and Bryson City resembling a poorly drawn backwards “S.” Heading out westward on U.S. Highway 64, you will pass by Gorges State Park, Hogback Lake, and Fairfield Lake.

As you go around the first curve of the “S,” you will be able to check out the minerals and goods at Jackson Hole Gem Mine. Afterwards, as you head to the middle of the route, you will get to explore the wilderness at the Pines Recreation Area, High Falls, and Upper Sols Creek Falls.

After clearing the second curve of the “S,” you will find the rest of the route is dotted with lookout points to give you a better view of the surrounding landscape. Following one after another, you can head up to Rough Butt Bald Overlook, Roy Taylor Forest Overlook, Thunderstruck Ridge Overlook, etc.

2.7 Lake Toxaway Loop

Distance: 51 miles
Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Start: Lake Toxaway
End: Lake Toxaway

As you hang around the coast of Lake Toxaway, you have the chance to snap pictures of Toxaway Falls and take a gander around Lake Toxaway Nature Park. As you head up north on NC-281 to enter the loop, you will pass by Marshall Falls and Sowell Falls.

Upon entering the loop, your first destination will be Wolf Mountain which is in the vicinity of Tanasee Creek Lake. Heading northwest towards the left side of the loop, you will travel in between Wolf Creek Lake and Paradise Falls. Continuing to ride on Canada Road, you will swerve by Little Canada Recreation Park.

Curving along the northern and eastern sections of the Lake Toxaway Loop, you will find the most enjoyment focusing your attention on the constant twists and turns rather than keeping an eye out on the natural scenery. You should be careful of any gravel on the road and sharp technical turns that force you to stay low to the ground.

2.8 The Rattler

Distance: 26 miles
Time: 46 minutes
Start: Fines Creek
End: Hot Springs

If you happen to be visiting Fines Creek during the fall, you can test your courage by wandering inside the Haunted School. For the first half of your journey, you will skirt around the east side of Harmon Den Wildlife Management Area. This will take you close to Bill Cove, Liner Cove, Turkey Cove, and Betsy Gap.

Before you enter Pisgah National Forest, your surroundings will be sprawling farmlands with old barns, farm buildings, and fields full of hay or corn. After passing the small communities of Luck and Trust, you will find a small establishment called the Rattlers Den at the halfway point. A popular rest stop for motorcyclists, you will be able to catch a quick meal and take a break from the road.

As you continue your journey north toward Hot Springs, you can try out target practice by shooting at the Fowler Farms Sporting Clays. You can explore the natural scenery at the Pisgah National Forest, Rocky Bluffs. When you are about to enter Hot Springs, you can take a short trek by heading up the Appalachian Trailhead, South Hot Springs.

2.9 Grandfather Mountain Ride

Distance: 16 miles
Time: 32 minutes
Start: Blowing Rock
End: Grandfather Mountain State Park

Your starting point is named after the rock formation that has nice views of the nearby peaks, forests, and the Johns River Gorge. Within the vicinity of the village are the Bass Lake Trail and Glen Burney Falls Trail which are ideal paths to stretch your legs. You can also check out the exhibits at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.

As you travel on the Blowing Rock Highway, you will encounter many of the region’s natural scenery including Green Mountain Creek Falls and Beacon Heights Overlook Trail. This route runs parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway if you wish to take an alternate route or wish to get closer to other roadside attractions.

Upon finally making it to Grandfather Mountain State Park, you can test your courage by walking across the precarious-looking swinging suspension bridge. Because of the height and length you have to cross, you should avoid this if you have a fear of heights.

2.10 Route 9 - Black MountainTo Bat Cave

Distance: 17 miles
Time: 28 minutes
Start: Black Mountain
End: Bat Cave

When you start out in Black Mountain, you can explore the shopping center of the town by going to the Black Mountain Town Square. If you wish to see greenery without having to drive towards the wilderness, you can head to either Lake Tomahawk Park or Veterans Park.

As you ride southward, you will climb up the mountainous areas that are close to the Eastern Continental Divide which should give you a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Foothills. Leaving the rougher terrain behind, you will pass through lush hardwood forests and a deep valley.

Continuing on your way to Bat Cave, most of your surroundings will be sprawling fields, old farm buildings, and streams coming from the mountains. As the road begins to flatten out, it should still keep you engaged due to the many twists, turns, and switchbacks.

3. Motorcycle Laws in North Carolina

3.1 North Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Laws

North Carolina is part of the collection of states that have a universal motorcycle helmet policy. This requires motorcyclists of all ages to wear a motorcycle helmet whenever they are riding their vehicles.

Your motorcycle helmet must have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, has been manufactured by the Snell Memorial Foundation, and is built with visibility and protection in mind. The two types of helmets that fit these criteria would be three-quarter and full-face helmets.

As you select your motorcycle helmet, check that they meet the following requirements and are designed with the proper features:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker
Can be fitted around your head snugly
No visible signs of damage
Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)
Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter only)
Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant
Gives you a clear, peripheral view
Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap
Allows airflow without fogging up
Can allow you to wear sunglasses or goggles underneath

3.2 North Carolina Motorcycle Passenger Laws

North Carolina does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. All motorcycle passengers must always have protective gear on while they are seated behind you.

It is only legal to transport a passenger on your motorcycle if it is fitted with the following equipment: a designated passenger seat and foot pegs.

The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.

Characteristics to look for in potential passengers are individuals who listen to directions, follow your movements, cannot be carrying packages in their arms, are wearing protective attire, and can reach the footrests.

3.3 North Carolina Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Rather than wait to conduct your yearly safety and equipment inspection of your motorcycle until the last minute, try to make it a habit to carefully examine the condition of your ride every time before you embark on a trip. It would be best to take care of any problems with the primary components while you are still parked in your garage. You will find it easier to provide maintenance when you are closer to home rather than stuck on the side of the road.

You need the following minimum requirements fitted to your motorcycle for the vehicle to meet the safety requirements in North Carolina. They must be working at optimal capacity to help you quickly avoid obstacles, improve your visibility to other drivers, and increase awareness of your surroundings:

Horn
Wheels
Tires
Handlebars
Front and Rear Brakes
Controls
Headlight
Taillight
Break Light
Exhaust system
Muffler
Rearview mirrors

3.4 North Carolina Lane Splitting Laws

In North Carolina, motorcyclists are forbidden from attempting any forms of lane splitting. You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines in between traffic lanes, ride in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, nor attempt to overtake a larger vehicle in front of you while both of you are traveling in the same lane.

On the other hand, you are entitled to make full use of the whole space within the lane you are currently traveling in. You also can lane share with another rider so long as both of you stay apart at least two abreast and consent to this beforehand.

4. Motorcycle Luggage for North Carolina Motorcycle Tour

Even if you hope to spend the majority of your North Carolina motorcycle trip cruising down the endless road, you will realistically have to make a lot of stops along the way. You might want to walk on hiking trails, fill up your motorcycle’s gas tank back to full, or just take pictures of the local roadside attractions. To take full advantage of these situations, you will need access to your belongings such as camping gear, wallet, or phone/camera.

Listed below are the Motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diverse choices:

5. Parting Words

North Carolina is considered a favorite among motorcyclists due to the state having lots of natural areas you can explore, roadside attractions you can admire, and smoothly paved roads you can travel on. You may feel inclined to only navigate and visit the more well-known motorcycle roads and destinations in North Carolina. Or you may want to explore as many locations in North Carolina as possible within only a few hours within a single day.

Regardless of what you would like to accomplish on your motorcycle trip through North Carolina, do not feel the need to rush and figure out the details of your excursion carefully. The point of a motorcycle trip is to enjoy spending time with your vehicle and test the capabilities of your current riding skills. Make sure you plan out a route that you are confident you can handle, pull over to see the sights that pique your interests, and be flexible on when and where you should take breaks.

Remember to act responsibly as you operate your motorcycle and remember to make the most of your experience as you set out on a North Carolina motorcycle trip.