DuPont State Forest Waterfall & Hiking Guide - RomanticAsheville.com Read More: 25+ Beautiful Waterfalls near Brevard (Within 1 Hour). Touradozen roadside waterfalls on thisscenic day ride. The byway is really a great scenic drive, and one of our favorites that we have done many times. The sprawling lake is framed by trees, miles of shoreline, and towering mountains. And, to help prepare you for the journey check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide! Riders will enjoy an awesome road experience through dense, forested mountains with sweeping curves and drop offs along Fontana Lake. Map of Waterfalls in Western NC (50+ of the Best Listed!) Once you hit Lake Lure, the road becomes very twisty almost all the way to Asheville. Law Tigers does not endorse specific lawyers or function as a referral service. The North Carolina Department of Transportation designated this scenic road because of the 200-plus waterfalls along that surround it. Little traveled and tucked away from more famous nearby routes, Wayah Road offers technical switchbacks and flowing S-curves through the wilderness. Because its the longest road from east to west in North Carolina, US-64 is responsible for the saying from Murphy and Manteo.. For more information about hours, seasons, and lifeguard times, visit the. } ); Cross the dam at Wolf Creek Lake, then navigate a succession of sweeping downhill curves on the road to Tuckasegee. This weekend family trip includes just 31 miles of driving over three days to some terrific North Carolina swimming holes. Referred to by locals as "The Rattler", this great North Carolina motorcycle road features many challenging twisties, high-speed sweepers and long straightaways across valley floors. Be careful when pulling over because oncoming traffic does not slow down! There are countless scenic highways in North Carolina, including a 98-mile stretch of roadway that is surrounded by 200 waterfalls in the western part of the state. } The route stretches across the five western most counties in the state including Transylvania County, locally called the "Land of Waterfalls" because, well, you can figure out why when you get there. Experience this 2.4-mile loop trail near Bryson City, North Carolina. Large waterfalls attract the crowds, but smaller cascades and falls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Choose from a single-family home that can accommodate a group of riders, a cozy mountain cabin big enough for one or two people, or anything in between. This trail that takes you by three waterfalls sits just a few miles north of Bryson City, one of our favorite mountain towns. Waterfalls, rugged mountain scenes, stunning long range views, and whitewater rivers. The Waterfall Loop Horseback Riding | North Carolina - TRAILSOURCE.COM } Cruise down the open road and enjoy the sweeping curves and twists and turns that only come with the mountains. Doing these things around sunrise and sunset will help you save some time in the morning and night so youre not riding into the sun. In addition to those waterfalls, this Byway takes you through Nantahala National Forest, some of the best mountain towns, and more attractions. * Law Tigers is a national association of independent law firms in various states that represent motorcycle riders. Schoolhouse Falls (1.25 miles from the trailhead): The valley holds about 30 miles of well-connected trails and of the waterfalls . Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead, Blue Rdg Pkwy, Canton, NC 28716, USA, Davidson River Campground Drive, Davidson Riv Campground Dr, North Carolina 28768, USA. Just outside Brasstown is the John C. Campbell Folk School, a cool place for visitors to learn the arts, music, dance, and trades like pottery and weaving. After turning left on NC-107, youll see a gas station, which is a good spot for a short break and fuel-up. Tour the Wild Dam Waterfall Loop in North Carolina - Law Tigers Sliding Rock, Highway 276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, USA. There are many overlooks to pull over and take in all the beauty, so allot plenty of time for this great motorcycle ride in North Carolina. Last updated: October 7, 2019 Cookies help us deliver our services. Rainbow Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina. Wanted to post some pictures of a great ride we went on about a month back. Look out for wildlife, especially during dusk and dawn. He is also an avid hiker, photographer, and videographer. Consider all the many fall day trip options when the leaves begin to change. @media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 979px) { Tom Branch Photo by Cathy Scola / Getty Images From the Deep Creek Trailhead, continue approximately 1,000 feet along the trail to reach our second waterfall of the day. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} You'll see old farms, rock bed rivers and scenic mountain overlooks. 100+ Great roads surrounding the Smoky Mountains, Full Southeast Package, motorcycle maps, motorcycle touring, touring the blue ridge, ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, best motorcycle rides, Motorcycle Rides surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park maps, motorcycle smoky mountains, great rides near Great Smoky Mountains, Best motorcycle rides, The unpaved roads in and surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Head out on this 2.6-mile loop trail near Little Switzerland, North Carolina. Bust Your Butt Falls, formally known as Quarry Falls, is a waterfall and very popular swimming hole located on the Cullasaja River near Highlands, North Carolina. C. 215 may be a bit of a challenging climb to reach the highest part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but the views are worth it. The only downside is the traffic. Franklin NC, is a charming town located in the southwestern part of the state. Pine Creek Road eventually becomes Walnut Creek Road before descending in a series of curves until it meets US-64. This loop ride is very popular, so consider getting an early start to beat the crowd. Youll get to a stop sign for Old Murphy Road and youll want to turn left. Like Bridal Veil Falls, Bust Your Butt Falls is also visible from the road and theres space for you to pull over to make the short walk over. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Waterfall loop ride in North Carolina - Polaris Slingshot Forum Ride through a long passing lane then hook around a curve. Deep Creek Trail: How to See 3 Awesome Waterfalls in 1 Hike - NC Tripping To reach these waterfalls, though, youll actually leave Gorges State Park and enter Pisgah National Forest. US Route 64 (US-64) runs east to west for 2,326 miles from Nags Head in the Outer Banks to its western terminus in Northeast Arizona. Along with multiple vistas and overlooks, the Skyway provides easy access to various protected and recreational areas to stop and stretch your legs. The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum is a must-visit for those interested in geology and gemology. Follow US 441 south to Franklin, then US 64 / NC 28 to Highlands. Hike Three Waterfalls Loop, Bryson City, North Carolina - The Outbound May 19, 2013 - Scenic waterfalls from Highland, NC to Tallulah Rd (hwy 129) From here you can proceed to Deals Gap on hwy 129. You can park here, and carefully cross the road to see the falls. There's also quite a bit of elevation on this route, you'll climb way up and then drop back down when you get close to Asheville. Directions Print/PDF map Length 11.2 miElevation gain 1,148 ftRoute type Loop Try this 11.2-mile loop trail near Penrose, North Carolina. Roads are not maintained in the winter, so it's a good idea to check ahead of time for road closure information. Brasstown is an unincorporated community that sits between Clay and Cherokee County. This is one of the great motorcycle rides in North Carolina because it gives you a taste of one of the most beautiful parts of the state. This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You North Carolina Like Youve Never Seen It Before, North Carolinas Scenic Waterfall Loop Will Take You To 11 Different Waterfalls, Take A 98-Mile Drive On The North Carolina Waterfall Scenic Byway And Pass Scores Of Waterfalls, The Ultimate North Carolina Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 8 Scenic Spots In The State, Cool Off This Summer With A Visit To These 7 North Carolina Waterfalls, It Just Isnt Summer In North Carolina Until You Visit The Bust Your Butt Falls Swimming Hole, Take A Ride Down A Waterfall Sliding Board In The Pisgah National Forest In North Carolina, Hike Less Than Half A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In North Carolina, Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide. And, each season offers something truly unique. Here are some steps to navigating one of the great motorcycle rides in North Carolina: The Tail of the Dragon is also known as the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap or The Dragon. CONTACT. .There's an unpaved pull off, a sign and a plaque here and it does make a nice place for a stop on your motorcycle ride. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Dry Falls is probably one of the best family-friendly hikes in the area and along the North Carolina Waterfall Byway. Read More: How to Enjoy Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort (15 Tips). There are lifeguards on-site seven days a week during the busy season. The NC Waterfall Byway starts from the east in the Transylvania County town of Rosman. Follow Pine Creek Road as it crosses the dam at Thorpe Reservoir and twists around the lake, then turn right to remain on Pine Creek Road when it reaches North Norton Road. This will bring you into Franklin. The Santeetlah Overlook is a must stop for anyone wanting the complete experience. It follows the bank of the river as it cascades down the slope from the lake above, crossing it on narrow bridges a few times. Beyond the waterfalls themselves, the drive offers an opportunity to connect with nature. Well put you in touch with one of our experienced motorcycle attorneys who can explain your rights and recommend the next steps. Motorcycle Rides in North Carolina. While youre in the area, be sure to check out the quaint mountain town of Brevard, a Land of Waterfalls base camp of sorts, where you can enjoy everything from boutiques and bistros to music festivals. document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Law Tigers is a qualifying provider service in Florida. The biggest downside to this road is the popularity (there will be traffic on most days), but if you can catch this ride on a less busy day, there's lots of beautiful scenery and sweeping curves.CLICK FOR MAP LINK, For an excellent road with minimal traffic, check out US-74 Alt, just off Hwy 40 in the Black Mountain, NC area. Thats all there is to it take this short, 31-mile road trip to three waterfall swimming holes in North Carolina this summer, and watch some wonderful new memories unfold before your eyes. Bring the camera! You must be a member of this group to post comments. We hope you get to explore our slice of rustic paradise. 33 Distance: 165 miles Ride Time: All day ride Start: Maggie Valley Photo ( 52438)) Soco Falls Ride: Maggie Valley to Franklin Follow US 19 - Soco Road west and climb to Soco Gap. Past results are not guaranteed of future outcomes, every case is different. Follow US 19 west to 441 at Cherokee. We do! The road here will narrow significantly, and cling to steep cliffs that form the gorge. It also highlights up to four waterfalls if you take the optional hike: Wintergreen Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, High Falls, and Triple Falls. Hike Distance: 2.5 miles roundtrip Crabtree Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Carolina, especially along the Blue Ridge Parkway (MP 339). Even experienced riders will enjoy the challenging technical curves this loop provides, but there's also easy-going sweeping turns and some rapid elevation changes. Is it a waterfall? 23/441 South for 7.5 miles to Cartoogechaye, then another 4 miles to Winding Stair Gap, one of the earliest western passages along the famous Appalachian Trail. Cherokee is a great place to stop to get to know the Cherokee Indian heritage and history. The Folk School was founded in 1925 as a way to maintain and teach about the folk arts and culture of the Appalachian Mountains. Smoky Mountains Motorcycle Trip - Land of the Waterfalls Loop bottom: 80px; /* 80px from the bottom of your screen */ The Waterfall Byway follows Highway 64 from Rosman, NC to Murphy, NC, and takes you through Transylvania County, more commonly called "The Land of Waterfalls". Four miles west of Highlands is Dry Falls, a 75-foot roadside waterfall that can be easily seen from the roadside observatory. Look out for other overlooks along this part of the ride, too. |. The Tail of the Dragon introduces you to the part of North Carolina near the Smoky Mountains, but there is so much more to discover. Start the loop by getting yourself and your bike to Pisgah Forest, NC. On the east coast, riders can check out the small fishing villages, pristine beaches, and lighthouses along the Atlantic Ocean. It's about a two hour ride to get there for us but it was worth it. } ); As we ride west out of Cherokee, NC along the river on US Hwy 19 we pass Bryson City, the home of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Youll cruse along the top of the mountain then back down a long stretch of road through the national forest. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. In the past you could drive under this waterfall, but it is now closed to cars and motorcycles due to storm damage. Learn More. This is the only trek along the waterfall loop that has a moderate incline. Continue east on US 64, detour south of Brevard then onto US 276 to the Blue Ridge Parkway (3 more) Ride the Parkway to NC 215 then follow it back to US 276 and into Maggie Valley. Hwy 64 that not only immerses you in the beauty of North Carolina's mountains, but allows you explore some of the best waterfalls in western NC as well! Shiner's Run is the stretch of North Carolina State Road 209 that starts at I-40 and goes north for 33 miles before ending in Hot Springs, NC. Twin Falls, as the name suggests, features two beautiful falls. While viewing the falls, watch for Falcons that inhabit this area. The drive along Highway 64 provides scenic views, waterfalls, and visits to some popular and unique small towns in Western NC. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 21 min to complete. Driving the Highway 64 Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive can be a very memorable experience, showcasing the beauty of North Carolina's waterfalls and landscapes. Overall, The Waterfall Loop is the 3rd most popular horse trail of all 10 horseback rides in North Carolina. Highway 64 NC Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive - Blue Ridge Mountain Life If youre feeling up for more of the same kind of fun, plan another weekend at another waterfall swimming at Hunt Fish Falls, which is also one of our favorite North Carolina swimming holes. Highlands is a neat town, plan to spend some time here shopping and looking around. Kids and adults alike will have lots of fun here, as its a natural slide with a swimming hole. Now that you know more about some of the great motorcycle rides in North Carolina, you can start planning your next epic adventure on two wheels. The road gets tight again along the shoreline of the lake, then climbs a bit more to reach the gentle run across the high stretches of Wayah Bald. Highway 64 Scenic Waterfalls Byway - RomanticAsheville.com Watch out for the sign marking the start of a series of challenging curves. It also doesnt have any intersecting roads to break up travel. If you start or end here, youre in for some of the best scenic rides in North Carolina. Turn right onto State Route 1536 (Cascade Road) and travel 2.5 miles to State Route 1591 (Duponte Road). $( document.body ).append( '' ); Wild Dam Waterfall Loop in North Carolina: Directions and Itinerary ), 25 of the Most Amazing Winter Hikes in North Carolina, 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes! The Jackson County town of Cashiers is an inviting mountain town with lots to see and do! Brevard is just an easier starting point for us from Waynesville NC and for those starting from Asheville NC. Motorcyclists will appreciate the western region of the state with the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. After about Go 7 miles, you'll cross the Toxaway River and the first waterfall, Toxaway Falls. There are 4 falls along road. They even have waterfalls, which we think makes them some of the best swimming holes in North Carolina. US-64 will pass through the Gorge and one of the most dramatic sections of road in all of NC. Other falls of note in the area include a favorite swimming spot, Moore Cove Falls, which spills over a tremendous granite shelf, creating a falls you can walk behind. This is one of the prettiest parts of the Land of the Waterfalls Loop Ride. formId: "b7367022-d84d-470c-ad20-9f3a9fb06df2" On NC-281, you enjoy a series of sweeping downhill turns as you roll down to Tuckaseege. Follow the signs for N.C. 28 and turn right. }); Some of the great motorcycles rides in North Carolina include: Keep reading to learn about the best motorcycle rides in the country, all of the great motorcycle rides in North Carolina, where to stay, tips for riding long distances on a motorcycle, and more. Read More: Bear Lake Reserve (Everything You Need to Know about this NC Mountains Getaway). To use the slide, visitors must be able to swim. ), Fontana Dam (How to See NCs Tallest Dam in Person! You want to feel good and energized so you can be fully present and enjoy every minute of your adventure. If you do, stay at The Old Edwards Inn and thank us later! If you want to hit a spot the locals love, don't pass up the chance to slip down the falls at Sliding Rock in North Carolina. See why the Copperhead is Beauty With An Attitude!". /***Underline Links***/ Its been a summer vacation destination for centuries because of its climate, scenery and sense of community. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } Along with his wife Jenn, they combined these passions to create Blue Ridge Mountain Life, a travel guide to these stunning mountains they are fortunate to call home. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Blue Ridge Mountains Discover the Beauty, Wheelchair/Disabled Accessible Waterfalls, Highway 64 NC Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive. Maps of Great Motorcycle Rides in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Go by Cherokee and into Bryson City, home of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Of course, we think you can easily spend a day, weekend, or week exploring Highlands charming downtown. Thank you! "pluginVersion": "3.0.27" Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. Of course, there are so many wonderful things to do in North Carolina. US-64 will take you on the most scenic leg of the loop through the Cullasaja River Gorge. If you're traveling by motorcycle, don't forget your helmetthey're required for both drivers and passengers in North Carolina and Tennessee. Read More: All North Carolina State Parks Sites (and Things to Do in Each One!). You will receive your first newsletter soon. "source": "woocommerce", At Law Tigers, were a national network of lawyers who ride and provide legal help to riders. 5. We appreciate it. About 10 miles farther down, youll cross the dam below Lake Toxaway. Its usually pretty quiet, but it gets busy on hot summer days as people come for the cool water. There are many fatalities on this road, so even the most experienced riders will want to navigate this route with caution and focus. Western North Carolina is in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau region is home to some serious mountain views and one of the only temperate rainforests in the U.S. There are lots of restaurant options, shopping, and out door activities. Highlands to Cashiers on US 64 then loop south on 107 / 281 to see 2 more. } To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. For those seeking entertainment and excitement, Murphy is home to Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino. Enjoy the experience of riding one of the best motorcycle rides in NC! Get ready to embark on an, Waynesvilles Sizzlin Summer Photo Challenge. In this guide, well cover 15 stops along the NC Waterfall Byway, from east to west, that you should explore on your next road trip. You'll find it located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 316.4. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 23 min to complete. In the winter, consider day trips to places like Shoji Spa and Lodge in Asheville or Beech Mountain, known as the snowiest town in the state. Theres nothing separating you from your surroundings. The Blue Ridge Parkway spans from Virginia to North Carolina. NC-64 is a beautiful scenic ride through the Cullasaja River Gorge with a few waterfalls to stop by and check out. Next, youll get on the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway until you get to the exit for Alarka Road. .site-header .header-image { At the top of the climb, the road relaxes and rolls across the heights of the mountain passing through the small community near the lake. The road will curve sharply here before the parking space for Cullasaja Falls, so be careful and prepared for that. ), 50+ Bands from North Carolina That You Can Listen to Right Now, NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes (30 of the Best Trails! Land of Waterfalls: 250+ Cascades Near Brevard - Visit North Carolina Our friends at Nurture & Nature Glamping are also here if you're looking for a cool place to stay while visiting. This will help reduce wind noise and make your ride a little easier and more comfortable. Here's the full walkthrough of the Waterfall Byway Scenic Drive along North Carolina's famous Highway 64: You drive along Highway 64 NC begins in the small mountain town of Rosman NC, where you'll pick up Highway 64 and head west. While many riders come to this part of the state to ride the legendary Tail of the Dragon, many actually find this road to be more enjoyable. (Photos: flickr.com / 600riders.com)CLICK FOR MAP LINK, US-276, NC-215, US-64DISTANCE: 75 milesTIME: 2 hours, Much of this North Carolina motorcycle ride follows the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway through the Pisgah National Forest, and is a perfect combination of everything riders would want - uphill/downhill, curves, switchbacks, sweepers, amazing views and peaceful mountain streams. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 8 min to complete. Deep Creek Waterfall Loop. Finally, youll see Bridal Veil Falls on your left-hand side. 1. Skinny Dip Falls is another very popular spot when the weather is warm. Get, Embark on Waynesvilles Exciting Summer Photo Challenge Welcome to the Sizzlin Summer Photo Challenge in Waynesville, North Carolina! Read More About Our Journey! Its one of the better kept secrets in western North Carolina and a ride not to miss. ), Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore! After an easy four-mile hike, you can see five different lookouts and five unique views of the beautiful Linville Falls. This loop ride is very popular, so consider getting an early start to beat the crowd. } The road is in very good shape overall as well. Its no secret that some of the best motorcycle rides in the U.S. are in the mountains. Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local NC Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in North Carolina! If youre coming from the east, this is the first of a string of waterfalls between Highlands and Franklin, sitting barely 20 feet from US-64.