Top Scenic Motorcycle Routes in North Carolina
The Top Scenic Motorcycle Routes in North Carolina
Nothing beats the feeling of a heavy throttle under your palm as you chase the horizon. Your Harley-Davidson® was made to rumble through the wind, and this beautiful land offers plenty of space for that spirit. You can find massive mountain peaks or flat coastal views within a single day of riding.
Exploring NC motorcycle routes allows you to see the diverse terrain from the best seat possible. You can zip through tight curves in the west or cruise along the rolling hills of the central plains. Every mile offers a fresh view of rivers or thick forests.
This state provides a playground for anyone who loves two wheels and a powerful engine. So, if you’re ready to take the scenic route, grab your gear and prepare for some of the most famous asphalt in the country. Your next great adventure sits just around the bend.
The Great Smoky Mountains
Leaving the garage behind for a week of mountain air feels like hitting the jackpot. You can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for days on your Harley-Davidson®. These roads offer nearly four hundred miles of pavement across the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
The Smoky Mountains Loop provides two hundred fifty miles of tight curves. You get to see lush valleys along the Cades Cove Loop, too. This area continues to be a highly popular choice for riders looking for massive peaks and endless curves.
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Some days deserve a slower pace where you can actually smell the mountain laurel. And this legendary route connects riders to the soul of the mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches four hundred sixty-nine miles through the heart of our state. This road offers gentle curves and plenty of scenic overlooks for a relaxed afternoon.
If you want to slow it down and soak in the views, the low speed limits along this route make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the best rides North Carolina has to offer. You can stop for a picnic or simply enjoy the fresh air.
The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway
Salty air and open horizons beat sitting in traffic every single time. The Outer Banks National Scenic Byway carries you along Highway 12 through a beautiful chain of barrier islands.
This trip delivers salt spray and views of the Atlantic Ocean right from your seat. You can pull over in towns like Rodanthe or Hatteras to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. These scenic motorcycle rides NC fans love also lead to aviation history at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.
The Cherohala Skyway
Your rubber meets the clouds on this high-altitude trek. The Cherohala Skyway spans from Robbinsville into the deep woods of the Cherokee National Forest. Riders gain over five thousand feet of elevation on this legendary asphalt path.
This road offers sweeping turns that feel like flying. You get clear views of giant mountain peaks around every bend. These wide curves allow total focus on the crisp air. It remains a top pick for local motorheads seeking a great escape.
Hellbender 28
Tossing your leather jacket on and hitting the pavement feels like home for those who live to ride. The Hellbender 28 snakes through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for twenty-two miles of pure excitement. This stretch hugs the edge of Fontana Lake, offering tight turns that keep you focused on the asphalt.
You can easily link this path to the Tail of the Dragon for a long day of cornering. It delivers a raw experience for any rider seeking a challenge near the mountains.
Devil’s Whip
Grabbing the handlebars tight is the only way to handle the aggressive personality of Route 80. Local riders call this twenty-six-mile run the Devil’s Whip because of its steep climbs and sudden switchbacks.
You’ll push toward Mt. Mitchell while tall trees and massive rock walls line your path. The Blue Ridge Parkway sits in the background as you conquer these sharp changes in elevation. This legendary North Carolina road pushes your skills to the limit on every single mile of the ascent.
The Rattler
The Rattler offers a fierce challenge for anyone who lives for the lean. Seriously. This route tests your focus and rewards your bravery on every corner. The path squeezes 290 curves into twenty-five miles of pure intensity. You’ll navigate the mountains and valleys of western North Carolina through tight turns and steep climbs. Keep a sharp eye out for deer or turkeys crossing the pavement.
Copperhead Loop
A seventy-seven-mile trek through the western part of the state defines the Copperhead Loop. This ride travels through quiet towns and past rushing mountain streams. You will reach high elevations where the scenery feels endless. Local eateries and overlooks provide great places to park your Harley-Davidson® and swap stories with friends.
Grandfather Mountain Run
Rolling through the high country on US 221 provides a different kind of thrill. This twenty-two-mile stretch features tight twists that demand your full attention. The massive profile of Grandfather Mountain grows larger as you approach the famous mile-high swinging bridge. This iconic landmark signals you've reached the peak of this legendary ride. Every turn on this highway delivers a view worth the effort of the climb.
Cox’s Harley-Davidson® – Your Source for All Things Harley
Our crew here at Cox’s Harley-Davidson® lives for those hidden North Carolina backroads and local motorcycle nights. As the oldest dealership in the state, we’re proud to carry the torch and keep the culture alive. Harley touring in North Carolina feels so much better when you ride with people who share your obsession with the Bar and Shield.
We also host regular events to bring folks together and celebrate the Harley way of life. Check our online calendar for upcoming rides and gatherings at our shop!
And whether you need a professional touch to keep your motorcycle in great shape or you’re in the market for a new one, our staff possesses the in-depth knowledge and expertise to deliver what you need. Swing by our location and join the Cox’s Harley-Davidson® family today.