North Carolina

A collection of 88 posts

Classic Roads Premium Content

Discover the Snake on US 421

Some motorcycle roads are famous worldwide, known by evocative names like the Tail of the Dragon or Moonshiner 28. Others are humbler, going simply by their designation—but they’re still a hoot to ride. US 421 is one of the latter. And there’s a snake in the middle

Classic Roads

Cherohala Skyway—The Most Expensive Road in North Carolina

Spanning 43 miles of sweeping curves and high-elevation vistas, the Cherohala Skyway is one of the Southeast's most iconic scenic byways. Connecting Robbinsville, NC, to Tellico Plains, TN, the road winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests—hence the name “Chero-hala.” Built over the course of 34

North Carolina Premium Content

Blue Ridge Parkway: Endless Emerald Perfection

Several years ago, whilst on a motorcycle tour along the Eastern Sierra from San Francisco to Los Angeles, my wife Liz and I met a fellow biker from Europe in a roadside cafe. As we swapped many touring stories, he told us about one of his favorite rides in North

Destinations

Relax in the Mineral Waters of Hot Springs, NC

Nothing relieves your ride-weary bones like a hot bath. The only thing better is soaking in completely natural warm waters in a gorgeous environment. That’s what you’ll find in Hot Springs, NC. Located where the French Broad River and Spring Creek meet in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hot

Travel Guide

Motorcycling Guide to North Carolina

North Carolina offers an unmatched playground for motorcyclists seeking varied, technical riding in gorgeous surroundings. The Tarheel State serves a smorgasbord of distinct scenic regions, excellent roads, and a long riding season. Multiple renowned riding roads wind their way through the state. To name just some of them, you’ll

Destinations

Find the True Appalachia in Boone, NC

The city of Boone sits in western North Carolina, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a prime destination for any motorcyclist looking to immerse themselves in all things Appalachia. Boone is surrounded by fantastic riding opportunities in all directions. Squiggly mountain roads stretch out of the

Roundtrip Tour Premium Content

Southeast BDR: The Route to Recovery

Damascus, VA, was in the rearview mirror on a cool, rainy day in September 2017 as the Mid-Atlantic BDR Filming Expedition officially kicked off. This was my first documentary filming trip with Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) and my first opportunity to experience adventure riding in this region. After releasing the

Classic Roads Premium Content

Ride the Dual Roads of Roan Mountain State Park—TN 143 and NC 261

In our Classic Roads articles, we typically highlight a specific enjoyable motorcycling road in the U.S., or sometimes elsewhere in the world. This time, though, I’ll be talking about two roads. It’s cats living with dogs, complete anarchy! Well, the situation’s not quite so bad—the

Classic Roads Premium Content

Slay the Dragon on US 129

Few roads in the world are as famous—or infamous—as US 129, better known to motorcyclists as the Tail of the Dragon. Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, this 11-mile stretch through the mountains packs a jaw-dropping 318 curves into its short distance.  Riders flock from all

Classic Roads Premium Content

Whip It Good—Ride the Devil’s Whip in North Carolina

If a problem comes along, you must whip it. That sucks for the devil, though, because he forgot his whip in North Carolina. The Devil’s Whip, officially designated SR 80, is a 26-mile stretch of twisty two-lane asphalt slithering its way through the Pisgah National Forest in a more

Destinations

Witness the Beauty of the Appalachians Riding Little Switzerland, NC

Switzerland is such a beautiful country, with exhilarating motorcycling roads twisting through the majestic mountains and tranquil alpine valleys. Unfortunately, a motorcycle tour in Switzerland can cost a pretty penny. If flight tickets to Europe are beyond your budget, don’t fret. Hop in the saddle and ride over to

Accommodations

Review: Historic Tapoco Lodge—Robbinsville, NC

The Tail of the Dragon, with its 318 curves in 11 miles, might be the main draw to this last corner of North Carolina before crossing into Tennessee. If you’re looking for a scenic place to eat and hit the hay for the night, the Historic Tapoco Lodge delivers

Accommodations

Review: Switzerland Inn—Little Switzerland, NC

Growing up in Austria, I spent a ton of time at my aunts’ hotels. If you’ve ever been to my little home country in the middle of the Alps, you know about the high standard of quality.  Now, after more than 25 years as a travel journalist, I have

Roundtrip Tour

North Carolina: The Outer Banks on a Honda Trail 125

The mighty Honda Trail 125 was strapped securely to the Mototote carrier on the back of the Toyota Tacoma when my work day in Raleigh, NC, ended. Everything I needed for the two-day tour was ready to be added to the bike when I reached the Roanoke Island Inn in

Classic Roads

Chasing Curves on Moonshiner 28 in North Carolina

North Carolina SR 28—often called Moonshiner 28—is one of the Southeast’s most legendary motorcycle roads. Stretching roughly 112 miles from Deals Gap to Walhalla, SC, this twisting ribbon of pavement cuts through the heart of the Smoky Mountains and offers motorcyclists a thrilling ride. The northern end

Travel Guide

8 Epic Motorcycle Routes Near Fontana Dam, NC

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains, this area offers sweeping curves, stunning lake views, and direct access to legendary motorcycle rides. Its quiet roads and remote setting make it a perfect place for riders seeking scenic adventure. Learn more about Fontana Dam, NC here. For 25

Shamrock Tour®

Maggie Valley, North Carolina Shamrock Tour®

Last year, RoadRUNNER ran a contest to promote our new website platform and web subscription option. The winner and one friend would get to tag along on a RoadRUNNER Shamrock Tour® with myself and our Editor-in-Chief, Florian. We received an incredible response from our readers, many of which were eager

Destinations

The Small Town That’s Got It All—Maggie Valley, NC

Scenic rides, beautiful nature, nearby entertainment and restaurants, fascinating history… Maggie Valley, NC, really does have it all. This small town is situated amidst the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, roughly 35 miles from Asheville, with easy access along US 19. Don’t let its size and relatively remoteness fool you—

Travel Guide

10 of the Best Cities for Motorcycling in the US

If you ask 10 motorcyclists what the best cities for motorcycling are in America, you’ll get 10 different answers. Although it’s great that our country has such a buffet of excellent riding, it can also make it difficult to choose where to point your front wheel. It’s

Accommodations

Summer Camp for Adults: Fontana Village Resort & Marina

If you’ve ever wanted to go to summer camp as an adult, you’re in for a treat. That’s exactly how we felt the last time we stayed at the Fontana Village Resort in North Carolina. Tucked away in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Fontana

Destinations

A Motorcyclists Guide to Fontana Dam, NC

Fontana Dam, NC, is a hidden gem for motorcyclists exploring the scenic byways of the Appalachian Mountains. Nestled along the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this small but historically significant town is not just a gateway to nature.  It’s also a prime spot for two-wheeled adventurers

Inconvenient Iron Butt

1000 Miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The distance between Cherokee, NC, and Waynesville, VA, is 476 miles if you travel along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Make it a round trip ride and your total comes to 952 miles—only 48 shy of a grand. Most riders take three or four days to complete this ride at

Classic Roads

Discover the Waterfalls of US 64 in North Carolina

North Carolina has no shortage of great, scenic mountain roads for motorcyclists to explore. But even in this distinguished crowd, one section of US 64 stands out. This federal highway is a long one, running over 2,200 miles from Nags Head on North Carolina’s eastern coast to Teec

Travel Guide

5 Burger Joints in Winston-Salem, NC You Should Try on Your Next Ride

Once your stomach starts rumbling louder than a Harley-Davidson engine, it’s time to stop the ride and grab some lunch. For many riders young and old, a lunch break means one thing—hamburgers. A good burger lunch is an inseparable part of an all-American motorcycle tour. Whether you get

Destinations Premium Content

Great Smoky Mountains National Park—A Green Paradise

If you haven’t ridden in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park yet, what are you waiting for? Set time for a trip and get in the saddle, because you’re missing out. Covering 522,000 acres on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National