North Carolina

A collection of 80 posts

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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

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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® Premium Content

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 I felt the last time I 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

Travel Guide

12 Extreme Twisties in Southeast US

Ruler-straight pavement running by the seaside or through the bayou… You certainly can find such roads in the Southeast U.S., but the region also has plenty of twists and turns up for grabs. After all, this is where you’ll find arguably the curviest road in the country. There

Classic Roads Premium Content

The Hidden Gem of the Nantahala Forest—Wayah Road and Wayah Bald Road

Wayah Road winds through the breathtaking scenery of North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest. Beginning near Franklin, NC, Wayah Rd stretches approximately 28 miles, connecting US 64 and US 74. This route leads riders through the dense forest, alongside rushing streams and through countless twists and turns. It also

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Beware the Boogeymen of Boogertown, NC

Classic Roads Premium Content

The Devil's Stairs—Wicked Fun in North Carolina

There won’t be a stairway to heaven over where we’re going. You’ll still have a great ride, though. North Carolina has a deservedly great reputation as a motorcycling destination, and the Devil’s Stairs takes you on some of the most sinfully fun of them all. All

Accommodations

Fontana Village is Renovating

If you’ve chased the curves in western North Carolina, there’s a good chance you’ve ridden along SR 28 and past Fontana Village. It’s a sprawling resort made up of a main lodge, more than 100 cabins, camping and RV sites, a pool with a lazy river,

Travel Guide

8 Best Places for A Fall Color Ride Near the Smokies

The Smoky Mountains are covered in deciduous trees. Their dense canopies are already gorgeous in the summer, but once fall comes around, the mountains burst into flame. Figuratively speaking, that is. No matter where you go in the Smokies in the fall, you’re bound to see some stunning leaves.

Accommodations

Review: The Yellow House—Waynesville, NC

Nestled among the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the Yellow House Bed and Breakfast in Waynesville, NC, is more than just a historic inn. It’s a gateway to a bygone era of charm, warmth, and serenity. Our stay here was nothing short of wonderful. Upon arriving at the Yellow House,

Classic Roads Premium Content

The Curvy Beauty of the Woods—Diamondback Loop in North Carolina

It’s not about how long it is, it’s about how good of a time you can have with it. I am, of course, talking about the Diamondback Loop in North Carolina. Just short of 17 miles, this loop through the dense woods of the Pisgah National Forest is,