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 Little Switzerland, NC, for a similarly mountainous experience much closer to home.
Little Switzerland is a small resort community in rural North Carolina. A brain child of the state’s Supreme Court justice Heriot Clarkson, the town’s buildings were constructed in 1909 to resemble something you’d find in the Swiss Alps.
But it’s not the buildings that give Little Switzerland its name. The founding Switzerland Company named itself and the town after its chosen location.
Its elevation of around 3,500 feet is similar to that of many Swiss alpine communities. Add to that the sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and their valleys, and you have something that’s as close to Switzerland as you can get (without actually going there).
Of course, North Carolina isn’t a carbon copy of Switzerland, but that’s not a bad thing by any measure. It only means you get to also enjoy the region’s forested beauty in addition to everything else.
As a purpose-built vacation resort, Little Switzerland’s history has some interesting nuggets about times when the Switzerland Company tried to maximize its profits—and not always successfully. One of them is the tale of the toll road that connected the resort to the Carolina, Clinchfield, and Ohio Railroad in 1913.
The toll booths didn’t stay on the road for many years, but it benefited motorcyclists. This road is now SR 226A, which forms a part of the Diamondback loop.
But let’s get to the things you can do here other than ride. One of the main attractions in the area is the Emerald Village, a group of 12 historical gemstone mines. Its exhibits and displays detail the history of emerald mining, there’s an underground tour that shows the glittering emeralds under UV light, and you can try excavating some jewels yourself.
For even more information about the area’s mining history, check out the Museum of North Carolina Minerals near the intersection of SR 226 and 226A. Meanwhile, riders looking for more underground adventures can find them at the Linnville Caverns. A guided tour takes you to see their active (that is, still growing) limestone formations and shares tidbits of their history, including the story of Civil War deserters using the caverns as a hiding hole.
Between rides, don’t miss a visit to Little Switzerland Books and Beans, which features three stories crammed chock-full of old books. The top floor also showcases local art, which you can admire while sipping a cup of coffee.
Outdoors-y riders will find plenty of excellent hikes in the area, many of which lead you to magnificent waterfalls, like Tom’s Creek Falls. There’s also the Mayland Bare Dark Sky Observatory, where you can see the night sky like never before. Just be very careful if you ride in the mountains after dark.
If there’s one thing missing from Little Switzerland, it’s gas. Filling stations aren’t far outside of town, but don’t roll in with your last fumes.
So, if you’re dreaming of an international motorcycle tour, but it’s not quite within your budget, head to Little Switzerland. You’ll get the same experience—with the bonus of everyone speaking English.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Little Switzerland Books and Beans
- Emerald Village
- Linnville Caverns
- Maylan Bare Dark Sky Observatory
Nearby Roads
Little Switzerland sits on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This absolute classic road needs no introduction. The town makes for an excellent rest stop for motorcyclists traversing the parkway’s 486 miles.
Little Switzerland is also a great destination for a specific ride, that being the Diamondback. This 17-mile loop traverses SR 226 and 226A south from Little Switzerland.
The road, albeit short, is packed with twisties and curves of every imaginable sort. From laid-back sweepers to tight hairpins and everything in between. The Diamondback is mountain riding at its best, just like the Swiss Alps.
Recommended Lodging: Switzerland Inn
The Switzerland Inn is certainly welcoming to riders. Case in point, it has an entire building dedicated to motorcyclists.
The Diamondback Motorcycle Lodge is a multi-bedroom cottage offering single-occupancy rooms to riders on the Diamondback or Blue Ridge Parkway. It offers private baths, covered motorcycle parking, and a communal area with a fireplace where you can gather and exchange stories with fellow riders.
For dinner, all you have to do is walk across the property to the on-site Chalet Restaurant. Switzerland Inn also operates the Provision Haus cafe to get you going in the mornings.
Food & Dining
Little Switzerland is… Well, little, so your dining options are rather limited (although all-around excellent). The above-mentioned Chalet Restaurant serves creative dishes ranging from marinated lamb top sirloin to snapper Oscar and crawfish fondue. Find it at 86 High Ridge Rd, Little Switzerland, NC.
Another local restaurant is Switzerland Cafe. Unlike its name might imply, this seasonally open smokehouse dishes up top-notch barbecue, alongside fresh trout and American classics. Find it at 9440 SR 226A, Marion, NC.
Best Time to Travel
Little Switzerland is a three-season destination. In spring, you can enjoy blooming nature), while summer offers an escape from the heat and humidity of lower regions, and fall lets you admire autumn leaves.
Personally, I’d time my visit for the fall foliage season. You’ll have a great time, no matter when you go, though.