30% Off* All Villa Suites through December 20, 2012

Complimentary Gourmet Chef Prepared Breakfast Each Day

Concierge Services and Romance Packages Also Available.

For Reservations and Availability: click here and use code "Tree2012" or email us at reservations@BannerElkWinery.com.

*Valid only on new reservations for stays thru December 20, 2012. Not Valid with any other discount.

Banner Elk Winery & Villa
135 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604
828-260-1790

Our newest vintner, Jeff Walker, continually strives to heighten the quality of our wine. In 2012, Banner Elk White won a Gold Medal at California's Sonoma Valley's NextGen Wine Competition. At the North Carolina State Fair Wine Competition, Banner Elk Winery brought home the Best of Category—Red Hybrid for our 2010 Marechal Foch and two Double Gold Awards with our 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2010 Marechal Foch. Our award winning Banner Elk Blueberry and Ice Wines continue to be popular.

The tasting room is open noon until 6:00 pm daily except Mondays. Tours are offered Fridays thru Sundays at 2:30 and 4:30 pm. The tour begins with the history and philosophy and follows the route of the wine from grape vine to glass. Once in the tasting room, sample a selection of Banner Elk Wines while you relax by the large stone fireplace. Private tours for 10 plus are offered with advance reservations.

Pamper yourself with an overnight stay at The Villa, our luxury bed and breakfast that includes a daily gourmet breakfast. Unwind sipping on a glass of our award-winning wine while you soak in your private Jacuzzi®, bask in the glow of our magnificent stone fire pit, or lounge on one of the Villa's terraces as you marvel over the breathtaking views of the mountains.

For more info or reservations call (828) 260-1790 or visit www.BannerElkWinery.com

Over 10,000 riders from across the globe are expected to canvass the Blue Ridge Mountains en route to and from Wing Ding 35 this coming July 3-6, 2013.

Indoor trade show (over 200 exhibitors), live entertainment, seminars, manufacturer demo's, rider safety courses, poker runs, parades, charity fundraisers, and more!

Dates :: July 3, 2013 - July 6, 2013

Location :: TD Convention Center, Greenville, SC

Phone :: 800-843-9460

Website :: www.wing-ding.org

For more information or to register, visit the website or call today!

The Oak Park Inn is only a few minutes away and makes for a great place to rest your head before and after the event. Enjoy a continental breakfast and clean bike towels before you head out to your next destination.

Place :: Smoky Mountain Steel Horses, Waynesville, NC

Date :: October 6, 2012

Time :: Registration 10:30 - Noon

Cost :: $25.00 per bike

Contact :: Bob LaBracio

Telephone :: 828-456-7692

Email :: bob@rideforpink.com

Our location is the perfect place to stay a few days and explore Virginia’s mountain roads. Say goodbye to traffic, congestion, and stop lights. Amherst, Bedford, Nelson, and Rockbridge counties have some of the best back roads in the area.

If you interested in history, we are a short ride from Then National D-Day Memorial, Appomattox Courthouse, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Historic Lexington, and many other historical sites in our area.

The resort offers rooms at The Lodge, private cabins, a full service restaurant and bar, as well as beautiful views, various entertainment and event options, and a host of other amenities.

Upcoming events for motorcycle enthusiasts are:

• August 25: Rockfest 2012 at The Lodge at Copperhead. Live music all day to raise money for local charities. Cycle Nation of Canton will be on hand with various bikes, ATV's etc. Tickets 2 for $5 in advance.
• September 7-9: GA State Rally, Hiawassee, GA. Copperhead Music Festival held at The Lodge will offer visitors to the area live music, vendors, and artists. Cycle Nation of Canton will be on-site with manufacturers and demo's of cycles and ATV's.
• September 9: Ride to Remember 2012, sponsored by Cycle World of Athens, GA. Free ride, see flyer here on our Facebook Page.

Check out the website calendar for more events and all the details on our website calendar: TheLodgeAtCopperhead.com. Keep up with us on Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/TheLodgeatCopperhead.

At GSMmotoRent, our #1 goal is to provide you, the rider with an experience you will not soon forget. Our fleet of dual sport and adventure touring bikes, maps and routes of the areas we serve, offer you the opportunity to have that exciting and remarkable experience on your own or with a group. Its easy. You don't have to work to someone else's date, or be part of a large group that has riders of all different abilities.

Just give us a call and we'll have a bike ready for you and get you pointed in the right direction, or even plan your route for you. Our fleet of bikes include Kawasaki KLR 650's: one of the favorite bikes for world travelers, Suzuki DR200: lightweight, with a low seat height, and our adventure touring bikes including the BMW R1200GS, Yamaha Super Tenere 1200, and Triumph Tiger 800.

Our bikes are just fine on the tarmac, but give you the option to explore some of the fantastic fire roads and forest service roads that run all through the mountains of Western NC and Eastern TN, giving you the opportunity to explore places you would never see, if staying on the pavement.

Conveniently located in Townsend, TN, known as the peaceful side of the Smokies . . . just through the park from the southern terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We can help you plan a route for any ability of rider, from mild to wild! Just 35 minutes from the Knoxville, TN airport, so plan on flying in and getting on the road in no time.

Michelle and crew,

I want to thank you all for such wonderful hospitality during my recent stay. Never have I visited a place where I felt more welcome and at home, as if I were part of the family and not merely a never-before-seen guest. I didn't feel at all awkward pulling off my boots and getting comfortable.

My room was very comfortable, but there was so much to do and see that I didn't spend much time there. The food in the restaurant was superb and I caught myself thinking of staying longer so I could work my way further though the menu!

I enjoyed sitting in the bar and chatting with staff and visitors as well as sitting out on the porch and taking in the view. The pool was a fun, and unexpected, bonus as well.

What a great place for motorcyclists to come and enjoy features geared toward people with bikes. I appreciated the covered bike parking at The Lodge and plan to take advantage of a cabin with its own motorcycle garage on my next visit. My bike doesn't have its own garage even at home!

With so many great roads to ride in your area, The Gauntlet was a route I am so glad was pointed out to me. I will have to return in the Fall and ride it again during the season change and cooler weather. Two thumbs up to you, your wonderful establishment, staff, and location. Just what this tired city dweller needed!
~ B. Zmek

For those wanting some real food, check out the homemade food in our deli. When you stop in, plan to stay a while and enjoy one of our famous sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Sit back and relax while you sip your favorite beverage and listen to some good music. Be sure to view our pictures and memorabilia.

Raps also offers "live" music on Saturdays and Sundays during the summer season in our outdoor entertainment venue. We host several special events including motorcycle shows and old car shows. Raps is the place for travelers, motorcycle riders, and car enthusiasts looking for a fun place in the mountains to relax, dance and enjoy great cookouts, special events, and "live" music.

Motorcycle riders be sure to ask for directions to the many great rides near our store and deli. Treat yourself to these great mountain experiences, because when you ride "The Journey is the Destination".

Meet up will be at 9:30 am and everyone will ride out at  approximately 10:30 am. Cost is $20 for single, and $30 for a couple. Your package includes a t-shirt, dinner, and entertainment!

Should it be necessary, the scheduled rain date is September 22nd!

Click here for a PDF flyer of the event.

If you're interested in more information, or perhaps you're interested in sponsoring the event, please call the lodge at 828-264-3804.

From the drive in, to the moment you step into the Grand Lobby with its massive stone fireplace, you will feel welcome. The eleven guest rooms at the Lodge are comfortable and full of luxurious features. For more privacy, a number of fully furnished log cabins (Sleep 2-4) are available on the forty acre resort.

If you want an exciting and beautiful scenic experience you can take up The Gauntlet for an adventure designed for enjoyment by motorcyclists and sports car owners. Take the challenge to get bragging rights and be the first to own the t-shirt. The Lodge at Copperhead and Biker Barn are The Gauntlet Headquarters.

The Lodge at Copperhead offers ample parking, all paved roads, covered motorcycle parking at The Lodge and private motorcycle garages at the cabins! We also offer guests free morning coffee, WIFI at The Lodge, a Salt Water Pool open May-September, and a full service bar with a wide selection of beer, wine, and distilled spirits!

This is a great chance to enjoy fantastic blues music and tasty BBQ while raising funds to support women and breast health. Proceeds go to the Haywood Regional Medical Center Foundation, Inc. to cover mammograms for women without insurance or on a fixed income.

The Oak Park Inn is within walking distance to the American Legion and all shops and restaurants, so it's a perfect place to lay your head after events are over. Enjoy a continental breakfast and clean bike towels before you head out to your next destination.

Place :: American Legion Post #147, Waynesville, NC

Time :: 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Cost :: $10 for one ticket; $15 for two tickets

Contact :: Carolyn Brunk

Email :: oakparkinn@aol.com

Phone :: 828-456-5328

Hope to see you there!

• Homestead Inn

Welcome to The Homestead Inn, your home away from home.

Come stay with us and you’ll discover the warm and friendly hospitality the staff has to offer. It is unforgettable!

The beautiful Homestead Inn has been owned and operated by the Valet family since 1995. Innkeepers Rob and Caroline invite you to stay in their beautiful mountain retreat which is made up of 15 newly remodeled standard and deluxe cottage-style rooms.

Each room has its own personal touch “compliments of Caroline.” This single level cottage-like Inn has 15 immaculate rooms, some with fireplaces and Jacuzzis, all with hand-made quilts, fine furnishings, and updated bathrooms with granite tops, marble tops and showers.

The Homestead Inn is nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock. Come discover why Blowing Rock was awarded “the prettiest town in North Carolina.”

Just a short walk up the road will bring you to all of the antique shopping Blowing Rock has to offer, as well as world-class restaurants and art galleries. For a more tranquil and relaxing setting, stay right here at the Inn and enjoy Rob’s amazing gardens! We have swings for you to relax on, or if you prefer, enjoy a quiet afternoon snack in the garden by choosing one of the many snack and gift baskets Caroline hand-makes, including a wine and cheese basket that would be perfect for an afternoon picnic. Because each basket is hand-made with thoughtful attention, please let us know ahead of time if you would like a welcome, romance, breakfast, snack or wine and cheese basket.

Bring you and your family to for a memorable stay at The Homestead Inn-Your Home Away From Home.

• Alpine Village Inn

Searching for Blowing Rock Hotels or Rentals? As a guest of the Alpine Village Inn, you will be welcomed by Innkeepers, Charles and Katherine Smid, who make you feel right at home with their warm and friendly hospitality. Family owned and operated for over 20 years, guests will enjoy the comfort of home in quaint, cozy bedrooms all individually decorated with crafts, antiques and heirloom collectibles. All rooms have LCD televisions, refrigerators, microwave ovens and complimentary WIFI. Suites and deluxe rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzi bath tubs.

The exceptionally clean rooms are so personalized that one forgets this is a motel! Located in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, the Inn is walking distance to fine restaurants and unique shopping. A unique country garden setting invites you to relax and enjoy the scenery and beauty, which was recently voted North Carolina's prettiest town.

Motorcycle enthusiasts love our property and its designated parking in front of their rooms, convenience to the major highways, as well as scenic rides in Ashe and Watauga counties. Centrally located 1 and 1/2 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the hotel is minutes from Grandfather Mountain and all High Country attractions.

Alpine village inn has recently been awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the travel site Trip advisor and has won the prestigious SBCA Hotel award 2010, 2011, 2012.  They have partnered with High Country Golf Schools, Appalachian Fly Guides and Ogburn Stables Ranch to offer the best quality in high country outdoor activities.

This section of the Parkway has sweeping turns and great views even between the Overlooks. Go easy, feel the road, and enjoy the cruise.

You will exit the Parkway and go South on Hwy 80. This section of the ride is named The Devil's Staircase because of the steep grade and abundance of tight curves as you descend down off the Parkway. Get the feel of the road and go easy on the throttle, because this is a challenging road for about 6 miles. There is good pavement with a good guard rail system and plenty of turn offs if needed.

You will shortly encounter several Trout Farms and Campgrounds before cruising along Lake Tahoma, where you will see Lake Tahoma Casino (currently closed) in the middle of the lake. You will then have some straight-a-ways to open up a little.

At the intersection of Hwy 80 and Hwy 70, take a left turn and head towards Marion. This is the most traveled section of the ride. If you enjoy museums, The Historic Carson House Museum will be on the right. In a few miles you will come to the intersection of Hwy 70 and Hwy 221. Holly's Deli is located right before the intersection if you are ready for some great food. Go straight through the intersection for less then a mile and turn left on 221 B. Go about a half of a mile and turn right on Hankins Road.

You will be heading toward Lake James on a hilly and winding road until you come to a stop sign at a T-intersection where you will be facing Lake James at Burnett's Landing. Take a left turn and run along the North side of the Lake where you will encounter some nice sweeping turns. To the North you will see your first view of the mountain range that you will start climbing back up on your return to the Blue Ridge Parkway. On your right you will see Black Bear Access Area which is very nice with public boat ramps. This is a great place to stop and take in the Lake.

If you're looking for a bite to eat you'll see Marina Drive to the right after the Black Bear access area. Marina Drive will take you to Bear Creek Marina where you can grab a sandwich and take advantage of the deck views of Lake James.

After getting some fresh lake air, start riding and enjoy the sweeping curves and hills on the rural road where you may encounter some deer and wild turkeys. In about 10 miles you will take a right turn onto South Mountain Institute Road where you will pass by South Mountain Children's Home. The road will start to loosen up with some straight ways where you will get some wider views of the distant mountains you are heading towards.

At the intersection with Hwy. 126, go left where you are heading due North with a great view of Table Rock Mountain. Open up your throttle and enjoy the straight-a-ways. You will pass the Linville Access Area with a public boat launch and another great place to stop and take in the lake, especially if you did not stop at the last public access area.

Take a left turn onto Fish Hatchery Road where you will pass by the Fish Hatchery on your left. Turn left on Rose Creek Road which is nice dirt and light gravel back mountain road.

At the intersection with Hwy. 181 turn left and head North. This part of the three lane Highway has great sweeping curves and is an easy fun climb up to the BRP. You will pass by several campgrounds before seeing good mountain ranges on both sides. The range to your left is where you will be riding across the BRP once you reach the crest of this mountain. As you get to higher elevations the curves will tighten. This can be fun or grueling. Feel the road and let it tell you how fast to cruise so you can really enjoy this section of the ride.

You will come to the Brown Mountain Overlook which is a good place to take in some great views to the east or west. Your elevation here is 2760 feet. As you keep climbing, the curves keep tightening and your ears will start popping.

Near the crest of the mountain, you will take a left turn on Hwy 183 West toward Linville Falls. You are basically riding along the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area on a nice rural road in the Pisgah National Forest. At this point you have the opportunity to take a left turn onto a tough gravel road to go to Wiseman's View which has killer views—seriously! Your call. Then keep heading West on Hwy 183 until you intersect Hwy 221.

On your left is Spear's BBQ and Linville Lodge. A great place to eat and a nice lodge to stay the night. If you have not had lunch yet this will please your palate. At Hwy 221, turn right and in about a mile you will intersect with the Parkway where you will enter to the right. At the top of the entrance, turn right and head South on the Parkway.

If BBQ isn't for you, directly across Highway 221 is Famous Louise's where you'll find three meals a day featuring good old-fashioned southern cooking.

In about a mile you will come to an Overlook to the West with great views of the North Toe River Valley. You are currently at about an elevation of 3500 feet. As you continue riding you will encounter some great sweeping curves making for some fun and easy riding. Your views to the East are of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area including a profile view of Table Rock Mountain.

Soon you will be at the east-facing Chestoa Valley Overlook. This is a good place to stop if you feel like hiking a short trail to some incredible views. In the next three miles you will encounter 5 "C" curves. Feel the road, go easy on the throttle and enjoy the ride.

After these great curves you will come to the East facing Bear Den Overlook. This is a "must stop to take in the view". It is one of the best overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Relax, take in the wide view, and breathe the fresh air.

As you continue your ride you will come to the east-facing Heffner Gap Overlook. You are down to about a 3100 foot elevation. Soon you will be at the North Cove Overlook and can see the Orchard at Altapass which is a working apple orchard. If you want to pick some apples or hear some live music you will soon come to the entrance to the orchard.

In the next two miles, you will go by two more east-facing overlooks. The first one offers views of the Loops and the second one offers another view of Table Rock Mountain.

Soon you will ride some more nice sweeping curves before coming to the Intersection of the Parkway and Hwy 226 at Gillespie Gap. At the bottom of this exit is the Museum of NC Minerals. If you are a rock hound you really need to stop and check this out. It is one of the best Mineral Museums in the Eastern United States.

In about 3 miles you will enter the Little Switzerland Tunnel which is about 2/10 of a mile long and less then a mile from the end of your ride.

At the intersection of the Parkway and Hwy 226-A, take a left turn into the Little Switzerland Inn and the Diamond Back Motorcycle Lodge.

Whether you yearn to ride the mountain peaks of Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge parkway, visit the nation‘s monuments in style, ride along the serene beaches of the eastern shore, or just enjoy the hundreds of miles of robust scenery on the country roads, EagleRider of DC has just what you need. We offer a large selection of motorcycles including Harley-Davidson®, Honda®, and BMW touring motorcycles as well as some smaller motorcycles and Scooters for new riders and the CanAm Spyder.

EagleRider of DC specializes in one way rentals to other locations throughout the country. We cater to large groups as well as individual riders who desire to ride from the East Coast to the West Coast, plan to take a long motorcycle vacation, or ride through the countryside for the weekend. There are an endless number of fantastic riding experiences waiting for you from our location.

No matter how many times you visit us, you will have a different ride each time.

Whether you come to enjoy the terrific scenery or just to relax in the in-room jaccuzi, while enjoying the warmth of your beside fireplace, we are sure your visit will be a pleasure which will keep you coming back time and time again.

To see what our area has to offer from the vantage point only 2-wheel can offer, check out The Blue Ridge Parkway and Lake James Loop motorcycle ride!

Singing rails and whistle stops describe the valley towns of Marion and Old Fort with two historic depots, a railroad museum, pioneer-era interpretive sites, Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Center plus Historic Carson House, a 19th century plantation house and museum.

Explore Lake James with two state parks, walking trails, swimming beaches, canoe rentals, Bear Creek Marina and a beautiful, boutique vineyard at South Creek Winery. Need access for your boat or jet skis? There are three public boat ramps.

Take a hike on any of our 21 hiking and waterfall trails. Point Lookout Trail is ideal for anyone. It's a non-motorized path, perfect for bicyclists or walkers opening to a magnificent view of the Royal Gorge. More experienced hikers will enjoy Kitsuma Peak/Young's Ridge, the Linville Gorge or Catawba Falls. This two-tiered waterfall boasts a 340-foot cascade.

Bluegrass lovers, choose from multiple, FREE weekly music jams and performances. Check our event calendar for details! Don't forget the "BIG ONE" in August with the annual NC Bluegrass Festival.

Visit our website for details, directions, events and more!

Choose from a number of great rides, beginning and ending at Cabin Creekwood. You can appreciate the mountain scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for wildlife on the Skyline Drive, savor the rolling farmland of the Shenandoah Valley, or explore the horse country of the Rockfish Valley and Albemarle County. You can stay on your bike as much as you want, or stretch your legs with a relaxing hike to a waterfall or overlook.

When finished with your day's ride, come back to your secluded mountain cabin, build a fire in the outdoor fire pit, roast a few marshmallows, and unwind with a bottle of Virginia wine that you picked up at one of the many local wineries.

With nine unique cabins to choose from, you're sure to find accommodations that will suit your fancy. Spend the night in a pre-Civil War log cabin, or bring a few friends and spread out in one of our three-bedrooms.

Cabin Creekwood has been providing clean, comfortable, and family-friendly lodging since 1982. This family-owned business is dedicated to providing you with the best in relaxing accommodations.

Visit our website for more details.

We are all about customer service and we don't want you burning up valuable vacation time trying to find us so we arrange to come to you.

Fly into Knoxville, TN or Asheville, NC, we will meet you at the airport and you will be on the Blue Ridge on the bike of your choice that day. Please reserve as far in advance as possible to be sure you get the bike of your choice.

COME RIDE WITH US!

Hampton Inn and Suites - Cashiers Sapphire Valley

Greetings Fellow Motorcyclists!  Our friends at The Hampton Inn and Suites of the Cashiers/Sapphire Valley in North Carolina are offering an exclusive offer to stay in their private mountain retreat by staying with them before March 31st, 2012.

Their fabulous Mid-Winter Valley Special is meant to lift your spirits and remedy cabin fever. The special price offer is $79/night (Friday to Saturday) and $69/night (Sunday to Thursday).  The price includes all applicable taxes and the standard hotel amenities.   The only way to get the special rate is to call the hotel directly at 828-743-4545 and ask for the Winter Valley Special!

The area boasts several warmer days for riding your motorcycle in late winter and early spring as it is in the lower elevations on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 40 miles south of Asheville, NC.  Our  Wild Dam Waterfall Loop goes right in front of Hampton Inn and Suites and makes for a great starting point for a tour through the "Land of Waterfalls."  Situated right off of Hwy 64 East in Sapphire, NC, the curvy mountainous ride will please in and of itself.

You'll enjoy beautiful and comfortable rooms and suites with modern convenience in a quaint mountain setting at the Hampton Inn and Suites. Standard king or queen rooms are available, as well as king and queen studios and suites. Many rooms have mountain views! All rooms have microwave and mini-fridge, free wireless Internet access, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. There is also a complimentary hot breakfast and beverages; indoor pool and whirlpool; fitness room; Business Center and meeting facilities.

Also, stay tuned for our fall color reports as we are now in peak autumn season!

God's Country Toy Run

November 5, 2011

This is a toy run to help the kids have a Christmas. We helped 266 kids last year and would love to help more this year. There is nothing like knowing you helped a child have a Christmas.  Just think of their smiling faces and that is all you need to know you are blessed.

9th Annual Wheels Through Time Raffle and Haywood County Toy Run

November 10-13, 2011

Join us at The Wheels Through Time Museum for a great weekend in motorcycle history.  The museum is holding its Annual Veterans Day Weekend Salute, and all veterans, active-duty, and retired military receive complimentary museum admission and an honorary 2-year museum membership.

Based on our experience with the Foundation we know this to be untrue! Read more about it here and check out info for getting a specialty license plate for your motorcycle to support the Parkway.

Follow US 64 East as it winds and twists, watching for the overlook on a sharp curve near Whiteside Mountain. From here, you can see more than a dozen awesome granite cliff faces which roll to the horizon. About 10 miles out, you’ll cross the dam below Lake Toxaway. The best view of Toxaway Falls is from the parking lot near a real estate office / restaurant. Continue east, passing by NC 281 north and south (don’t worry we’ll pick up the best sections of this great road soon). Say goodbye to the traffic 15 miles out when you turn north onto Silversteen Road at the Citgo Station.

The “15mph for next 6 miles” sign tells you it’s time to get your game on. Silversteen Road is going to hold your attention and you’d better be ready for some of the best and most challenging curves you’ll find anywhere. Watch out for the sneaky descending radius curves that shut down on you. Also be wary of a little gravel in the road where unpaved driveways and side roads connect.

About 6 miles into Silversteen road, it curves back on itself sharply when it reaches Macedonia Church Road. The turn is so sharp, Silversteen Road looks like it’s another intersecting road, and it’s far too easy to just continue onto Macedonia Church Road. Watch for this sharp left turn which gives the impression you’re turning onto a new road rather than continuing on Silversteen Road. It’s a tricky little devil!

Silversteen Road will end when it intersects NC 281 (Canada Road). Turn Right (north) onto Canada Road. Take a minute or two to get a feel for the surface on NC 281. This rugged section was first paved only a couple years back, and the tar&chip surface is still a bit loose in places. Keep your eyes open for spots where the gravel still accumulates. It quickly gets better as you climb north to Little Canada. Cross the dam at the Wolf Creek Reservoir, then enjoy a series of sweeping downhill turns as you roll down to Tuckaseegee.

Turn left (south) on NC 107. The gas station near this intersection is a good spot for a break. You’ll find there’s a bit of traffic on NC 107, but it has some nice curves and a few scenic spots along the way, and you won’t be on it long. Watch for the right turn onto Pine Creek Road when you reach the top of a long straight uphill section of NC 107. Be wary, there’s usually gravel in the sharp turn-off onto Pine Creek Road.

Pine Creek Road starts out tight and twisty, then it crosses the dam at the Thorpe Reservoir and curves along the edge of the large lake. Follow it around the lake, then fork right to stay on Pine Creek Road when it meets Norton Road. Pine Creek Road stays fairly relaxed as it courses through a high mountain plateau, and then becomes Walnut Creek Road when it starts to plunge down through a series of hairpin curves and the fun begins anew. Be alert, there is at least one single lane bridge with a sharp entry / exit. Walnut Creek Road will end when it meets US 64.

US 64 will take us back to the Hampton Inn & Suites in Sapphire on one of the most scenic rides through the Cullasaja River Gorge. Accept the fact there’s going to be traffic as so many are drawn to the spectacular sights, lament the fact this could be such an outstanding and challenging ride at speed. Be alert on this narrow, twisty road which is so tight in places large vehicles and trucks must cross into your lane! The reward is several outstanding roadside waterfalls.

The first, largest, and most dramatic waterfall you’ll come to is Cullasaja Falls. It’s in a tight series of curves with limited sight, the pull out is small, so if you’re gonna stop, make your move quickly. Be bold when leaving as well as approaching traffic can’t see you around the bend. The next waterfall is Dry Falls. You won’t see it from the road. There is a well marked paved parking area on the right to pull in to. It’s another large waterfall where you can walk behind it in a large cavern.

Quarry Falls, a series of small cascades, has a long paved pull out along the road on a sweeping curve. Just before you reach Highlands, Bridal Veil Falls is the only waterfall on the left side of the road. In dry periods it can be little more than a trickle, but when it’s running well, you can pull your bike or car behind it on a paved loop for a unique photo.

Go into Highlands to the traffic light. Turn left to stay on US 64 east and exit town. Follow US 64 East passing through Cashiers to return to motorcycle-friendly lodging at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Sapphire.