City Escape: Charlotte, North Carolina

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the Queen City, it doesn’t take long to find curvy, scenic mountain roads that will delight any motorcyclist. There are several interesting stops along the way, but this loop is all about the ride. The area’s moderate climate makes this route rideable from spring through fall.

Length

Approximately 210 miles

Meet-up Spot

Starbucks, 16846 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville, NC.

Lunch Stop

Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant, 8304 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC, (828) 295-3651. Quite possibly the best barbeque in the high country with a rustic setting.

Scenery (5 out 5)

The Blue Ridge Parkway has some of the most beautiful mountain views east of the Mississippi with lots of convenient turn offs to stop and appreciate them.

Traffic (4 out 5)

Usually very light but can be heavy during fall leaf season.

Difficulty (4 out 5)

Some sections of this route are very tight and curvy. The area also has lots of wildlife, so be careful.

Road Conditions (3 out 5)

The roads are generally in good shape, but some sections are a little rough. Watch out for gravel in the roads, especially after rain.

Points of Interest

Hiddenite Center
Hiddenite, NCA folk and cultural arts center housed in a stunning three-story Victorian mansion.

The Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, NCSteeped in Native American legend, The Blowing Rock rises 3,000 feet above the Johns River Gorge where unique wind patterns create a powerful updraft on its face.

Julian Price Memorial Park
Milepost 297 off the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP)With stunning views, hiking trails, and a small lake, Price Park offers a nice respite from the motorcycle right off the BRP.

Memory Lane Museum
Mooresville, NCHosting over 150 exhibits focusing on automobile history, the Memory Lane Museum also concentrates quite a bit on the area’s stock car racing history.