North Carolina biking roads-

[Rayvin53]

The wife and I are driving down (in the cage) from CT to FL for my bro's 50th bday and decided to avoid I-95 and take 17 and as much of the back roads as possible, scoping out some possible future biking trips as well. We decided to go as far east as possible in NC and hit the coastal areas of Hatteras, Okracoke, etc. Man, I've been in NC before, but never knew the Hatteras area was so beautiful. So that's definitely part of our future bike trip plans. Now, when we leave FL next week, we're planning on taking a more westerly route through the east coast states, so I figured I might as well check out the western NC roads I've heard so much about (particularly on the Magna forum I participate in)--the Cherahola highway will be part of it. I noticed there are a couple of NC residents on this forum, and any advice or tips from them on great biking roads in western NC that incorporate the Cherahola would be a great help.
Thanks.

 

[m-cman]

When on a trip from Dallas to the Outer Banks a few years ago (on my 95 Max), we went the back roads thru Arkansas, Tennessee and N. Carolina. Also did Deals Gap and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was absolutely stunning. I didn't know there were so many rivers, lakes and small mountains with great curvy roads, especially from eastern Tenn. thru NC. Of all the trips I have taken in my 51 years of riding, that was the best for scenic and fun roads. There are great roads all over the country but not so consistently great as the ones on this trip.

If you go down the Outer Banks from north to south, be sure you to Okracoke before the last ferry leaves. We were running late and out lead rider got a ticket for 110 in the 55 (I think) speed limit. We told the cop about trying to get to the ferry and he escorted us there making sure we didn't speed anymore. We barely made it. Cost my friend several hundred dollars. At least the cop didn't take him to jail....

 

[Redbone]

I've driven (cage) the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway and it is a peaceful and very scenic route. Hopefully you can include this on your back north route too.

 

[vmax190]

if you have time check out ceasers head, table rock, chimney rock and the lake lure area, i lived in upstate s. carolina for 15 years and these were my favorite rides. there is a elevator inside chimney rock that takes you to the top, amazing!! dave

 

[Rayvin53]

Of our trip so far, got to say the most beautiful countryside was in the NW Georgia/SW NCarolina area. Clayton GA stuck out as a great place to retire. Sunday, Cheryl and I drove the Taurus on the narrow and steep Tatham Gap (a dirt road and part of the Trail of Tears, more suitable to 4WD) which took us onto the Robbinsville end of the Cherohala Skyway, which led us into Tallico Plains, TN. Wishing I was riding the whole way (even started leaning in my seat on the innumerous and sweet switchbacks--one of the best looking roads for a bike I've seen. I'll be back on two wheels for sure.
Today we're just outside Roanoke and we'll do the Blue Ridge Pkwy, working Skyline Drive into it as we continue to work our way north. I appreciate the tips from you guys. Looking forward to getting back home and on 2 wheels again.