Land of the Waterfalls Loop

Land of the Waterfalls Loop

This loop ride is near the south end of the Blue Ridge Parkway and takes us to some of the best tourist sites that draw so many to the Smoky Mountains. Waterfalls, rugged mountain scenes, stunning long range views, and whitewater rivers. A ride we will all remember!

As we ride west out of Cherokee, NC along the river on US Hwy 19 we pass Bryson City, the home of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Soon after we pass Bryson City we get on the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway (US 19/74) and soon enter the Nantahala River Gorge. Near the end of the gorge we turn left onto Wayah Road (Hwy 1310) and follow it as it traces the course of the river to the heights of alpine Nantahala Lake. We wind across the top of the mountain and then plunge down the back side on a long stretch of road through the wilds of the National Forest. Be wary of loose gravel on this road, the surface can be slippery, especially in the turns.

When we reach the Little Loafer's Glory Store we turn left onto Old Murphy Road to go into Franklin (or right to get on the four lane and bypass town). We follow the signs in Franklin to make the right turn onto NC 28 south and leave Franklin behind us. Passing under US Hwy 441 we follow US Hwy 64/NC 28 into the Cullasaja River Gorge. This road twists and turns through the spectacular scenery of this beautiful area. There are 4 superb waterfalls as we wind our way into Highlands.

We turn left in Highlands at the traffic light to stay on US 64 east and enjoy the ride throughout the outstanding scenery of Sapphire Valley with glimpses of looming dome rock faces above. We continue eastward along the twisty US 64 and turn lift onto NC 215 just outside of Rosman. We'll enjoy the challenging climb on NC 215 to reach the highest section of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Since we will ride this portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway on another day we will continue northward on NC 215 until we reach Bethel were we will turn westward on US Hwy 276 into Waynesville and then get on US Hwy 19 to take us back to Cherokee.

Land of the Waterfalls Loop: 186 miles 5 hours of saddle time