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All of these routes and hundreds of miles of more great rides in the area are featured on America Rides Map "The Best Rides North of Asheville". Click here for details! MENU
General Blue Ridge Parkway Closure Information:
A section of The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed until spring of 2009 in the Craggy Gardens area, milepost 367.6 to 355.3, north of Asheville, North Carolina, due to a rock slide and roadway failure which must be repaired. Craggy Gardens and the Craggy Gardens picnic area is one of the more popular scenic locations on the Parkway and can be accessed when approaching from the south. The road is closed beyond it. Approaching the area from the north, you can get to Mt. Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi, but the road is closed to traffic any further south and you will have to return north to make a detour if Mt. Mitchell is on your list of must see locations. The Park Service has established detours at the north and south side of the closed area which take you off the Blue Ridge Parkway, onto local roads, then back onto the parkway on the other side of the closed area. The detour route is well marked with bright orange signs. The recommended detour is designed to accommodate large RV traffic and utilizes roads most suitable to them avoiding alternatives which are too steep and have very tight turns. The Park Service detour covers roughly the same 51 mile distance you would travel if you had remained on the Parkway. It would take you about 1 hour, 30 minutes to go the distance on the Parkway. The detour takes about 30 minutes less. For those in cars and on motorcycles, there are alternative detours which will keep you on the Parkway longer and can route you onto other roads which are enjoyable and scenic. The Park Service Recommended Route: Total
Distance: 51.2 miles
This map shows detour route recommended by the Park Service in red. The recommended route has numerous orange signs along it to direct you and help you find your way. Approaching the Closed Area from the North: When approaching the closed area on the Blue Ridge Parkway from the north, the recommended detour directs you off the east side of the Parkway at NC 226 near Little Switzerland. This puts you on a steep and winding descent for several miles until you intersect NC 226 Alt. It continues descending though more turns until you reach NC 221 in 5.3 miles. Here, you turn right (south) and follow four lane NC 221 for 13 miles into Marion. There is currently road construction in Marion, expect delays. In Marion, you are directed onto Interstate Highway 40 west toward Asheville. On the east side of Asheville, you are directed to turn at exit 55 onto US 70 and proceed 1.1 miles to reach the entrance to and resume your travels on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Approaching the Closed Area from the South: Approaching the closed area from the south, you are directed to exit the Parkway at US 70 in west Asheville and get on Interstate Highway 40 at exit 55 heading east toward Hickory. Travel east 31.4 miles to exit I-40 at Exit 86, then turn north through Marion on US 221 to reach NC 226 and climb to the Parkway.
The Park Service Recommended Detour - A suggestion When Heading South - Rather than Exit I-40 at Exit 55 (Oteen), which puts you on a congested section of four lane road, continue 3 more miles west on I-40 to Exit 53A (US 74 Alt). This avoids the traffic lights and congestion on US 70 and the next exit puts you back on the Blue Ridge Parkway just 0.2 miles from the Interstate. You'll miss only 2.3 miles of an uninteresting section of the Blue Ridge Parkway and will probably more than make up the time spent in traffic on the recommended US 70 route. When Headed North - Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at US 74 Alt. and go north O.2 miles to get on I-40 East towards Hickory. The Park Service Recommended Detour - Make it more interesting If you are hesitant to stray from the recommended route and it's easy to follow orange signs, but would like to make the most of this ride, consider taking NC Alternate 226 south from the parkway rather than NC 226. It will still lead you down to NC 221, but adds 8.3 miles of twisty fun two lane road to the ride. When Heading South - As you exit the Parkway onto 266 South, watch for the right turn to get onto 226 Alt. Enjoy the ride and follow it down to NC 221. It will lead you right to it. When Heading North - Leaving NC 221 and starting up the climb to the parkway on NC 226, you will reach a point where you are directed to bear right to continue to the Parkway. If you do not go right but continue on the road ahead you will find yourself enjoying the twists and turns of NC 226 Alt. and arrive at the Blue Ridge Parkway with a smile on your face. Alternative detours can be made on both the east and west sides of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The recommended detour takes you down the east side. Detours on the East Side of the Blue Ridge Parkway: Total
Distance: 38.1 Miles Distance with Additional Alternative: 40.6 Miles
This is the most sensible and obvious alternative detour using the last crossroad prior to the closed area, NC 80, 12.8 miles south of the recommended detour at NC 226. NC 80 is a wonderful motorcycle ride as it is a tight and twisting road for all but the last few miles. There will be orange signs on the Parkway indicating the road is open beyond NC 80 south for 11 miles to access Mt. Mitchell, but is closed beyond that point. When Headed South - Follow NC 80 as it descends from the Blue Ridge Parkway 12.1 miles until you reach the traffic light at the intersection with NC 70. Turn right (west) and follow NC 70 through Old Fort until it connects with Interstate Highway 40. It's a straight shot the whole way, no turns or stops. Once on Interstate 40 West, follow it for 16.5 miles. The recommended detour route directs you to Exit I-40 at exit 55 and get on US 70. The entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is on the left in 1.1 miles.
Do not exit I-40 at Exit 55 onto US 70 approaching west Asheville. Continue west on I-40 to Exit 53A, US 74-Alt. (3 more miles/minutes on I-40). Take I-40 Exit 53A (towards Lake Lure, Bat Cave) to Blue Ridge Parkway in 0.2 miles. When Headed North - Follow the recommended detour west of Asheville onto US 70 to reach I-40. Continue east on I-40 to reach Exit 72 onto US 70 at Old Fort. Go through Old Fort and continue on US 70 for a total of 9.2 miles to reach the intersection with NC 80. Turn left (north) onto NC 80 and enjoy the winding climb to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway early at US 74 Alt. Drive 0.2 miles to get on I-40 west. Continue as above. Detours on the West Side of the Blue Ridge Parkway Alternative #2 West Detour via the Major Roads Total
Distance: 61.2 Miles
So maybe you don't want to get off and enjoy the beautiful twisty-turny rolling two lane roads that crisscross the mountains north of Asheville. Still, you've already made the recommended detour on the east side of the Blue Ridge Parkway and want to do the west side on your return trip. This detour keeps you on the main roads and highways as much as possible. When Headed South - Instead of taking the recommended detour east on NC 226, go west on NC 226 to Spruce Pine. In Spruce Pine, take US 19E and follow it west passing through the town of Burnsville. US 19E will eventually run into Interstate Highway 26 which leads south to Asheville. Follow I-26 south through Asheville, pass through the construction zone in east Asheville and continue south on I-26 to reach Exit 33, NC 191. The signs on I-26 will direct you to take this exit to reach the Parkway. Follow NC 191 2.4 miles to reach the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
When Headed North - Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at NC 191 as you approach Asheville. Signs will direct you to connect with I-26. Follow NC 191 2.4 miles then get on I-26 North to Asheville. Continue through Asheville on I-26 and follow it north to reach US 19E at Exit 9. Follow US 19E to reach US 226 on the south side of Spruce Pine. Signs will direct you to follow US 226 to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Alternative #3 226 West with a Few Twists Total
Distance: 54.7 Miles
This is one of the more complicated ways to make a detour, but if your goal is to do some really fun riding, it's worth the time and effort. Heck, you would have spent almost as much time riding the distance on the Parkway if it were open, so you're really not making much of a sacrifice to your schedule, and you're getting in some really fun riding on top of it. To really get the most of the fun roads on a west detour, look to Alternative #4 which adds more great miles to this route. When Heading South - Instead of taking the recommended detour east on NC 226, go west on NC 226 to Spruce Pine. In Spruce Pine, take US 19E and follow it west passing through the town of Burnsville. US 19E will eventually run into Interstate Highway 26 which leads south to Asheville (see detour #2 for this route), though you'll miss a fantastic curvy rural ride by doing so. Instead, watch for the turn south (left) onto Prices Creek Road about 4 miles west of Burnsville. Turn onto Prices creek road, go 0.4 miles, then turn right crossing a bridge over a creek to get on Paint Fork Road. Follow it south as it twists and winds through the hills and farms, then turn right on Beach Glen Road. Follow Beach Glen Road 3 miles, then turn left on Forks of Ivy Road. This will bring you to I-26 in 4.2 miles. Get on I-26 at exit 13 and follow it south 5.4 miles to reach exit 18 at Weaverville. Take exit 18 and follow N. Main Street 0.9 miles to reach the stop light at Hamburg Mountain Road. Turn onto Hamburg Mountain Road for a twisty ride to reach Reems Creek Road. Turn left (east) onto Reems Creek Road and follow it until it veers onto Ox Creek Road. Ox Creek Road winds and climbs 4.1 miles to meet Elk Mountain Scenic Highway. At this junction a spur leads to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is the closest point you can access the Parkway south of Craggy Gardens. Continue on your travels south on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
*Paint Fork Road - Sections of this road are also called
Horton Creek Road, NC 1530, Norton Creek Road When Heading North - Stay on the Blue Ridge Parkway passing the recommended detour at US 70. Take the spur left to Ox Creek Road / Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, and continue north (right) to get on Ox Creek Road. Follow Ox Creek Road. It will merge with Reems Creek Road. Watch for the right turn onto Hamburg Mountain Road in 2.1 miles. Follow Hamburg Mountain Road until it ends at Main Street (US 19). Turn right and follow the signs to get on I-26 North. Exit I-26 at Exit 13, go right, and look for Stockton Road (becomes Forks of Ivy Road) across the street as soon as you start right from the exit ramp (before you reach the gas station). Follow Stockton Road to reach Beach Glen Road in 4.2 miles. Turn Right onto Beach Glen Road. Follow it for 3 miles watching for the quick hidden left turn onto Paint Fork Road. Keep following Paint Fork Road until it ends at Prices Creek Road. Turn left and go 0.4 miles to reach US 19E. Turn right (east) and follow US 19E 18.2 miles to reach US 226 south of Spruce Pine. Follow the signs on US 226 which will lead you to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
*Paint Fork Road - Sections of this road are also called
Horton Creek Road, NC 1530, Norton Creek Road Alternative
#4 NC 80 West - The Best Ride on the West Side Total
Distance: 55.2 Miles
This detour to the west of the Parkway is designed to put you on some of the best motorcycle roads in the immediate area and minimize the section of Blue Ridge Parkway eliminated by a detour. It takes you off the Parkway at the last possible point and gets you back on at the first opportunity. It includes the fantastic ride on NC 80, the twisty ride on the "Forks of Ivy" shortcut, and the twisty ride up Ox Creek Road while minimizing the time spent on more congested roads and highways. These are just some of the great motorcycle roads in the area and this is an opportunity to experience them on your travels. When Heading South - Instead of taking the recommended Parkway detour east on NC 226, continue south on the Blue Ridge Parkway reach NC 80. Exit the Parkway here and head north on the twists and turns of this rural road to reach US 19E. Turn west (left) on US 19E and follow it west passing through the town of Burnsville. Watch for the turn south (left) onto Prices Creek Road about 4 miles west of Burnsville. Turn onto Prices creek road, go 0.4 miles, then turn right crossing a bridge over a creek to get on Paint Fork Road. Follow it south as it twists and winds through the hills and farms, then turn right on Beach Glen Road. Follow Beach Glen Road 3 miles, then turn left on Forks of Ivy Road. This will bring you to I-26 in 4.2 miles. Get on I-26 at exit 13 and follow it south 5.4 miles to reach exit 18 at Weaverville. Take exit 18 and follow N. Main Street 0.9 miles to reach the stoplight at Hamburg Mountain Road. Turn onto Hamburg Mountain Road for a twisty ride to reach Reems Creek Road. Turn (east) onto Reems Creek Road and follow it until it veers onto Ox Creek Road. Ox Creek Road winds and climbs 4.1 miles to meet Elk Mountain Scenic Highway. At this junction a spur leads to the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is the closest point you can access the Parkway south of Craggy Gardens. Continue on your travels south on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
*Paint Fork Road - Sections of this road are also called
Horton Creek Road, NC 1530, Norton Creek Road When Heading North - Stay on the Blue Ridge Parkway passing the recommended detour at US 70. Take the spur left to Ox Creek Road / Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, and continue north (right) to get on Ox Creek Road. Follow Ox Creek Road. It will merge with Reems Creek Road. Watch for the right turn onto Hamburg Mountain Road in 2.1 miles. Follow Hamburg Mountain Road until it ends at Main Street (US 19). Turn Right and follow the signs to get on I-26 North. Exit I-26 at Exit 13 go right and look for Stockton (becomes Forks of Ivy Road) road across the street as soon as you start right (before you reach the gas station). Follow Stockton Road to reach Beach Glen Road in 4.2 miles. Turn Right onto Beach Glen Road. Follow it for 3 miles watching for the quick hidden left turn onto Paint Fork Road. Keep following Paint Fork Road until it ends at Prices Creek Road. Turn left and go 0.4 miles to reach US 19E. Turn right and follow US 19E xxx miles to reach NC 80 south. Follow NC 80 as it twists and curves to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway.
*Paint Fork Road - Sections of this road are also called
Horton Creek Road, NC 1530, Norton Creek Road
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