This 43 mile section is the best of the 491 mile long world famous motorcycle ride. It's the highest, the twistiest, and has the most scenic overlooks to stop and enjoy. 

Enjoy views from the Highest Point, see the Devil’s Courthouse, Looking Glass Rock, Graveyard Fields, and more. Some of the best overlooks are listed on each parkway section by milepost in this guide.

Soco Gap (Milepost 455.7) to Wagon Road Gap (Milepost 412.2) 

Distance: 78 miles to make the loop

Ride Time: 3 hours or more 

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START: Maggie Valley

Ride: Maggie Valley to the Blue Ridge Parkway

• From the Haywood Visitor Center follow US 19 - Soco Road. You'll pass Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley on your way to Soco Gap and the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Get on the parkway heading towards Asheville.

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Ride: Soco Gap (US 19) to Balsam Gap (US 74)

• MP 452.1 Cranberry Ridge Overlook - nice views towards Cherokee
• MP 451.2 Waterrock Know Overlook - visitor center, panoramic views from top
• MP 450.2 Yellow Face Overlook - long range views over valley
• MP 445.2 Mt Lynn Lowery Overlook - View Mt. Lyn Lowery cross on top, Woodfin Cascades across valley
• MP 443.1 - Balsam Gap - US 74 exit

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Ride: Balsam Gap (US 74) to Beech Gap (NC 215)

• MP 439.7 Pinnacle Ridge Tunnel
• MP 431.4  Richland Balsam Overlook - Highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway
• MP 430.7 Cowee Mountains Overlook - nice panoramic views
• MP 428    Caney Fork Overlook - Panoramic views
• MP 423.5 Courthouse Valley Overlook - Nice views, good rest stop
• MP 423.3 Beech Gap - NC 215 exit

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RIde: Beech Gap (NC 215) to Wagon Road Gap (US 276)

• MP 422.4 Devil's Courthouse Overlook - View from base of rock formation and valley below
• MP 422.1 Devil's Courthouse Tunnel
• MP 418.8 Graveyard Fields Overlook - popular stop with waterfalls, parking gets congested
• MP 418.3 Looking Glass Rock Overlook - Popular stop, good views of rock formation
• MP 413.2 Pounding Mill Overlook - panoramic views from point
• MP 412.9 Cold Mountain Overlook - Good rest stop near exit, views
• MP 412.2 Wagon Road Gap - Junction with US 276 exit

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Ride: Blue Ridge Parkway to Maggie Valley

• The drop from the parkway on US 276 - Cruso Road is a thrill. It then winds through the forest for several miles and emerges along the Pigeon River as it flows towads the Bethel Valley. US 276 - Pigeon Road takes you through Pigeon Gap into downtown Waynesville. Follow Main Street then US 276 - Russ Avenue to the junction with US 19. Follow US 19 - Dellwood Road back to Maggie Valley. 

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END: Maggie Valley

 

The Best Section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is found on maps - 

Map #6  - The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Mountains Park - EAST

Map - 12 Classic Deals Gap Motorcycle Rides

Map - 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains

Map OR2 - The Best Unpaved Roads SOUTH of Smoky Park

 

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