North Carolina High Country Bike Tour

Takes us out of the artsy town of Weaverville, a small bedroom community near Asheville, NC. We follow the shady creek front roads along Paint Branch and visit the college town of Marshall before slipping into Burnsville on the west end of town. 36 miles; 2895 feet of climbing

Takes us out of the town of Burnsville with its town square and mountain top village of Mountain Air, a fly-in, fly-out resort. On to the remote towns of Bakersville and Penland. Penland is home to one of the country’s oldest arts and crafts school. There we tour the campus and its art studios and enjoy a lunch on the Green. We work our way to Spruce Pine. Redundant in name, yes there are Christmas tree farms. Then on to The Blue Ridge Parkway for the evening in Little Switzerland.. 45 miles; 3272′ elevation gain

We head out of Little Switzerland through the tiny village of Linville Falls. For those who would like, we can take a few hours break and do a bit of trekking through the high country’s claim to fame hiking destination. You will cycle the most pictured spot in North Carolina, the Linn Viaduct, an amazing engineering feat of the road as it suspends over the rocky cliffs of Grandfather Mountain. The Viaduct is a worthwhile stop to enjoy the magnificent views. We skirt around the east side of Grandfather Mountain. From Grandfather Mountain, we follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to the upscale resort town of Blowing Rock “Crown of the Blue Ridge.” We call this village home for two evenings. 42.3 miles; 4170′ elevation

Let’s take it easy a little bit today if you wish. We have a beautiful 11-mile loop planned for you to take in Moses Cone Manor on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM). Great easy to strenuous hikes and waterfall viewings are available nearby. Locally, you’ll find popular family attractions including Tweetsie Railroad and The Blowing Rock, a plethora of unique downtown shops, exquisite dining and outdoor adventures ranging from hiking to spelunking and nearby waterfalls. Dinner will be on your own tonight as the selection is varied within the small upscale village. If you would rather get more biking miles in, we have a library of local routes including a great ride out to the tiny town of Todd. 10.7 miles; 1125′ elevation

We will start our journey back in the general direction of Weaverville, but not before a beautiful ride through Linville Falls and another splendid evening at the Inn at Little Switzerland. The scenery is amazing with the rock outcroppings and streams trickling down the mountainsides. Grab a few pictures of the small villages of Linville Falls and grab some lunch at Famous Louise’s Cafe before we reach our park lodge in Little Switzerland. Soak up the pools, hot tubs and another incredible dinner at the Inn. 46.8 miles; 4283′ elevation

Our final day out of Little Switzerland, on morning six, we are on the Blue Ridge Pkwy passing the infamous Mt. Mitchell State Park. Locals and cyclists from around the world participate in the Assault on Mt Mitchell every year. Don’t forget your head light and taillights. We have numerous tunnels to pass through before we head off the parkway and finish our ride back in our starting town of Weaverville. 50 miles; 5445′ elevation You will definitely feel a sense of accomplishment after logging your miles in these beautiful mountains over the last six days.