The Diamondback (NC 226A)

Twelve miles of relentless switchbacks dropping off the ridge at Little Switzerland.

NC 226A, nicknamed The Diamondback, descends from Little Switzerland near the Blue Ridge Parkway down to US 221 near Woodlawn, packing a famously high count of climbing curves and switchbacks, reportedly around 190, into roughly twelve miles. The upper miles are the tightest, dropping steeply with several blind hairpins and long stretches without guardrails. It is a favourite among motorcyclists and a genuine technical test rather than a cruise. Mind the unguarded drop-offs on the upper switchbacks, gravel washed onto blind hairpins, and heavy motorcycle traffic on fine weekends.