North Carolina · United States
The Diamondback
NC 226ALittle Switzerland to Woodlawn
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.
Scenery
Best seasons
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Where it runs12.2 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners
busiest around mile 5Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%441.2 – 1,056.1 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Sandy GapViewpoint2.1 mi in
- Gillespie GapViewpointat the start
- Lynn GapViewpoint1.4 mi in
Hazards
- Unguarded switchback drop-offs
- Gravel on blind hairpins
- Heavy weekend motorcycles
Sources
“An exciting and challenging drive, the two-lane route has smooth, well-marked pavement, flanked by rocky outcroppings, shear drop-offs and quick, tight hairpin curves.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
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Nearby roads
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