Diamondback (NC-226A)
North Carolina Highway 226A, universally known to riders as the Diamondback, is an 11-mile alternate highway dropping from Little Switzerland at 3,475 feet to US-221 near Marion at 1,390 feet, packing more than 190 steep, climbing curves into a short run through the Pisgah National Forest. The first five miles are the tightest — no guardrails, rocky outcroppings, and sheer drop-offs set the tone before the road opens into switchbacks and S-curves leading down to the valley floor. Part of a 38-mile fan-favorite loop that incorporates NC-226, US-221, and a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 226A section is the one riders plan the whole trip around. Pavement is smooth and well-marked, and the road is closed to commercial trucks, keeping traffic clean and rider-focused.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Ingles Gas Express
A convenient fuel stop at the start of the route before heading into the mountain terrain.
Campcall
Small community marking the transition as the road begins winding into the Blue Ridge foothills.
Grand View Campground & RV Park
A campground offering views of the surrounding ridgelines, good for a break or overnight stay.
KG's Quik Stop
Fuel stop at the midpoint of the route near Toms Creek, useful before the climb toward Spruce Pine.
Spruce Pine
A small mountain town with services and a good place to rest and take in the surrounding peaks.
Red Hill
The quiet community at the end of the route marks the finish of this scenic mountain corridor.
No runs logged on this road yet — be the first.
Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.