Make the Trek to Diamondback

The Diamondback is one of the last great mountain roadways for motorsports enthusiasts, and an ideal visit for motorcycle or sportscar groups.

North Carolina’s Last Alternate Route

Sweeping curves, amazing scenery and cool mountain breezes make the Diamondback, North Carolina 226A, one of WNC’s last great mountain roadways. The Diamondback is loaded with switchbacks looping almost 360-degrees. Runs of S-curves climb and twist sharply as they snake through lush green forest en route to the Blue Ridge Parkway just above Spruce Pine, North Carolina.

This heavily wooded trek, from Marion in McDowell County to Switzerland Inn, on the edge of Mitchell County, North Carolina is an exciting and challenging drive. Two-lanes of smooth, well-marked pavement are flanked by rocky outcroppings, sheer drop-offs and quick, tight hairpin curves.

Motorcycle and Sport Car Events

Riders and sportscar drivers challenging the Diamondback Motorcycle and Sportscar Route (226A) will find the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance and the Switzerland Inn right at the crest of the route. The Inn’s driveway is the immediate right as you enter the Parkway.

The Diamondback Lodge at Switzerland Inn is an ideal base camp for your motorcycle or sports car group.

Diamondback Tours

For our international and airline travelers we highly recommend booking a personalized tour of Diamondback.

Blue Strada Tours
With Blue Strada Tours, Bill Kniegge, a motorsports and motorcycle industry veteran of over 30 years, will lead you and your friends on a tour that takes in some of the most challenging roads and beautiful scenery in America. Come discover for yourselves why motorcyclists from all over the world are coming to North Carolina to ride the perfect, endless, twisty roads found in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.

Tour with Tamela
Tamela Rich leads tours for motorcyclists in the United States and abroad. She also develops custom itineraries for those who want to tour without a guide. Get in touch for custom touring services.

Diamondback Map