Category Archives: Roadside Attractions

Historic places, waterfalls, overlooks, museums, covered bridges, etc.

While Mapping Motorcycle Roads I Found the Andrews Geyser

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I was passing through Old Fort, North Carolina the other day hoping to find a road I might have missed on one of my motorcycle mapping trips, when I came across the man-made Andrews Geyser. The wading pond was frozen, the spout encased in heavy ice, and the grass surrounding the pool was a huge sheet of bumpy rhyme.

Photo - Andrews Geyser encased in ice near Old Fort, NC

Andrews Geyser encased in ice near Old Fort, NC

The Geyser was built in 1880 as a tourist attraction and to commemorate those whole lost their lives building the railroad that climbed from Old fort to Swannanoa, then on to Asheville. Until that time, Old Fort was as far west as the railroad went. The 3 mile climb through the mountains required more than 12 miles of serpentine track and seven tunnels. More details at  (http://www.romanticasheville.com/old_fort.htm)

My explorations take me to the most unusual and scenic locations as I search out the best roads for my motorcycle maps. I’d passed the sign that directs you to the Geyser on the west end of town many times, but never ventured out to see it as the paved road does not make it all the way through the mountains. It’s a nice ride, but it doesn’t lead you anywhere else so it’s not on my motorcycle map of the area. Still, you won’t miss the signs.

If you’re passing through Old Fort on your way to reach those great two lane mountain roads nearby and have a little extra time, you might want to ride out and see the 80 ft. high plume. I got there late on the day when the temperatures never went much above freezing. Next time I visit, I hope it will be a little warmer.

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

A Fall Color Motorcycle Tour

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It was a good day to play hooky and who wouldn’t have done the same given the opportunity. When a college buddy called to let me know he was in the area and had brought his motorcycle along with him, I needed little more to tempt me into getting out of the office for a day and enjoying fall as it nears it’s peak of glory. It was a truly great day to be riding though what day isn’t?

George is new to motorcycling and from Florida. Either of those two factors means mountain curves are intimidating. When combined, I was assured this wouldn’t be a day spent testing the edges of the tires and sane riding technique. That’s a good thing really as I’m still riding out the years probation I’m under for abusing my privilege to stay within the DOT’s suggested speed recommendations on our wonderful roads. His choice of rides, a Honda Pacific Coast, also did not lend itself to carving up the corners. It’s one of those giant scooter-looking things, and while it has 800cc’s of grunt, it lacks the attitude to apply it – it’s more of a rolling tupperware party with barely a hint of metal meanness showing anywhere. No problem. With a spanking new tire on the front of my bike, an easy ride to scrub it in would be just the ticket before I put it to proper use another day.

I’d been looking for an excuse to revisit Hot Springs, one of the classic rides in the area. It was fall cool this morning and I threw the heated gear on just in case, though I never needed to plug it in. A quick breakfast at Duval’s in Waynesville, then out NC 209 into the countryside. Blue skies, crystal clear air, and clean roads welcomed us to one of the nicest close-in rides found around here.

We wound through the gentle curves of the pastoral valleys then climbed into the serpentine course through the higher passes. Were it one of my regular rides it could have been a morning of frustration. First a delay due to road work, then mowing, then a farm tractor, then a heavy truck easing down a grade in low gear as we worked our way north. Today these delays simply allowed more time to soak in the surroundings and gave George a chance to get accommodated to the roads without having to maintain a constant push to the edge of his comfort zone.

We paused in Hot Springs and I took a few minutes to explore the town anew. It was once one of my favorite local runs as it is a great ride to get there, and is surrounded by a wealth of fantastic two lane back roads. I’d make the hour trip out, amuse myself with loops through the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, then circle back into town for a beer and buffalo burger at the Paddler’s Pub. The pub was always filled with bikers and the parking lot was a showcase of machines from near and far. It burned down last winter and has yet to be rebuilt, though I was encouraged to see piles of new cinder block stacked where it once stood.

I’ve yet to try any of the other small cafés that inhabit the tiny town, and this morning it was too early to give any a test run. The Iron Horse Station looks promising. I told George some of the history and errata of the place. There really are natural hot mineral springs here you can visit and soak in. It was a refuge in early days for those who came to enjoy them for “health” reasons, but the grand old spa resort had also succumbed to fire years ago. The town had served as an internment camp for German prisoners during WWII. The Appalachian Trail, that 2000 mile long footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine, passes right through the heart of it to cross on the bridge over the French Broad River. It’s a popular place for whitewater rafters who come to ride the challenges of the rapids found on river. The surrounding national forests are full of hiking trails. That’s an awful lot of attractions for a town so small it doesn’t even have a traffic light.

We continued north along beautiful NC 212 as it traces the river where fly fisherman often outnumber the trout, then I detoured off on one of my secret little back roads to head into Tennessee. Climbing, dipping and carving through the hillsides, George convinced me this road was so good I had to add it to my Hot Springs map. I suppose he’s right, I’ll revisit that map and beef it up with a few more of roads I’d kept to myself up until now.

From Rocky Fork, Tennessee, we turned south to return to North Carolina and lunch called for a stop in Mars Hill. We landed at the El Dorado Latin Grill to satisfy my craving for a Cuban sandwich, though George’s chicken thighs with blueberry chipoltle sauce was the special of the day and he reported it was excellent.

I-26 filled the short gap between Mars Hill and Weaverville where George had stayed with relatives. I wanted to show him a good road right in town then get up on the Blue Ridge Parkway to give him the full monty on our one day tour. You can tell leaf peeping season is upon us as soon as you hit the parkway.

We plodded along through the boring section of the Blue Ridge Parkway that encircles Asheville. The road declines from the higher mountains north to reach a low point south of the city as it fords the French Broad River on an elevated causeway. From there it becomes far more interesting as you climb to it’s highest and most scenic section. As we gained altitude the turning of the leaves played out in colorful splendor.

If you know just where to look, you can get an awesome view of the Biltmore Mansion sitting castle-like amongst the surrounding forests, though I didn’t stop to share the view. We passed through tunnel after tunnel each time bursting out into the bright sunlight and just a little more color on the trees as we climbed higher and higher to reach Mt. Pisgah. I paused at selected overlooks to enjoy the panoramic views which stretched far into the hills of South Carolina and Great Smokey Mountains National Park to the north. The Pisgah Inn, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Rock, and The Devil’s Courthouse all had full parking areas as we stopped to enjoy them. Already at the higher elevations the peak of the color may have passed. Graveyard fields was a spectacular red and brown, though looking down on the ridges below showed much of the seasonal rainbow was yet to appear in the forests. Only the tips of the ridges had been touched by the paint brush of autumn and plenty of yet green leaves wait for their final curtain call.

Completing our loop we left the parkway at NC 215 wanting to share my wife’s favorite local road with my good friend and rolled through the never-ending curves of color that led us back to Waynesville and then my home. Jackie was home from work and we enjoyed the premier local past time of sitting on the porch reveling in a good days travels and the tales that go with them.

As he prepared to leave George thanked me for the days tour. “You know, the Blue Ridge Parkway was really nice, I’ve seen it before from a car and it’s a whole new experience on a motorcycle. But those little back roads you took me on were what really made the day, I’ve never done anything like that, it was the best experience I’ve ever had on a motorcycle, I enjoyed them more than anything else.”

Safe travels George. Good to see you again and even better to spend a day riding with you. You know we’ve always got a room ready for you when you get the chance to come back.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Scenic Motorcycle Rides – Backbone Rock, TN

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photo - motorcycle cruises through Backbone RockI went back to Virginia this weekend to revisit and explore some of the sights I’d passed while mapping the area

I’m pretty much all business when mapping – I only stop for three things; gas, to take notes, and when “nature” forces me to do so. Eating is a luxury typically left for the evening to make the most of the time on the road. This trip was to go back and savor some of the gems I’d just blown by previously.

One of my favorite loop rides is found near the point where North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee meet, a 103 mile jaunt that takes you on some of the twistiest and most scenic roads. It’s listed on America Rides Map #4 – “Great Roads Near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock.

Heading south from Damascus, Virginia, on SR 133, you soon enter the National Forest in Tennessee and signs for Backbone Rock Park start appearing along the road. Round a curve and you find yourself zipping through the quick yet dramatic tunnel through Backbone Rock.

I stopped in to investigate.

The Empire Mining Company blasted through Backbone Rock in 1901 to lay train tracks for the Tennessee Lumber Company. Long gone, the rail bed became the roadbed which continues on towards Mountain City.

The ridge is about 75 feet high and 20 feet thick, though it narrows near the top. There is a steep trail from the parking area on the right just after you pass through the rock, though if you have any aversion to heights and walking near the edge of a cliff, you’ll never make it to the section of rock which straddles the road.

There are several hiking trails, picnic tables and campsites, a waterfall is about 0.4 miles on a foot trail. The area is popular for fishing and kayaking.

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Wayne Busch

Wayne Busch - Cartographer

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– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com

Wayne is an advanced motorcycle instructor for Total Rider Tech teaching Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Rider Courses. It’s time you looked into advanced rider training to ride more confidently and safely, it will change your mountain riding experience. It worked so well for me I became an instructor! Total Rider Tech

America Rides Map #4 – “Great Roads Near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock

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Update on the Blue Ridge Parkway Repairs

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Photo – Waiting to pass a construction zone

Somehow I must have set the GPS to “find the most traffic” and it was working fabulously. I suppose everyone else had done the same as I hit one logjam after another on my way home from Virginia earlier this week. Still, as I left Banner Elk, I though it might be a while before I passed this way again and I was curious to see how the construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway was progressing.

I’d already bypassed the detour near Boone and Blowing Rock. No need to visit that section anyway. They are replacing a section of roadbed and there’s no way to get a close look at what’s going on, nor did I want to take the time to ride up and see how the bridge work was coming to the north. The big project however was more or less on my route home – at least it was now. Anything to get off the clogged roads and unwind.

The section I was interested in lies between Mt. Mitchell State Park and Asheville. This section of the parkway was closed all of last year when a piece slid off the mountainside. That portion has been rebuilt and the project has now shifted to repairing the adjacent areas of road which had deteriorated badly. Layers of pavement had peeled away like old paint and there were some areas where small sinkholes had left huge dips in the roadway. Honestly, it was getting pretty rough and it’s nice to see it receiving the attention it needs.

I was initially under the impression the job was mostly just resurfacing. This visit revealed there are many areas where the entire roadbed is being rebuilt. It’s being done in a piecemeal fashion, probably the worst sections getting attention first. Cruising down the southbound lane, the worst of the two, I was pleased to hit gloriously smooth portions that had already been repaired. These would be followed by others which had yet to see attention and still more which would probably not require much of anything. Sporadically, I came to construction areas, most of which were flanked by idled equipment this late into the evening. A few of the overlooks had been resurfaced along the drive.

It was pretty easy going until I passed Craggy Gardens. The last of the crews was still going full steam on a good sized section of road and I found myself pulling up to a line of stopped traffic waiting for the pilot vehicle to take them through the single open lane. It was just a few minutes until it came by with a long line of cars in tow. I waited my turn then fell into the queue behind our chaperon. As we passed, the opposite lane was being filled with fresh subsoil as the road was rebuilt from the very base. Work this extensive should endure. I doubt this will be anywhere close to finished until next spring season.

I left the Parkway near Asheville only to get caught up in another traffic jam on the south side of the city. Didn’t matter much anymore. I’d been on the bike since 4 AM and I could see the familiar mountains of home on the horizon. I’d get there soon enough.

Back Home & Back To Work

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Photo – It’s Good To Be Home

Came home Saturday evening. My niece was visiting Sunday so it was time to wrap things up. We spent the day whitewater rafting on the French Broad river north of Asheville near Hot Springs. It was the first time I’d been on that river. I look forward to returning in my kayak. The rapids are pretty challenging in a small boat, though they were fairly tame in a raft. There are bigger rapids further down the river, but the water is too low right now to raft them.

I got nearly all the mapping done, enough to do the initial layout. There is one small pocket I need to revisit and there is always one last trip to actually string together some loop rides. I found some really great roads, some in unexpected areas. There will be far more on this map than I’d planned.

I barely touched the second map, only one small corner explored. If the rest of it turns out half as good, there will be some fantastic rides on the next Virginia map as well. It’s surprising what you find if you really go looking for it.

I covered just shy of 1200 miles in the 3 days. My new Blackberry PDA worked fine. I have copious notes to digest. I spent most of the day rebuilding the office. The computers and printers are back up, the new battery power source is installed. I’m adjusting to a new desk and chair. Tomorrow I’ll get to the production area where I lay things out, storage, folding and packaging. I hauled out years worth of old junk and de-cluttered everything. I’m hoping to make things more efficient. We’ll see how it works out over the next few days. I am eager to discover how this new map lays out once I start plotting all the new roads. I think it’s going to be a really good one. Now, what to call it?

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

This Bike Nite Will Be Hard To Top!

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Photo – Bikes at the Mountaineer Restaurant / Riders Roost

Wow! Joanne at the Mountaineer / Riders Roost in Maggie Valley pulled out all the stops. What started as a social ride turned out more social than ride, but what a party! Only a handful of us enjoyed a fabulous cruise in the evening sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkwayjust up the hill. The action kept most at the restaurant.Photo – Bikers Always Welcome at The Mountaineer / Riders Roost

The handful of riders expected turned into a crowd of 50 or more. The place was full and lively. There was mountain music to liven things up. Some of the crew from Ghost Town in the Sky came down in full costume. Joanne had extra staff on hand to handle the crowd. Food, drink, music, entertainment, it was not surprising most stayed put.

We’re off to a good start. It’s going to be tough to top this show, and quite honestly, I’m happy just to make the rides. The timing is ideal. It’s cooling off, the sun is low and golden, the day traffic is gone, it’s a perfect time to be out for a spin.

Photo – Live Mountain Music Entertained The Crowd


It’s nice to be off to a great start. These Wednesday evening rides are open to all. I can’t promise we’ll always throw a party this good, but we’ve got some talented and resourceful people involved. If you’re in town or nearby please come by and get to know the people in Maggie Valley who really welcome and appreciate the motorcycle tourist as much as the local. We’ve got some special deals for you, discount cards to help your dollar go farther while your here, and information on the best rides in the area.

Photo – Happy Diners At The Mountaineer

Look for the flyers, ask at the visitors center, e-mail me, or visit All Roads Lead To Maggie.com to find out what’s happening each week. There is a group of people, growing and expanding, that are working overtime to insure you have the best affordable motorcyle vacation found anywhere. We’ve built all inclusive packages that include, meals, lodging, tours, discounts, entertainment at prices you won’t find elsewhere. It’s all possible because we are surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of miles of the best motorcyling roads found anywhere, more than you can see in one, two, even three trips. You never run out of great riding.

Every day is a motorcycle rally in Maggie Valley. The only thing missing are the noisy crowds. They’re too busy spending evenings on the porch in a rocking chair. Ride all day. Kick back in the evening. Now that’s a vacation.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Motorcycle Waterfall Tour

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This video shows a dozen or so of the roadside waterfalls included on America Rides Maps “The Best Roads South of Great Smoky Mountains National Park – EAST“.

When combined with the companion map “The Best Roads South of Great Smoky Mountains National Park – WEST“, nearly 20 roadside waterfalls can be enjoyed on your rides through the mountains of North Carolina.

Neither of these maps is purposely designed to focus on waterfalls, rather they guide you to the most exciting and beautiful undiscovered back roads which wind throughout the wild woods of the mountains just south of our nations most popular national park. There are plenty of other spectacular sights to see. Visit America Rides Maps to discover thousands of miles of two lane mountain roads packed with scenery, devoid of traffic, and more!

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Sights From The Road – The Lynn Cove Viaduct

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The Lynn Cove Viaduct is located at milepost 304.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway where it skirts Grandfather Mountain at an elevation of 4100 feet. It’s just outside the town of Banner Elk, NC. and not far from Boone, NC., convenient midway stopping points for a cruise down our nations longest National Park.

Completed in 1983, this was the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway linking the northern parts through the highlands of Virginia with the southern section through the highest mountains in the east. Too long for a tunnel, the Lynn Cove Viaduct provides an elevated bridge across a section of mountain too steep, rocky, and unstable for a roadway. While it is one of the most photographed features of the parkway with it’s dramatic “S” curving platform, those photos you may come across are from a vantage point not easily reached from the road. Fact is, you may not recognize you crossed it while cruising along the parkway unless you’re looking for it and know where it’s found.

For a better view of it, exit the parkway and ride a few miles down NC 221, one of the best roads recommended on America Rides Maps NC008 – “Great Roads Near Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock“. Pass the entrance to Grandfather Mountain, continue through a few of the wonderful curves that skirt the mountain below the parkway and look for a turn with a large gravel pull out. That’s where I got this picture, good enough to be used as the cover photo for the map.

For too many travelers, this area around Boone, Banner Elk, and Blowing Rock is overlooked. It’s a great stopping off point to pass a night, and you can see a few of the attractions with short rides between the towns. My explorations discovered a wealth of great backroads in the area with rides that extend acorss the borders into Tennessee and Virgina, enough to make a stay of a few days a rewarding expereince. The map lays out three recommened rides, and tempts you with more roads waiting your discovery.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go to America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com/

Blue Ridge Parkway – Open May 15

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After a nearly two year closure due to landslides near the highest mountain in the east, Mt. Mitchell, the park service has announced the expected opening of this closed section of the Blue Ridge Parkway on May 15 (subject to change). This section is located about 30 miles north of Asheville, NC.

The Craggy Gardens Visitor Center at milepost 364 which never opened last year will reopen as will one lane of the parkway. Visitors can expect delays as the traffic will alternate using the one open lane.

Weather could impact the opening date, and is always a factor in closing sections of the parkway. Locally, the highest section of the Blue Ridge Parkway between Asheville and Cherokee continues to be closed for winter, though I expect it will open any day now. We’ve had a sustained period of warmer weather which should have allowed the ice to clear from the dozen or more tunnels that grace this rugged and beautiful southern portion of the road. It’s not so much the snow that’s a problem here, but the accumulation of ice which persists in the cool shade of the tunnels long after the days have warmed.

Barring any significant slides which need attention, the gates should be unlocked soon.

Wayne@americaridesmaps.com

>> Go to America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com

Paving – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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The National Park Service is beginning an 18 month long project to repave 6.5 miles of Newfound Gap Road (US 441), the only road which crosses through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The section to be repaved starts at the south boundary near Cherokee and climbs to the Collins Creek Picnic Area intersection. Last paved in 1983, the road is in sore need of attention.

Road closures on Newfound Gap Road are nothing new. Sections have required maintenance resulting in lane closures for years. It’s been a rare day when you can make an uninterrupted transit from Cherokee, NC to Gatlinburg, TN. While this is one of those “must do” rides to see the park, it’s never been one of my first choices for a days ride. If you’re not pausing for road maintenance, you’re crawling along behind some lumbering RV straining to make the climb or smoking his brakes on the way down. Considering the thousands of miles of fabulous empty mountain roads in the surrounding area I prefer to go elsewhere.

Still, to see the park you gotta do the ride. If you haven’t done it, it’s worth the time and effort. Fill up, pack a snack and some water, bring the camera, don’t have a deadline, and take the time to enjoy the views. There’s a reason it’s the most visited national park in the nation and it is the Park’s 75th anniversary this year.

Lane closures will be staggered to reduce the impact on traffic. The contractor may close up to four areas at a time with delays at each closure which may not exceed 10 minutes. The park has a toll free recording providing details on lane closures at (888) 355-1849.

If you haven’t done this ride, you should. It’s included in one of the four loop rides on America Rides Maps “Maggie Valley to Deals Gap and the Cherohala Skyway“. However, if you crave more deserted roads that not only give you wonderful scenery but a challenging ride, there are another 600 miles or so of routes on that map that will keep you carving through the curves and rolling along the back roads where RV’s, Grandpa, and van loads of kids never tread.