Motorcycle Rides – Sights from the Road – Georgia

  • 9/30/2019

The road narrows to cut through this historic farm in Dial, Georgia.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Hearing a car approaching I’d stepped to the grass to let it pass. Though I’d been through several times before, something today made me appreciate this spot along the Toccoa River where the road narrowed to thread through the old wooden buildings of the homestead. The approaching car slowed then stopped, the window down.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” came a voice from the driver.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

“I used to manage this farm” the woman in the car said to me. Her broad smile conveyed her pride.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

“Yes, it is beautiful, I just had to stop and take a few shots” I said, resisting the urge to snap a candid photo of her. It just didn’t seem polite.

She nodded acceptingly then added – “Watch out, there’s some crazy folks on this road”.

I smiled and added “I’m probably one of them”.

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

Roadside Farm in Dial, GA

She laughed then continued on her way.

One of the most enjoyable things about cruising the backroads on your motorcycle are the wonderful sights and beautiful views you come across. The hundreds of roads that weave through the southern Blue Ridge Mountains hold many secrets. There are little spots here and there that touch us in special ways, appeal to things deep within us, reward us with emotions of appreciation and admiration. Don’t let them all pass by, savor the good ones.

Dial Road Interactive Map

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Article by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Get the maps at America Rides Maps.com
Source: America Rides Maps Blog

An Overlooked Attraction in Highlands for your Motorcycle Ride

  • 9/2/2019

An easily overlooked spot in Highlands, NC – The Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge at the Bascom Art Center makes a great stop on your motorcycle ride to see the waterfalls.

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge at the Bascom Art Center

Stevens Covered Bridge

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge – Highlands, NC

We’ve ridden past this roadside attraction for years yet it never registered as a place to stop on our motorcycle rides to see the fabulous waterfalls in the Cullasaja River Gorge. I suppose it’s because I’m so eager to get out of the congestion in Highlands, NC. The roads surrounding the upscale town are outstanding but traffic crawls through the popular picturesque community. Reaching the edge of town the twists and turns ahead are so tempting yet a stop at the Bascom is time well spent and adds to the ride.

As you head west from Highlands towards the Cullasja Gorge to see the 4 big roadside waterfalls on NC 28 / US 64 you’ll find the Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge on the right. The road it covers leads to the Bascom Art Center, a collection of historic restored horse farm buildings which house the art and museum. It’s a one-way ride entering through the bridge, a short paved road loops you back to US 64 from the parking area at the museum.

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge - Highlands, NC

Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center - Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center - Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center - Highlands, NC

Bascom Art Center – Highlands, NC

The covered bridge is exquisite, worth the stop to see. It’s not original, the timbers were brought from New Hampshire then reconstructed at the site from a bridge dating from 1807. The beams are secured with hammered wooden pegs, it’s truly a work of lost craftsmanship. You’ll find an appreciation for historic preservation throughout the Bascom Art Center in the barns and stables now hosting the artists and their work.

Bascom Art Center - Pottery

Bascom Art Center – Pottery

Bascom Art Center - Taking some home(

Bascom Art Center – Taking some home(

Bascom Art Center - Gallery

Bascom Art Center – Gallery

Bascom Art Center - Gallery

Bascom Art Center – Gallery

The Bascom Art Center is worth the time for a visit. You’ll find artists in residence producing  beautiful pottery and crafts and a gift shop if any catch your eye. The three story museum in the largest building features collections from historic South Carolina, Japanese calligraphy, woodworks, and other eclectic exhibits. A short walking trail loops from the gallery through the grounds.

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

Bascom Art Center - exhibits

Bascom Art Center – exhibits

The Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge & Bascom Art Center make a nice addition to your waterfall ride passing through Highlands, NC. Be it a quick stop to snap some photos or a more extended visit to the art center, this is a nice scenic addition to your motorcycle adventures. Explore the map below to discover more and download a GPS track of the loop ride.

The Easy Waterfall Ride (https://miles-by-motorcycle.com/51999/maps/52025/the-easy-waterfall-ride)

Wayne Busch - AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Wayne Busch – AMERICA RIDES MAPS

Article by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps

We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Get the maps at AmericaRidesMaps.com
Source: America Rides Maps Blog