The jaws of Alligator Rock loom ominously over the roadway on NC 215 not far from Rosman, NC., near the point where NC 215 makes a brief intersection with US 64. Beleive it or not, it’s easy to miss Alligator rock as you zip beneath it – this section of road is very tight and twisty and your attention is more likely to be on the pavement, not the scenery above.
This view is from the north side and there is little to warn you it’s about to appear as you round the bend. If you are approaching from the south side, look for the stone entrance sign that tells you that you are entering the Pisgah National Forest. Alligator rock is on the next bend in the road.
NC 215 is full of spectacular sights and it’s long and twising climb up to the Blue Ridge Parkway then down again to approach Waynesville and Canton is one of my favorite rides. There are roadside waterfalls, some obvious, some hidden, inspiring long range views from the higher elevations, and some of the most fabulous serpentine motorcycle riding to be found in the mountains of North Carolina. This is another one of the great roads featured on America Rides Maps NC001 – The Best Roads South of Great Smoky Mountains National Park – EAST.
I’ve heard a rumor there is a possibility NC215 is going to be re-engineered sometime in the future. It would certainly be nice to see it get a fresh coat of pavement, there are sections that are really starting to show their age, particularly up high. Unfortuantely, it seems they may try to relax some of the curves a bit and Alligator Rock will be one of the casualties of the plan. I’m hoping the economy forces them to cut it back a bit and just freshen up the tarmac. Leave the curves just as they are, it’s close to perfection now.
>> Go To America Rides Maps.com – http://americaridesmaps.com