The 2003 movie “Cold Mountain” sets a tragic love story against the backdrop of the Civil War. In the movie, based on the book of the same name, we witness a budding romance interrupted by the horrors of war and the struggle of a man to return to the love of his life back home at Cold Mountain. While the mountains filmed in the movie are located in Romania, there’s a real Cold Mountain in North Carolina, and you can reach it from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
When you reach the sleepy community of Cruso, you’ll pass the Blue Ridge Motorcycle Campground. From here the road relaxes a bit, but it’s still full of twists and turns.
When you come to a traffic light, you’re at the juncture of N.C. Route 215. If you need gas, go straight toward Waynesville. When you double back, you can’t miss this intersection, since two of the three routes have big yellow warning signs for truckers because of the 9 percent grade and 15 mph curves! If your tank is full, turn left onto N.C. Route 215 south.
Before the road begins to really climb up the mountain, you’ll pass along and over Lake Logan, a popular fishing destination. As the ascent continues, you’ll pass over two beautiful stone bridges and—if you look close enough—glimpse a waterfall.
Keep your eyes on the curves, as there are more 15 mph challenges. When you arrive at the BRP, head north to finish the loop. Then turn around and run it the other way.
Till next time, ride safe!