A motorcycle rider’s guide to North Carolina’s Land of the Waterfalls Loop

Many riders start their journey on the Land of the Waterfalls Loop in the northern cities of Maggie Valley or Cherokee. Both cities lie along US 19, a mostly east-west highway that connects several small towns in the Smoky Mountain region of North Carolina. You’ll travel west on US 19 until it merges with US 74. Continue until you come up to the town of Almond and make a left-hand turn onto Wayah Road/Hwy 1310.

To follow the loop, you’ll continue east on Wayah Road. When you see a Loafers Glory store, you’re going to follow Wayah Rd to the left. It will quickly turn into Old Murphy Rd/Hwy 1442 on its way into Franklin. Keep following the road farther into Franklin where—just before crossing the Cullasaja River—it turns into E Main St. Across the river, you’ll turn right on NC 28 south.

Follow the highway until it terminates at the junction of N 4^th Street/US 64 E in Highlands. Follow US 64 to the northeast, all the way to the town of Rosman. You’ll turn left on NC 215 and follow it north to the town of Woodrow. In Woodrow, turn left onto US 276. Follow the highway until it terminates in US 19 on the west side of Lake Junaluska. You can complete the loop by taking US 19 west until you reach your starting position in Maggie Valley or Cherokee.

All along the Land of the Waterfalls Loop are gorgeous views, small towns to visit and explore, and of course, waterfalls. Keep the above directions in mind as you travel the loop, but don’t be afraid to get out of the saddle and enjoy everything this region has to offer.

North Carolina's scenic Land of the Waterfalls Loop will take you on a journey. In addition to the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, you can enjoy over a dozen roadside waterfalls within one day. However, you can always travel at a slower pace and split your ride across multiple days. There are several places to stay along the way. Choose your route based on your desired stops. 

Check out our interactive route map as you plan your trip.

Weather can vary throughout your ride as elevations and conditions change—for example, spots like the Nantahala National Forest are often slightly cooler than nearby cities like Brevard.

Here is what you can expect month-to-month in cities and towns along this loop. The following weather chart is for Brevard.

Keep in mind, this region's average annual precipitation is around 67 inches—with some areas receiving over 100 inches. The national average is just over 30 inches. So, consider these conditions when packing clothing and planning rest stops. 

Along with the standard safety checks and maintenance you perform on your bike, you'll want to dress for the road (and weather), follow all traffic rules, and prepare for this specific loop. 

This is a high-tourist area, so you need to remain mindful of other riders, vehicles, and pedestrians. This region has 100,000 acres of public land, hundreds of waterfalls, a dynamic music scene, and plenty of excellent restaurants—so depending on where your bike takes you, expect some minor hustle and bustle. 

You’ll need to remain focused—there are twisting sections and areas with loose gravel. These considerations are critical regardless of the weather but are particularly important when rainy and windy. 

As stated above, this region gets quite a bit of rain. Take extra measures to ensure your bike is safe to ride in the rain and take all necessary steps to reduce your risk of a potential accident. Before you hit the road, check your tires. If there is noticeable wear, your traction will be compromised in wet conditions. You'll also want to check your tire pressure.

Why you come to the Land of Waterfalls Loop will depend on what you want to see and do. Since you'll enjoy incredible views of the mountains, the fall season is a fan favorite. While the lush green rolling hills are picturesque all year, you can witness the magical fall colors in late September and early October.

Regardless of when you visit, consider these towns and notable stops.

As you head west on US 19, you'll see Cherokee before winding along the river into Bryson City, home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. If you enjoy historic sites, are looking for a bite to eat, or want to check out the shops, stop in Bryson City's vibrant downtown before getting on the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway. It’s a great place to top up on fuel if you're getting low. 

Top places to check out in Cherokee:

• Sequoyah National Golf Club

• Mingo Falls

• Museum of the Cherokee People

• Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort

Top places to check out in Bryson City:

• Deep Creek Trail 

• Smoky Mountains Trains Museum

• Tsali Recreation Area

• The Wild Fern

Nantahala National Forest has much to offer—two river gorges, hardwood forests, and beautiful countryside views. Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls are two roadside stops you won't want to miss. Dry Falls is a 75-foot waterfall you can access from the road and walk behind. Parking is available nearby, but remember, visitor volume usually peaks midday. 

Speaking of waterfalls, what would this loop be without all these enchanting sites? Here are the falls you can enjoy directly along your ride or within close proximity. 

• Soco Falls 

• Cullasja Falls 

• Bust-Your-Butt-Falls (Quarry Falls)

• Dry Falls

• Bridal Veil Falls

• Sequoyah Falls

• Toxaway Falls

• Looking Glass Falls 

• Sliding Rock

• Second Falls

• Upper Falls

• Bubbling Spring Falls

• Sunburst Falls

And that’s just a start! The Land of the Waterfalls area of Brevard in Transylvania County is home to 250+ waterfalls. Plan to take slight detours to hit up some of the most iconic falls—like Triple Falls and High Falls, which you may recognize from movies like The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games. 

After passing through Franklin, known as the "Gem Capital of the World" based on its ruby and sapphire mining traditions, you'll ride into Highlands. This mountainside town is one of the highest east of the Mississippi River. It is also located in one of North America’s few temperate rainforests. You can enjoy various outdoor activities, culture, art, fabulous restaurants, and great shopping here.  

If you're looking for a memorable place to stop and stay, check out Old Edwards Inn and Spa, a historic resort with a full-service European-style spa, restaurant, and wine garden. You can hire a local guide if you'd prefer to stop and fly fish for trout. There are options for every budget and interest. If you're riding during mid-October, don't miss one of fall's coolest phenomena—the Shadow of the Bear. 

While Brevard isn’t technically on the loop, it's not far off the path—especially if you're planning a multi-night tour. When you hit the most south-eastern point of the loop, you'll be in Rosman, just nine miles from Brevard. If you ride to Brevard and the surrounding area, there's plenty to experience. Here are some of our favorites: 

• Sliding Rock, where over 11,000 gallons of water pour down sixty feet every minute. This roadside attraction is a good place to take a dip—lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

• If you like to hike and climb, don't miss Looking Glass Rock, offering a challenging 6.5-mile hike. This activity isn't recommended for beginners. If climbing isn't your thing, check out Looking Glass Falls, one of the most photographed falls in the nation.

• For music lovers, time your trip when there's a performance you'd like to see at the Brevard Music Center—one of the premier classical music institutes in the region. The 180-acre, wooded campus alone is worth the trip.