17 brutal switchbacks in the Green River Cove Road of North Carolina
Usa, north-america
17.21 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through Polk County, North Carolina? Green River Cove Road is calling all experienced riders! Picture this: you and your bike, carving through the southwestern part of the state on 10.7 miles of pure riding bliss.
This isn't just any road – it's a mountain rollercoaster nestled high in the Appalachians, linking State Road 1138 to Holbert Cove Road. Think tight switchbacks, steep climbs, and a serious test of your skills, all while surrounded by the sprawling, forested Green River Game Lands.
This climb is legendary for a reason: 17 hairpin turns that will get your heart pumping. Most of the road clocks in at a respectable 6-8% grade, but those hairpins? Cut them on the inside and you're staring down a jaw-dropping 22% incline! The outer lane offers a slightly gentler 8%, but either way, be prepared to work for it. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and get ready for one of the most exhilarating rides in the area.
Where is it?
17 brutal switchbacks in the Green River Cove Road of North Carolina is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.6088, -96.7624
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17.21 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.6088, -96.7624
Related Roads in north-america
moderateRich Mountain Road is a delightful drive through the Smokies
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! You HAVE to add Rich Mountain Road to your Smoky Mountains bucket list. Tucked away in Blount County, Tennessee, near the North Carolina border, this hidden gem is a one-way, south-to-north dirt road that promises a secluded and seriously scenic escape. Built way back in the '20s, this 6.9-mile (11.10km) route winds from Cades Cove Loop Road to Old Cades Cove Road and will take about an hour to navigate. Prepare for a slow, bumpy, and utterly charming journey. Think quiet forests, tight uphill turns with loose gravel, and parts that might be a little washed out – adding to the thrill, right? While most cars can handle it, leave your RVs, long vans (over 25 feet), and trailers at home, trust me. Some turns are tight! Keep an eye on the weather, too; heavy rains can make it impassable. And remember, it's typically closed from November to May for winter. The road climbs to 2,650 feet (808m), giving you some stunning views and awesome photo ops. This is one of the most remote spots in the Smokies you can reach by car! Plus, you might spot some white-tailed deer along the way. Get ready for a ride you won’t soon forget!
hardWhere is Trail Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a seriously epic desert drive, you HAVE to check out Trail Canyon Road in Death Valley National Park. You'll find this gem smack-dab in the eastern-central part of California, winding through the park's backcountry. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday cruise. It's a 10.7-mile unpaved rollercoaster, and slow is the name of the game, thanks to the many washes you'll be navigating. The reward? Pure desert magic. The road takes you to a spring at the canyon forks. The first side canyon on the left offers some great scenery! Forget about looping back to Aguereberry Point Road, though – that section's been closed after a washout. A high-clearance vehicle is a must for the first 4 miles to the top of the alluvial fan, and then you'll probably want 4x4 for the last 5.5 miles to be safe!
moderateDriving the scenic Emerald Bay Road in Lake Tahoe
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising along Emerald Bay Road in California is an absolute must-do if you’re anywhere near Lake Tahoe. This scenic stretch hugs the western shore of the lake, offering views that will absolutely blow you away. Okay, I’m not gonna lie – it can be a *little* intimidating. This road is carved into the side of a mountain, and in some spots, you’re driving right along steep cliffs with, gulp, no guardrails. It's part of Highway 89, running up the eastern edge of California near the Arizona border. But seriously, don’t let that scare you off! The views are SO worth it. You’re high above the most incredible mountain lakes. Just take it slow and maybe avoid it if you're super afraid of heights. This paved road winds for about 18.6 miles (29.93km) from Lake Valley up to Tahoma, nestled in the Carson range of the Sierra Nevada. The highest point is Inspiration Point, sitting at 6,837ft (2,084m), a full 600 feet above Lake Tahoe! From there, the panoramic view of Emerald Bay, the boats bobbing on the water, Vikingsholm, and tiny Fanette Island is unbeatable. Heads up: parking here can be a beast during peak summer hours, especially mid-morning to late afternoon. Keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections (up to 9% grade). There's a particularly wild quarter-mile stretch where you're riding a ridge between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake, with a 600-foot drop on either side and, yep, still no guardrails. If it’s a windy day, maybe skip it. Beautiful, but whoa!
moderateWhere is Eagle Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna hit Eagle Summit? This epic pass sits way up high at 3,652 feet in the White Mountains of central Alaska. You'll find it nestled within the Steese National Conservation Area. The whole stretch of the Steese Highway runs for 156 miles from Fairbanks all the way up to Circle, a cool little town right on the Yukon River (just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Arctic Circle!). The name? It comes from Eagle Creek. This historic route, finished way back in 1927, is open year-round. Heads up: the first 81 miles are paved, but then you're in for some gravelly fun.