The Classic Rattler Loop Ride

Long popular with locals, NC 209 takes you on a wonderful scenic and challenging ride north to Hot Springs. Continue through Hot Springs on US 25, pass through Marshall, then follow Meadows Town Rd to NC 63. NC 63 leads you back to NC 209. 98 miles in all, it's 1/2 day ride.

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NC 209 - The Rattler

START: Junaulska

Ride: Junaluska to Hot Springs

• NC 209 - "The Rattler" starts at Exit 104 on US 19 / 74. A Lowes Store is the landmark at this exit.  NC 209 - Crabtree Road winds north through the valleys near the Pigeon River, crosses over I-40 at Exit 24 then becomes NC 209 - Rush Fork Road once it leaves the river valleys. Sweeping curves flow through mountain farmland, climb to Rush Fork Gap then drop to the Fines Creek community. 
   
• NC 209 then shoots east as Betsy's Creek Road rolling into another farm valley for several miles. The landmark at this turn is Ferguson's Supply Store. Just beyond you'll find the "Rattler" sign and a chance to buy t-shirts and swag at the roadside. The road hooks around and climbs Lab Mountain to enter the first section of tight twists through rocky cuts. Cresting Besty's Gap it descends along Spring Creek. The curves relax and you'll pass historic Pink Plemmon's Store as you roll into the tiny settlement of Trust. 
   
• The Trust General Store is the landmark here. Note the junction with NC 63 - you will return from here to Junaluska to complete the loop ride.
   
• NC 209 soon makes a long straight shot across broad Spring Creek Valley then follows the banks of the creek for several more miles of nice curvy road. 
   
• A sharp hook marks the start of the climb above the creek as you enter the National Forest. Challenging tight curves cut through the rocky bluffs high above the river. As you near Hot Springs a couple nice overlooks offer good stops for photos.
   
• NC 209 then drops and draws near the river again becoming Lance Avenue as you enter Hot Springs.

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US 25 / 70

Ride: Hot Springs to Marshall

• Passing through Hot Springs, Lance Avenue becomes US 25 / 70 once you cross the French Broad River. It climbs from the river through sweeping curves then makes a long slow descent to a stop sign at Big Laurel Creek.
   
• Turn right to continue south on US 25 / 70. The road winds along for several miles to reach the well marked turn onto North Main Street into Marshall. Continue to the stop light in the center of town.

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Bailey's Branch Road

Ride: Mashall to Junaluska

• Turn at the traffic light in Marshall and cross the French Broad River to reach Baily Branch Road. It winds through hilly terrain south of the river to become Meadows Town Road. You'll reach a stop sign at NC 63 - New Leicester Highway.
   
• Turn right and follow NC 63 - New Leicester Highway carving up and over Doggett Mountain then down through the switchbacks to return to NC 209 in Trust.
   
• Turn left and follow NC 209 back to Junaluska.

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NC 63

END: Junaluska

America.Rides.Maps

6 years ago

Map (52028)

The Classic Rattler Loop Ride

This is the most common loop ride done with "The Rattler" - NC 209. It starts and ends at Junaluska covering about 100 miles. This is one of the best Blue Ridge Mountain riding experiences with mountain climbs, beautiful valleys, a nice mix of easy and challenging terrain, historic places and sights, lots of stops, and great scenery.

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