Copperhead Loop / NC-215 Mountain Pass
NC-215 is a fierce, narrow mountain pass cutting straight across Pisgah Ridge at Beech Gap (5,300 ft) under the Blue Ridge Parkway. Combining with US-276 creates the fabled Copperhead Loop. The southern climb out of Rosman threads past French Broad waterfalls with steep 9% grades, while the northern descent drops alongside the West Fork Pigeon River toward Lake Logan. Zero shoulders, mossy rock cuts, and switchbacks that test ground clearance make NC-215 one of the rawest paved alpine passes in North Carolina.
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Rider-Friendly Lodging
'The Museum That Runs'—world-renowned living shrine housing over 375 ultra-rare historic American motorcycles (Harley-Davidson, Indian, Flying Merkel, Crocker, Henderson). Curated by the late Dale Walksler, docents routinely fire up century-old board track racers right on the museum floor, filling the timber hall with raw horsepower and castor oil.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is Copperhead Loop / NC-215 Mountain Pass? ▼
Copperhead Loop / NC-215 Mountain Pass spans 32 miles and packs approximately 210 curves (6.6 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 2,200 ft - 5,300 ft and technical rating 8.5/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Rosman / French Broad River, NC (Latitude 35.1465, Longitude -82.8226) and finishes at Lake Logan / Canton, NC (Latitude 35.5323, Longitude -82.9082).
How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation? ▼
Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.