The Devil's Whip (NC-80 Buck Creek Gap)
Ascending alongside tumbling mountain creeks from Lake James up to Buck Creek Gap and the Blue Ridge Parkway, NC-80 packs 160 intense curves into 12 miles. The upper five-mile ascent features dramatic multi-tier switchbacks with extreme grade changes that compress motorcycle suspension under braking. Dense forest cover keeps the road slick in early mornings, and late afternoon shadows disguise decreasing radius curves. Connects seamlessly with Mount Mitchell via the Parkway.
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Rider-Friendly Lodging
Swiss-Alpine mountaintop resort perched at Milepost 334 on the crest of the Blue Ridge Parkway at 3,500 feet elevation. Features custom-designed rider accommodations with covered bike stalls right outside your door, offering dramatic vistas into the deep Catawba Valley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is The Devil's Whip (NC-80 Buck Creek Gap)? ▼
The Devil's Whip (NC-80 Buck Creek Gap) spans 12 miles and packs approximately 160 curves (13.3 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 1,400 ft - 3,360 ft and technical rating 8.5/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Marion / Lake James, NC (Latitude 35.7275, Longitude -82.0722) and finishes at Buck Creek Gap / BRP MP 344, NC (Latitude 35.7668, Longitude -82.2031).
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.