The Diamondback (NC-226A Little Switzerland)
Climbing steeply from the Catawba Valley floor at Woodlawn to the Blue Ridge crest at Little Switzerland, NC-226A delivers 190 curves across 12 miles with relentless switchbacks and severe elevation changes. As the alternate loop to modern US-226, 226A has minimal commercial traffic and passes beneath rhododendron-choked rock cuts and cliff faces before terminating directly at the historic Switzerland Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Watch for loose pea gravel pulled onto the tarmac from private cabin turnoffs.
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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.
Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is The Diamondback (NC-226A Little Switzerland)? ▼
The Diamondback (NC-226A Little Switzerland) spans 12 miles and packs approximately 190 curves (15.8 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 1,400 ft - 3,475 ft and technical rating 8.5/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Woodlawn / Marion, NC (Latitude 35.7512, Longitude -82.0234) and finishes at Little Switzerland / BRP MP 334, NC (Latitude 35.8496, Longitude -82.0915).
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.