Linville Gorge & Grandfather Mountain Pass (US-221)
A thrilling companion route running parallel beneath the Blue Ridge Parkway's famous Linn Cove Viaduct. Carves around the massive rocky shoulders of Grandfather Mountain and past Linville Gorge (the 'Grand Canyon of the East'), offering cool mountain air, smooth asphalt, and sweeping vistas.
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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.
Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is Linville Gorge & Grandfather Mountain Pass (US-221)? ▼
Linville Gorge & Grandfather Mountain Pass (US-221) spans 26 miles and packs approximately 135 curves (5.2 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 3,250 ft - 4,280 ft (Grandfather Mountain Base) and technical rating 7/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Linville Falls / Blue Ridge Pkwy, NC (Latitude 35.9529, Longitude -81.9376) and finishes at Blowing Rock Historic Village, NC (Latitude 36.1343, Longitude -81.6776).
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.