Roan Mountain & Carvers Gap (NC-261 / TN-143)
Climbing from Bakersville up to 5,512 feet at Carvers Gap on the NC/TN state line, this high-altitude mountain pass cuts through the largest natural rhododendron garden in the world. The road transitions from dense hardwoods to subalpine Canadian-zone spruce-fir forests with sweeping 180-degree switchbacks and dramatic escarpment drop-offs. The summit crest crosses the Appalachian Trail with 360-degree grassy bald vistas. The Tennessee descent on TN-143 passes through Roan Mountain State Park with pristine tarmac and steep downhill braking zones.
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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 Roan Mountain & Carvers Gap (NC-261 / TN-143)? ▼
Roan Mountain & Carvers Gap (NC-261 / TN-143) spans 24 miles and packs approximately 125 curves (5.2 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 2,500 ft - 5,512 ft and technical rating 7.5/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Bakersville, NC (Latitude 35.9868, Longitude -82.1582) and finishes at Roan Mountain, TN (Latitude 36.1957, Longitude -82.0712).
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.