The Rattler (NC-209 Waynesville to Hot Springs)
Carving 36 miles through the remote agricultural heart of Madison and Haywood counties, NC-209 is nicknamed The Rattler for its serpentine layout. Starting near Waynesville, it climbs through Betsy's Gap and drops into the tiny outpost of Trust (home to the legendary Trust General Store), before attacking Ferguson's Ridge with technical downhill switchbacks into the historic Appalachian Trail town of Hot Springs. Pavement is exceptional with continuous medium and tight radius bends and far less traffic congestion than US-129.
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Rider-Friendly Lodging
The premier breakfast landmark of the Great Smokies since 1966. A buzzing, high-tempo breakfast hall packed with motorcyclists fueling up before carving Soco Gap and Heintooga Ridge. The air is rich with sweet griddled batter, sizzling applewood bacon, and joyful ride chatter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is The Rattler (NC-209 Waynesville to Hot Springs)? ▼
The Rattler (NC-209 Waynesville to Hot Springs) spans 36 miles and packs approximately 290 curves (8.1 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 1,325 ft - 3,400 ft and technical rating 8.0/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Lake Junaluska / Waynesville, NC (Latitude 35.5298, Longitude -82.9734) and finishes at Hot Springs / French Broad River, NC (Latitude 35.8929, Longitude -82.8276).
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.