Go for a Scenic Ride from Banner Elk to Valle Crucis NC

What better way to unwind after a busy week than a quick motorcycle ride, complete with hairpin turns, breathtaking nature views, and maybe a quick ice cream break?

The seven-mile drive connecting the scenic towns of Banner Elk and Valle Crucis in North Carolina is one of the most beautiful roads in the Tar Heel State. You can cover the entire stretch in under a half hour, but we suggest taking your time to enjoy the views and explore this historic district. 

Riding From Banner Elk to Valle Crucis, North Carolina

Be sure to check out our suggested travel itinerary below before heading over to Banner Elk. Beware: It takes just one trip to this charming corner of North Carolina to get you hooked for a lifetime! You’ll want to keep coming back year after year.

Directions

Banner Elk, NC, is a popular getaway between two ski resorts: Beech Mountain Resort to the north and Sugar Mountain Resort to the south. Feel free to explore the town, then head east on NC-194 N all the way to Valle Crucis, and enjoy the ride through North Carolina’s High Country. 

You’ll pass towering mountains and a rustic valley with grazing cattle peppering the hillsides. The trees on the sides of the road form a thick canopy over many sections of the drive, which makes for a gorgeous explosion of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall.

Things To Do

Before leaving Banner Elk, pop into the Banner House Museum at 7990 Hickory Nut Gap Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, to immerse yourself in the life of a typical 1860s home.

You may also consider making a quick stop at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church just outside of Banner Elk, which is home to a life-size stone replica of Jesus’ tomb.

Finish your ride at the Mast General Store at 3565 Hwy 194 S, Sugar Grove, NC 28679. This is the Original Mast General Store dating back to 1883 and a major attraction in the High Country. The store offers everything from old-fashioned candy, furniture, and home décor to high-quality clothing for men, women, and children. Don’t say we didn’t warn you if you find yourself reaching for your credit card one too many times!

Once you’re done shopping or just browsing the merchandise, go ahead and grab a coffee or a South Carolina Blenheim Ginger Ale. You can enjoy your drink on the store’s front porch or by the creek that runs nearby. There are also several restaurants and coffee shops in the area if you want to have a proper meal.

Safety

The stretch from Banner Elk to Valle Crucis, North Carolina, makes for a stunning drive, but you want to stay alert and ride carefully. The hairpin turns can be tricky for inexperienced motorcyclists, and NC-194 E will challenge you with a pretty steep elevation gain as you climb back to Banner Elk. That aside, the road surface and markings are excellent and well-maintained year-round. 

Stay Safe With Law Tigers

Accidents are rare on the road between Banner Elk and Valle Crucis, North Carolina. In the unlikely event that you have an accident, call our team as soon as possible. 

At Law Tigers, we are a nationwide network of lawyers who ride and provide legal assistance to riders and their families. We will put you in contact with one of our experienced North Carolina motorcycle attorneys who can review your case, explain your legal options, and recommend next steps. If you are eligible to seek compensation, we can guide you every step of the way.

Call us at (888) 863-7216 today for a free case evaluation.