The Diamondback
(NC-226A)
190 steep, climbing curves in 12 miles. A technical masterclass.
The Ride Experience
While the Tail of the Dragon gets all the fame, locals know that The Diamondback (NC-226A) offers some of the most intense, technical, and rewarding paved riding in the entire state of North Carolina.
Dropping off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Little Switzerland, this 12-mile stretch packs in 190 curves. The switchbacks are incredibly tight, steep, and demand your full attention. It’s a rhythmic, physical ride that will test your cornering skills and throttle control.
The elevation changes are dramatic. You'll be hard on the brakes diving into the hairpins, and relying heavily on the torque of your machine to pull you up the steep exits. It's a roller coaster carved into the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Expert Riding Tips
- 01.Trail Braking: The corners are blind and decreasing radius. Smooth trail braking and looking through the turn are mandatory here.
- 02.Watch for Sports Cars: This route is popular with local sports car clubs. Stay strictly in your lane, especially on the blind switchbacks.
- 03.Stop at Little Switzerland: At the top of the route, the Switzerland Inn and local cafes offer the perfect spot to grab a coffee, cool down, and talk bikes with other riders.
- 04.Ride it Both Ways: The Diamondback is a completely different beast going uphill versus downhill. Ride it down, turn around in Marion, and ride it back up.
Pan America 1250
The Harley-Davidson Pan America is built for this. The massive low-end torque from the Revolution Max engine pulls you out of the steep switchbacks effortlessly, and the semi-active suspension keeps the chassis planted when you're transitioning side-to-side through the tight S-curves.
Rent the Harley-Davidson Pan America for The Diamondback.
BOOK THE PAN AMERICAHow to Get There
From Downtown Asheville:
The most scenic way is to take the Blue Ridge Parkway North from Asheville. Ride the Parkway for about 50 miles to Milepost 334 (Little Switzerland). Turn off here, and you are immediately at the top of NC-226A (The Diamondback). Alternatively, take I-40 East to Marion to start from the bottom and ride up.
Est. Transit Time: 1 hour to the start at Little Switzerland.
Tame The Diamondback
Book the Harley-Davidson Pan America and experience one of the most technical paved routes in the country.