What’s 181 like from Morganton to Linville?

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Planning a possible ride to Linville/Newland. I’ve just never been up 181 on two wheels or four.
 
Curvy, but not too bad. Has a few hairpins, but is a pretty easy drive. Some neat views of Table Rock and Brown Mountain. I have driven that stretch a lot on numerous trips to Johnson City, TN.
 
It's worth driving up one side and down t'other side of Linville Gorge. 181 is a paved road. The west side rim road is Kisler Memorial Highway, or Old Hwy 105, and it is not paved. Then do the east side via Table Rock Road, also unpaved. I wouldn't hesitate to do it on a motorcycle, but not a corvette.
 
MacEntyre said:
It's worth driving up one side and down t'other side of Linville Gorge. 181 is a paved road. The west side rim road is Kisler Memorial Highway, or Old Hwy 105, and it is not paved. Then do the east side via Table Rock Road, also unpaved. I wouldn't hesitate to do it on a motorcycle, but not a corvette.
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900 lb bikes don’t cotton to unpaved roads. But thanks for the intel.
 
MacEntyre said:
It's worth driving up one side and down t'other side of Linville Gorge. 181 is a paved road. The west side rim road is Kisler Memorial Highway, or Old Hwy 105, and it is not paved. Then do the east side via Table Rock Road, also unpaved. I wouldn't hesitate to do it on a motorcycle, but not a corvette.
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Mac, old 105 has been on my to-do list with my 250 trailie. Now with Table Rock Road, it’s moved up! Thanks
 
On a motorcycle? Yeah, do it. It's fun in a car. You could head out towards Mt Mitchell and run down 221 and circle back up to the parkway on 80. 80 has some of the sharpest switchbacks around this area.

Run parkway or 221 to 181, 181 to Brown Mtn Beach road at the bottom of the grade, turns to adako rd, turns to colletsville rd hwy 90 towards Lenoir, then back up 321.
 
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chiefjason said:
80 has some of the sharpest switchbacks around this area.
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I rode 80 down from the Parkway on two wheels about 40 years ago, and that was my DISTINCT recollection. :)

I was on this one, but mom wasn’t on back. Although she did ride up to Mitchell with me that year.
IMG_2954.jpeg
 
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I appreciate this good intel on 181. I can get from Woke county to Morganton via 64 without getting on the interstate except for maybe a few miles at Statesville, and 181 will get me up to The Pineola. Then Kayes Kitchen in Newland for dinner.
 
Made that trip once or twice a year for about twenty seven years. 181 is very curved and steep but a good drive and good views of table rock and Hawks bill Mountain. Take in wise mans view you want be disappointed. Going next week early 46 years with my dear bride. Linville lodge is a good place to stay.

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Hoss said:
Made that trip once or twice a year for about twenty seven years. 181 is very curved and steep but a good drive and good views of table rock and Hawks bill Mountain. Take in wise mans view you want be disappointed. Going next week early 46 years with my dear bride. Linville lodge is a good place to stay.

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We used to stay at Linville Falls Lodge with the kids, and eat at Famous Louise’s across the street for breakfast. When I’m riding the bike I usually travel early during the week, but they don’t open for meals till later in the week so I’m going to maybe stay a little north of there, close to Kaye’s in Newland. I like being close to a good breakfast joint.
 
I’ve ridden many of those roads on a bicycle in an earlier life, training for or riding in the Assault on Mt Mitchell or Bridge to Bridge Challenge — but my memory of the view is largely that of the rear tire of the bike in front of me. I do remember the switchbacks on 80! To ride them again on a motorcycle would feel like the lap of luxury.
 
Kaye’s is good, but don’t forget the Peddlin Pig over behind Grandfather on 105. I could probably survive in the wilderness living off of their chicharrones (pork rinds for the uncultured).
 
Any of you 181 area folks know the Moore or England families out that way around Jonas Ridge?? Haven't been up that way in about 25+yrs. Used to play in a band with them way back.
 
Red Marley said:
I’ve ridden many of those roads on a bicycle in an earlier life, training for or riding in the Assault on Mt Mitchell or Bridge to Bridge Challenge — but my memory of the view is largely that of the rear tire of the bike in front of me. I do remember the switchbacks on 80! To ride them again on a motorcycle would feel like the lap of luxury.
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Rode my bicycle on the Parkway going to blowing rock. Not recommended to much traffic.
 
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