High Country Tour 194 .com

The High Country Tour 194 is a scenic motorcycle route that winds through the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, tracing a path across seven distinct counties: Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Caldwell, and Burke. This tour is cherished by riders for its winding roads, dramatic elevation changes, and a mix of rural charm and natural beauty. The route primarily follows NC Highway 194, interspersed with stretches on U.S. and state highways to complete the loop. It offers a perfect blend of exhilarating riding and immersive sightseeing, making it a bucket-list journey for motorcyclists in the Southeast.

Starting in Avery County, the tour immediately plunges riders into high-elevation terrain, with views of rugged mountain ridges and valleys carved by ancient rivers. Avery is home to landmarks like Grandfather Mountain and the Linville Gorge, both of which offer stunning pull-off points and hiking opportunities. The roads here are narrow, twisting, and flanked by dense forests, ideal for riders who enjoy technical turns and alpine scenery. As the route winds through towns like Banner Elk and Elk Park, there’s a distinctive small-town atmosphere that reflects the mountain heritage of the region.

Next, the tour moves into Watauga County, where the college town of Boone provides a lively midpoint filled with culture, local eateries, and arts. The highway carves its way through rolling farmland, hardwood forests, and the edges of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Riders often pause at scenic overlooks near Valle Crucis or explore the Mast General Store, one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the U.S. The curves and switchbacks in this area provide both challenge and reward, with panoramic views that stretch for miles on clear days.

Ashe County follows with a more remote and tranquil riding experience. The hills here are gentler, with the New River—a designated National Wild and Scenic River—meandering beside the roads. The rural nature of Ashe makes it a peaceful stretch, offering relaxing rides through open farmland, old churches, and covered bridges. Motorcyclists often enjoy the slower pace and find local spots like West Jefferson welcoming, particularly for its art scene and mountain cuisine.

As the route enters Alleghany and Wilkes Counties, the terrain shifts again. Alleghany, perched on the Blue Ridge Plateau, is cooler and less trafficked, offering riders quiet mountain byways. Wilkes, historically known for its moonshine legacy and NASCAR roots, brings more open-road riding, with gentle hills and winding descents. Riders will pass through wide valleys and vineyards, especially around the towns of North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro, where a brief stop can include a taste of local wine or a visit to one of the area’s motorsports museums.

The final leg of the tour crosses into Caldwell and Burke Counties, where the foothills begin to flatten slightly, transitioning into the Piedmont. However, the scenery remains striking, particularly around the Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek Gorge in Burke. This area is known for its rugged beauty, waterfalls, and unpaved side routes for dual-sport enthusiasts. As riders complete the circuit, the contrast between the high mountain passes of Avery and the lush forested valleys of Burke encapsulates the incredible diversity of North Carolina’s High Country. The High Country Tour 194 is more than a ride—it’s a journey through the heart of Appalachian culture, terrain, and hospitality.

250 Mile Loop

7 Counties

High Country

Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany,
Wilkes, Caldwell, Burke

Motorcycle Ride Links

1. BackoftheDragon16.com
2. BlueRidgeMotorcycleRide.com
3. Copperhead276.com
4. DevilsWhip80.com
5. DiamondbackNC226.com
6. FoothillsParkway339.com
7. GreatSmokiesRun441.com
8. HighCountryTour194.com
9. LakeJamesLoop.com
10. LandoftheWaterfallsLoop.com
11. MeandMyOldLady.com
12. MurderMountainRun.com
13. PineolaPython181.com
14. Rattler209.com
15. RidetheCherohalaSkyway.com
16. RoanMountainRun261.com
17. SerpentsRevenge691.com
18. SkylineDriveMotorcycleRide.com
19. SidewinderNC9.com
20. SuchesLoop.com
21. TheGauntletGA.com
22. TheGeorgiaDragon.com
23. TheHellbender28.com
24. TheSnake421.com
25. ThreeState28.com
26. TNBulldog.com
27. US129DragonsTail.com
28. YadkinWarrior268.com
29. MOTORCYCLERIDERSHOP.COM
30. MOTORCYCLETRAVELNETWORK.COM