Copper Head Loop

The Copperhead Loop is one of Western North Carolina’s best-known motorcycle rides, and it runs right past our front door. Most riders have to haul their bikes here to ride it. You pick up your rental in Bethel Valley and you’re already on the route.

The loop links three great roads: US 276, NC 215, and US 64 through Brevard. NC 215 climbs from Bethel Valley past Lake Logan and up toward the Blue Ridge Parkway, with tight, technical curves that live up to the Copperhead name. On the other side, US 276 winds through Pisgah National Forest as the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway, with waterfalls and roadside stops worth pulling over for. You cross the Blue Ridge Parkway twice, so it’s easy to add a few miles of overlooks if you want to stretch the day.

At around 77 miles, it fits in an afternoon, but the scenery tends to stretch it longer. Brevard makes a good halfway stop for fuel, food, or coffee before heading back over the mountain.

Like its namesake, this road demands respect. Some sections of NC 215 are steep and tightly curved, and mountain weather can change quickly at elevation. Ride within your experience, watch for cyclists and gravel in the corners, and check Blue Ridge Parkway closures before you go, especially in late fall and winter.

Best for: Riders comfortable with steep, technical curves. 

Part of The Long Way: The Copperhead Loop is one of the three legendary roads in our Slay the Serpents challenge, along with The Rattler and the Tail of the Dragon. Ride all three, document the checkpoints, and earn the shirt.