One of the Most Beautiful North Carolina Town to Visit!

Indeed, I understand that if you search for Chimney Rock online, you'll discover there are numerous places with that name worldwide, yet only one is located near Bat Cave! That's correct - Bat Cave, North Carolina, and unfortunately it has absolutely no connection to Batman or Robin.

The community would greatly benefit from visitors as they are still recovering from the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in 2022.  

Located southeast of Asheville, NC, along the scenic US 74 Alternate.  Coming from Asheville once you pass the small town of Fairview, NC you will enjoy 10 twisty miles before entering the quaint town of Bat Cave.  Here you will find the entrance to Chimney Rock Park. Bat Cave gets its name from Bat Cave Mountain, which features a cave filled with numerous bats, quite interesting! This charming town boasts several shops and eateries.

The first time I visited Bat Cave we spent the night in Asheville, NC, ate breakfast before making our way towards Bat Cave and Chimney Rock. US 74 Alternate is a pleasant route. Once we were three miles out of Asheville, traffic was quite light. The ten-mile stretch from Fairview to Bat Cave is truly enjoyable, featuring several tight turns and six hairpin curves about four miles from Fairview. Having ridden the Tail of the Dragon twice the previous day, I found this ten-mile route almost equally exhilarating and far less congested, making it much less stressful and highly enjoyable, although shorter.

The second time I visited Bat Cave I led the group out and back from Almond, NC which allowed for a lot more curvy and scenic roads.   

If you look closely, you can spot some of the curves leading towards Bat Cave

 

 

Less than a mile ahead, you will encounter another set of curves with a slope, which, although not as sharp, have some delightful bends. Along the roadside, the beautiful yet invasive Kudzu climbs up the trees and mountainside unchecked.

Main Street, US 74, in Bat Cave

 

Upon our arrival in Bat Cave, we decided to explore a few shops and search for a place to grab an early lunch before heading to Chimney Rock. The quaint shops were full of character and enjoyable to browse. There were plenty of fellow bikers in town, indicating it’s a popular stop.

Chimney Rock viewed from Bat Cave

 Based on a recommendation from one of the shop owners, we chose to have lunch at the Riverwatch Deli and Grill. As the name suggests, you can relax on the back porch or deck while overlooking the Rocky River. We ordered our deli sandwiches and enjoyed them while gazing at the river and Chimney Rock above. The lunch was satisfactory, but nothing particularly memorable comes to mind; nonetheless, I would gladly dine there again.

We rode up to the park entrance, paid the admission fee, and began our ascent up the mountain. The ride was pleasant and shaded, with numerous pull-offs featuring picnic tables. Upon reaching the parking area, we decided to hike to Hickory Nut Falls, which is a remarkable 485-foot waterfall. We descended a series of steps leading to the actual trail.

Some of the steps guiding from the parking lot to Hickory Nut Trail

The trail spans 0.75 miles in one direction and is easy to navigate while providing ample shade. There are several spots to pause, relax, and take in the views of the surrounding mountains or the Bat Cave below. Near the end of the trail, we crossed a wooden bridge that led us to the base of the falls. It was quite beautiful, and I’m glad we took the time to trek the trail.

Hickory Nut Falls

After returning to the main parking area, we took the elevator up to the gift shop and bridge that leads to the top of Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock towers 315 feet above the base at the parking lot, reaching an elevation of 2,280 feet. Once we arrived at the gift shop and snack bar, we crossed the bridge to stand atop Chimney Rock. From there, we could see all of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure, Bat Cave, and the surrounding areas.

Lake Lure as viewed from Chimney Rock

We also hiked to the Opera Box (a fantastic place to unwind) and up to view Devils Head, a rock formation resembling what we imagine the devil's profile to look like. It’s an intriguing formation.

Devils Head - reminds me of the Duke Blue Devil logo

We thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. The Chimney Rock Park website claims that one can see up to 75 miles from the peak of Chimney Rock. I can't speak to the exact distance, but it was an incredible day, with amazing sights, and definitely worth the visit.

Chimney Rock as seen from the Opera Box

Chimney Rock and Bat Cave, NC is worthy of visit.  You will enjoy the scenery and the roads as they twist, turn, rise and fall through the North Carolina foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

 

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Great routes for the Fall

The following is a guest post with some great ideas.

3 Great Routes in the USA for Autumn Riding

In the United States, the fall season is one of the most-loved times of the year. The air is beginning to chill, but the sun is still golden with warmth during the day. The leaves paint the landscape with vibrancy, and for motorcycle lovers, the open road is the place to be. Temperatures and weather conditions are perfect for riding, and interstates are often free of congestion, as school is back in session.

 Bright Autumn colors (photo from www.wikimediacommons.org)

This year, find some time to take your bike out for a peaceful ride through the countryside or down one of these three routes, which often boast the best in autumn leaf colors and natural landscapes.

Interstate 93

New England is one of the best places in the United States for fall foliage, and I-93 is a great road to take to see the best of what the region has to offer. The interstate’s southern-most point is in Canton, Massachusetts, near Boston, and its northern-most point is near St. Johnsbury, Vermont. For most of its length, the interstate indirectly parallels U.S. Route 3, so if you feel like veering off the path and getting into more rural territory, you have that option. With a path that runs through Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, I-93 also goes through the White Mountain National Forest and is just a short drive from Mount Washington in New Hampshire.

U.S.Route 23/Interstate 26

Beginning in Ashland, Kentucky, U.S. Route 23 winds south through the Appalachian hills of the eastern part of the state. Once in Tennessee, you’ll veer off onto Interstate 26, which will take you through the thick of the Cherokee National Forest and the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains. Keep traveling southeast through the hills of North Carolina, and you will have followed nearly the same route of many of America’s frontiersmen. This route is one of the best, yet least talked about, for fall colors and natural landscapes. There are also plenty of two-road rural roads to exit off and on to throughout the trip. Just be sure to bring along a map or GPS to find connections back onto the interstate. 

 Smoky Mountains near Tennessee/North Carolina state line

(photo by Motor Oz during 2011 summer trip)

The Scenic Byways of Yellowstone National Park

Fall in Yellowstone is quite different from the northeast and southeast parts of the country. Foliage is sparse, but the natural landscape as a whole is breathtaking. To get the most out of your Yellowstone experience, book a room at a lodge and plan to take a few days to complete all of the park’s scenic byways. Road options to travel include U.S. Route 191 (which links to Big Sky, Montana from the north and Grand Teton from the south), U.S. Route 212 (which runs northeast through Cooke City, Montana and Red Lodge, Montana) and U.S. Route 14 (which connects to Cody, Wyoming), among smaller routes in the center of the park.

 US 212 a.k.a. Beartooth Highway

(photo by Motor Oz during summer 2010 trip)

Stacy Holmes is a freelance blogger for www.MotorcycleInsurance.com. She’s been a motorcycle enthusiast since childhood and loves to write about purchasing and maintaining a bike and having fun on the open road. Please leave your comments or questions for Stacy below!

The Rattler, North Carolina

It was a nice sunny Sunday in North Carolina (June 2014) and we had enjoyed a morning at the Wheels Through Time Museum and a satisfying lunch in Maggie Valley now it was time to ride.  I had planned a route which included a lot of curves, but I did not realize at the time NC 209 was also know as "The Rattler."

Nine of us on seven bikes jumped on NC 209 just north of Waynesville, NC at the intersection of NC 209 and US 23.  After 4 miles we rode under I-40.  The Rattler started off with 8 miles of easy long sweepers without a lot of curves.

Photo opportunity under the canopy near a river on The Rattler

Without much warning the road got really interesting and twisty!  The next 24 miles of NC 209 earned its name.  Fun tight turns with a few stretches of straights and a sweeping curve or two all under the canopy of the big trees and at times tracing Spring Creek made for some great riding.

My son, Richard, on his 2009 ZX6R Ninja

This was a great opportunity to get time on some Smoky Mountains roads before riding The Dragon (US 129) the next day.  This was my son's first summer trip on his new ride and on mountain roads like this.

We shifted a cheek and dropped a knee into the corners enjoying every mile.  The scenery was great and the shade nice, but going from shade to sunlight and back made for intense concentration due to the change in visibility.

MAP

Another factor adding to the fun and pleasure of the ride was the lack of traffic.  I am not sure we saw over 6 cars/trucks on the 33 mile ride.  We were able to ride at a nice pace and not be concerned about traffic.

The Rattle had a good amount of elevation change.  There were some uphill grades at 15.5% and down at -10%. Here is a website with more detailed information.

 Old country barn on NC 209

My only regret is not turning around at Hot Springs, NC and riding The Rattler back to I-40.  It is a great road and I will make sure to hit it the next time I am in that area.  I highly recommend it.

Why a Motorcycle Blog - Revisited

My son and I in North Carolina in July of 2011

Original Objective

Why did I start the The Ordinary Biker Oz blog?  I began the blog in September 2007 with the goal of being useful to both new motorcycle riders and experienced motorcyclists.  One of the original objectives was to provide straightforward and honest reviews without crazy, absurd and/or silly comparisons. As I stated in the introduction post "I read several motorcycle magazines and websites. I especially like the product reviews, except for the unique descriptions (which are often silly) that journalist sometimes use to try to sound clever".  I actually heard a comparison between the sound of a sport bike motorcycle to a million mad hornets - how does that help?

Although the blog has evolved and hopefully improved, the founding purpose remains "to give straightforward reviews of items that I have personally used, places I have eaten, roads I have traveled, and/or bikes I have ridden."  Occasionally I did share some more personal post with one of my favorite was about my dad and our trip with Honor Flight to Washington DC for World War II veterans.

Wendell Osburn PFC, Purple Heart recipient talking to some brave American soldiers. 

2020 and Beyond

With the beginning of 2020 I want to renew the goal to provide useful information and reviews.   Encouraging and helping bikers to ride safely, comfortably and often, is part of that goal. 

With my goal in mind I have recently made some improvements and additions to the blog.  Please notice the tabs below the blog description.  The "Recommended" page provides links to numerous other sites including my own personal YouTube Channel, The Moto Oz webpage (I am a co-owner and will say more about Moto Oz products below) and affiliate businesses.  I want to be honest and upfront with you about my affiliate business relationships. If you use the link to visit one of the affiliate business and make a purchase I get a small commission, but your low prices are not affected.  Any purchases are greatly appreciated and will aid in fuel fill-ups :) .

Standing by 1909 HD which Dale at Wheels Through Time Museum told me based on the photo of my Grandfather, is probably the same year & model.

The tab for "Top Review Post" will display the seven most read reviews on the Ordinary Biker Oz blog.  The V Star 1100 Review is the top review and it has been read over 57,000 times while the Arai Helmet review has been read over 1,200 times.  These reviews have been used by a lot of riders to gather information.  The page will change when other reviews have more views.  I will update 2-3 times a year as needed.

Feedback Appreciated

I am always open to suggestions, questions and comments.  If you would like more information on a review, or would like to see some specific reviewed or discussed I will try my best to help out.  You can follow the blog via email, just enter your email address below.

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Moto Oz the side business

Beat The Heat Tours

2019 Beat The Heat tour in Colorado, stopped at a reservoir on the Highway of Legends - CO 12.

Another aspect of our Moto Oz venture is the Beat The Heat summer motorcycle tour.  We call it Beat The Heat because we leave Texas for a week during the hot summer and spend a week in a cooler climate.  The Rocky Mountains in Colorado and New Mexico or the Smoky Mountains around Tennessee and North Carolina are the favorite riding spots.  There are many great roads to ride.  We have been doing the summer trip for 12 years and it has changed into the Beat The Heat tour.  I plan and organize the trip and lead the rides each day.

In 2020 we will be going to southwest Colorado where we will ride the Million Dollar Highway (aka US 550) and The Silver Thread Scenic Byway (aka CO 149).  We will stop at the small on of my favorite bakeries in Lake City, CO.  We will spend time in the historic towns of  Ouray, Silverton, Durango, Telluride and Ridgeway.  I am planning to add more trips per year in the future.  Once I retire I would like to conduct 4 to 5 tours a year and several long weekend trips.

Be safe and I hope to see you on the road

I hope you find some of the posts useful, informative, humorous or at least mildly entertaining all the while being honest and straightforward.  As stated above, comments, questions and suggestions are always welcomed.

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Please visit the following great companies:

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Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

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# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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Cool off at a natural waterpark

Seems like everyone in the South looks for ways to cool off during the hot summer months.  My son and I are no different, even when on our summer trips we look for ways to stay cool.  We have taken rafting trips during our last three summer trips and we visited a unique natural water-slide in North Carolina while on our 2011 summer trip.

Sliding Rock is a favorite for many vacationers

Just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and US 276 intersection and north of Brevard, NC lies Sliding Rock.  Sliding Rock is overseen by the National Forest Service and has an entry fee of $1/person.  Lifeguards are on duty ensuring safety for all.

Sliding Rock is a natural 60-foot waterslide that flows in to a 7-foot deep pool that was developed by the US Forest Service for this recreational area.  The water flows quick enough to "push" swimmers down the slide and into the pool.  The water is very cold, but is refreshing on hot summer days.

My son enjoys a slide as he heads to the pool at the bottom

Most in our group did not put on their swimming suits and participate, but the natural surroundings were great and it was nice to relax watching and laughing.  The ride to get there was great.  We road the Wayah Road to Franklin, NC where we jumped on SH 28 (Moonshiner 28) down to Highlands.  From Highlands we road US 64 through Brevard turning north on US 276.  The roads are great.  Twisties, bridges, shaded stretches, sweeping curves, and awesome scenery.  We passed by some great waterfalls between Franklin and Highlands.

 Bridal Veil Falls has a pullout directly under the falls

Uniquely named Dry Falls

When we left Sliding Rock we continued north to the Blue Ridge Parkway where we head southwest to US 74 where we headed back to Robbinsville.

Cloudy day on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The ride to Sliding Rock is worth the time even if you don't stop, but if you are there the $1 fee is a great value to look at, if not experience, this natural waterslide.

Awesome Waterfall Route in the Blue Ridge Mountains

 

The Smoky Mountains Waterfalls are beautiful

I've had the incredible opportunity to uncover a variety of stunning waterfalls while journeying through

 the breathtaking scenery of Western North Carolina. Many of these hidden gems are conveniently 

 located near the highway, making them easily accessible. If you’re a waterfall lover looking for an 

unforgettable day trip, let me share one of my favorite scenic routes that begins and ends 

in Waynesville, NC!

 

Kick off your adventure on US 276, famously known as Pisgah Highway. You’ll find yourself enchanted

by the twisting roads as you head east. After enjoying the drive, take a turn onto US 64 west, where

you’ll pass through the charming town of Brevard on your way to Highlands. Keep going west on US

64, and you’ll glide through Franklin, eventually connecting with US 23 north to join US 74 East. This

route winds just north of Dillsboro before bringing you back to Waynesville.

Waynesville Waterfall Loop has plenty of fun curves also!

 

As you navigate along US 276, don't miss the chance to stop at some of the region's most mesmerizing

waterfalls. Must-see spots include the iconic Looking Glass Falls, the easily accessible Moore Cove 

Falls (just a 1.5-mile round-trip hike), Upper Log Hollow Falls (a 2.6-mile trek), Barnett Branch Falls (a 

brief 0.7-mile hike), and the exhilarating Sliding Rock Falls. Each waterfall promises a visual delight, 

and the drive itself is filled with scenic twists and turns that make for an exhilarating trip.

The route has twists and turns as well as beautiful scenery

For a unique adventure, make sure to visit Sliding Rock Falls, located just 28 miles southeast of 

Waynesville and 19 miles north of Brevard along US 276. This favored spot is managed by the 

National Forest Service and requires a $5 entry fee per person. Lifeguards are available from 9 AM to 6 

PM during the peak season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring a safe experience for 

everyone.

The natural slide is fun, refreshing and produces many smiles

What truly makes Sliding Rock Falls stand out is its thrilling opportunity to cool off on a hot southern 

summer day. With a natural 60-foot water slide leading into a refreshing 7-foot deep pool, it’s a fun way 

to beat the heat. The current is just right, guiding you down into the inviting coolness below. While the 

water can be brisk, it’s incredibly refreshing, especially in warm weather. The surrounding landscape 

adds to the ambiance, filled with laughter from fellow adventurers eager to take the plunge.

Sliding Rock Falls is surrounded by old growth trees

 

A visit to Sliding Rock Falls is absolutely worth the trek and small fee—just be prepared for an 

exhilarating splash when you slide in!

A walking path leads behind Dry Falls

As you continue your journey towards Highlands, NC, be sure to take in the sights of Sequoyah Falls 

and Bridal Veil Falls along US 64, just a short distance of less than three miles. More waterfalls await, 

including Dry Falls, Quarry Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. One of the most unique experiences is being able 

to park and walk behind Bridal Veil Falls, a thrill not offered at many other spots!

Bridal Veils Fall pullout allows for a unique perspective

 

Each town on this delightful 135-mile loop has its own charm, featuring inviting shops and cozy “mom 

and pop” restaurants renowned for their delicious meals. This route is a treasure trove of winding 

roads, extraordinary landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and outstanding hiking trails, all just waiting to 

be discovered\

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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