Motorcycle Getaways in Western North Carolina | CWL Homes
Ride the Blue Ridge. Unwind at Mars Hill Haven.
CWL HOMES & HOSPITALITY · MARS HILL, NC
Great roads by day. Mountain cabin evenings.
Make Mars Hill Haven your home between rides. Plan days exploring Western North Carolina, then return to mountain views, a private hot tub and dinner with your favorite riding companions.
Our four-bedroom cabin sleeps up to 10, with three king bedrooms and a separate bunk room. It is a comfortable option for three couples travelling together or a small group whose sleeping arrangements fit the home.
Check Dates & Rates See the Cabin & Sleeping Arrangements
Choose your next mountain ride
These are ideas for planning your stay, not turn-by-turn instructions or a guarantee that every road is open. Featured-road mileage excludes travel to and from the cabin. Choose routes for your group's experience, weather and available daylight.
1. NC 209: The Rattler / The Gambler
Put this one near the top of your list. NC 209 combines rural valleys, mountain curves and a stop in Hot Springs. Tail of the Dragon's guide calls it The Gambler and describes roughly 36 miles between Lake Junaluska and Hot Springs. Plan the approach and return separately, leaving time for lunch and stops.
NC 209 route, maps & GPX resources → Hot Springs riding information →
2. Mars Hill & Marshall backroads
For a shorter outing, explore the countryside around Mars Hill and Marshall. Petersburg Road, Grapevine Road and Big Laurel Road appear in Blue Ridge Motorcycling Magazine's local riding recommendations. Use the article as inspiration and check the route and current road conditions before setting off.
Read the local riding suggestions →
3. Blue Ridge Parkway scenery
Build a sightseeing day around open Parkway sections, overlooks and the Craggy Gardens or Mount Mitchell area. Mountain weather can change quickly, and closures can prevent a continuous route. Confirm your access point, destination and return route with the National Park Service before riding.
Parkway riding inspiration → Check current Parkway closures →
4. Diamondback 226A & Devil's Whip
Experienced mountain riders can consider a longer excursion toward Little Switzerland, NC 226A and NC 80. Tail of the Dragon describes a roughly 38-mile loop using those roads and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tight curves and elevation changes call for careful planning. Verify each connecting road before using a published loop.
5. Tail of the Dragon: a longer excursion
The famous stretch of US 129 has 318 curves in 11 miles. It is a separate, longer excursion from Mars Hill Haven, rather than a nearby ride. Allow for the journey in both directions, fuel, breaks and daylight; riders focused entirely on the Dragon may prefer lodging closer to Deals Gap.
Explore Tail of the Dragon's official trip resources →
A three-night riding getaway
- Arrival day: Arrive in daylight, settle in and enjoy dinner at the cabin.
- First full day: Plan an NC 209 and Hot Springs outing, with time for stops.
- Second full day: Choose a shorter local ride or an open Parkway route that fits the weather. Return for the hot tub, pool table and mountain views.
- Departure day: Have breakfast together before heading home.
This is a suggested itinerary. Availability, minimum stays and reservation terms depend on your dates.
Before you bring your motorcycle
Mountain access: The final approach includes steep grades and winding mountain roads. Plan your first arrival in daylight. Rain, leaves, fog, snow and ice can change riding conditions, especially at the cabin's approximately 4,300-foot elevation.
Parking & trailers: Contact us before booking to discuss motorcycle parking, the approach and your specific vehicle or trailer. Standard vehicle spaces do not establish trailer capacity or level motorcycle parking. Covered or secured motorcycle storage and trailer access are not advertised amenities.
Your group: Check the bed layout before booking. The cabin sleeps up to 10, but that does not mean 10 separate beds. This is a residential mountain community; please respect our 10 p.m.–8 a.m. quiet hours and keep engine noise considerate.
Road checks: Review DriveNC and NPS Parkway conditions before each ride. Plan fuel and download maps before leaving; mobile service may vary.
Make the stay part of the trip
Enjoy a private hot tub, pool table, gas grill, full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a mountain-view deck. Spend your days riding and your evenings together, with room to unwind.
Find Your Riding Getaway Dates Ask Chris & Wendy About Access
Route names and linked resources belong to their respective publishers. Links are provided for trip planning and do not imply sponsorship or affiliation. Check current conditions with official sources.