The one and only Hwy 209 The Rattler will ALWAYS be THE RATTLER! Started decades ago, The Rattler officially begins at Ferguson Supply in Fines Creek proceeding north to Hot Springs. Named for the reintroduction of rattlesnakes many years ago in this area, it has 290 curves in 24 miles. It quickly became known as all of NC Hwy 209, a North Carolina Scenic byway. Hwy 209 is a two-lane mountain high
way that begins at a busy intersection with US 19/23 in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Going north it crosses over Interstate 40 and through some valley farmlands. The road bends a hard east at Max Patch Road at 100+ year old Ferguson Supply (Home of “The Rattler” Merchandise, photo op sign at the official Rattler entrance and Fines Creek Cafe serving the best chicken and burgers around including the famous Rattler Burger). Stop in to grab Rattler chips, shirts, patches, stickers, etc. and fuel up both yourself and your ride. Cabin out back and trout fishing too! Next begins some curvy climbing on and around Hebo Mountain entering Madison County, North Carolina at Betsy Gap 3895 ft above sea level which is the highest point on route. Entering the Spring Creek Valley it passes through the communities of Luck and Trust before reaching Spring Creek. From there the remaining 10 miles becomes an aggressively winding road and is not recommended for commercial trucks. Once past all the twist and turns travelers arrive in Hot Springs where the highway ends at U.S. 25/70. From here, a short ride 17 miles west on 25/70 to Bobarosa Saloon "The Bikers Paradise". Highway 209 is the perfect combination of challenging mountain climbs and pastoral views. It's a great journey, you can take your time or put your tires to the test! The ultimate stretch of road for any motorcyclist, the Rattler is a destination for bikers from over 1,000 miles away! Test your skill and handling or enjoy a nice leisurely ride through some of the most beautiful stretches of land this great country has to offer! Stay Safe and don't get struck by The Rattler! a few links to check out:
https://mysmokymountainguide.com/blog/the-rattler-motorcycle-route/
https://www.motorcycleroads.com/motorcycle-roads/north-carolina/the-rattler-25-miles-290-turns-2-mountains
https://ridemsta.com/blog/5-top-roads-in-the-appalachian-and-blue-ridge-mountains/
https://meadowlarkmotel.com/9-smoky-mountain-motorcycle-rides-to-try-before-you-die/
http://smokymountainrider.com/great-motorcycle-rides-north-carolina-rattler-motorcycle-map/
https://www.blueridgemotorcycling.com/ride-maps/the-rattler-nc-209/
