After several popular requests, weve decided to add one last-minute addition to Cruising the Carolinas for 2010 and its a good one.  For this trip, we will return to McDowell and Madison Counties for a ride on what the locals lovingly call The Diamondback.  Designated by the DOT as NC-226 and NC 226-A, this 12-mile loop boasts 190 curves and has been labeled as one of the last great mountain roadways in Western North Carolina.

To tackle this stretch of road, make your way towards Marion, NC and take US-221 north as if you were heading towards Linville and Boone.  Once in the Woodlawn community, you will reach the intersection of NC-226 (this will be at a traffic light).  Turn left here onto NC-226 and head towards Little Switzerland.  Shortly after, you will reach a fork where NC-226 and NC-226A branch off (its a loop).  For our purposes, we will turn left onto NC-226A take this to the community of Little Switzerland.

Once in Little Switzerland, continue on NC-226 and head back south towards US-221, completing the loop.

• Always follow posted speed limits and traffic/helmet laws.
• Spend some time in the heart of Little Switzerland, where there are several selections of things to do, eat, and buy.
• Although not on the route, if you are into geology, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals.  Its located just north of the Blue Ridge Parkway and off of NC-226 going towards Spruce Pine and features many educational exhibits pertaining to the Spruce Pine Mining District and the surrounding areas.
• A little historical factoid: The highway was originally a toll road built by the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railway as a way to connect Little Switzerland to the railroad station.  The tolls didnt operate very long, however but the booths are apparently still standing along the stretch of road.