This first ride is a loop that takes about 4 to 6 hours.  You begin in Maggie Valley.  Take 19 to 276 and head to Waynesville.  Continue on 276 through Waynesville.  This road will take you through the beautiful rolling country hills of Cruso and Bethel.  After that, you will begin to climb.  At the ridge, you will pass the Blue Ridge Parkway, and begin your descent.  Be on the lookout for a couple of different falls.  There is Looking Glass Falls (click for a picture) which you MUST stop to look at.  Then there is Sliding Rock (click for a picture), the falls you can ride!  It may be a little cold, but it is fun to stop and watch the kids go down, goose pimples and all!  Be prepared to pay a nominal fee to park here.

Continuing on 276, you will come into Brevard.  At this point, you will turn right on 64.  Right here it is a 4 lane highway, and might seem not so much fun.  But hang on, it won't last long!  You will be heading towards Sapphire and Cashiers on this route.  As you get into Lake Toxaway area, you will have the chance to take a side trip to go to Whitewater Falls (click for a picture).  This is, I think, the longest drop of any falls in Western North Carolina.  It is beautiful, but you have to take a short detour.  It's about a 15 mile round trip on 281.  You will want to make sure to go SOUTH on 281.  After seeing the falls, get back to 64, turn left and head to Sapphire Valley.

This is one of the prettiest parts of the trip.  You will pass through Sapphire Valley and continue into Cashiers.  You might want to stop at a couple of shops.  After passing through Cashiers, continue on to Highlands.  There are a lot of neat shops and restaurants here, and it makes for a nice stopping place.

When it is time to pony back up, you want to head north on 64/28.  This will be heading towards Franklin.  This is the best part of the trip!  I have had several bikers tell me this was one of the best rides they have ever taken.  Along with the incredible ride, there are three waterfalls along this route, which makes it a great journey.

The first waterfall is just outside of Highlands heading towards Franklin.  This is Bridal Veil Falls (click for a picture).  Drive under for an incredible view!  The next waterfall is Dry Falls (click for a picture).  There is a short trail that takes you BEHIND this waterfall!  Down towards the end of this leg of the trip, is Cullasaja Falls (click for a picture).  BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE FALLS, AS THEY ARE VERY HARD TO SEE ESPECIALLY FROM THIS DIRECTION.  THE PARKING IS VERY SMALL, AND ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD.  

At this point of the trip, you will be coming into Franklin.  If you head south on 441 for a very short distance, there is a really cool Antique Mall (click for their website) there.  If you are ready to head back, then head north on 441.  This will be a 4 lane that will take you to Dillsboro.  Here, you will merge right onto 23/74, which will take you by Dillsboro and Sylva.  Between Sylva and Waynesville, you will cross the Blue Ridge Parkway again.  You can either continue on 23/74 to 276 which will be where you began, or you can get on the Parkway and go towards the Smoky Mountain National Park (do NOT go towards Asheville!).  This will bring you to highway 19 (Soco Road) about 4 miles from the motel.  Head on back and sit on a rocker, 'cause you'll need to by then!

Here is a map, hope it looks OK!