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Highway 261: Bakersville to Carvers Gap, Roan Mountain, North Carolina
Photo: Chris Bennett · CC BY 2.0

Drives North Carolina Boone, Blowing Rock and the High Country

Highway 261: Bakersville to Carvers Gap

NC 261, Crimson Laurel Way · Bakersville → Carvers Gap

Twisty12.6 mi25 min3,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 5,500 ftOne way
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The drive

NC 261 starts in Bakersville at NC 226 (Crimson Laurel Way) and climbs out of town into Pisgah National Forest, winding between Cub Creek and Pumpkin Patch Mountain. After Pumpkin Patch Gap it follows Little Rock Creek past Cookstown and Glen Ayre, then climbs toward Roan Mountain with several hairpin turns.

The drive ends just short of Carvers Gap, about 5,500 feet up on the Tennessee line, where the Appalachian Trail crosses the road. The Forest Service describes the gap as the access to Roan's high mountain balds. The road was unpaved until the state paved it between 1949 and 1953. The drive is 12.6 miles and takes about 25 minutes.

Along the way

  1. Bakersville (NC-226)
  2. Carvers Gap
Elevation
3,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 5,500 ft
BakersvilleCarvers Gap
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
BakersvilleCarvers Gap
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Parking at Carvers Gap is limited.
  • The gap is open year-round, but the Forest Service warns of snow and ice in fall, winter and spring because of the elevation.
  • The road has several hairpin turns near the top.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check U.S. Forest Service: Carvers Gap.

Questions about this drive

How long does NC 261 from Bakersville to Carvers Gap take?

NC 261 from Bakersville to Carvers Gap is 12.6 miles and takes about 25 minutes.

Is Carvers Gap open in winter?

The Forest Service says Carvers Gap is open year-round, but snow and ice are possible in fall, winter and spring.

Does the Appalachian Trail cross NC 261?

Yes. The Appalachian Trail crosses the road at Carvers Gap, on the North Carolina and Tennessee line.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 261: Bakersville to Carvers Gap, from Bakersville to Carvers Gap