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The Diamondback: Highway 226A, Little Switzerland, North Carolina
Photo: Thomson200

Drives North Carolina Asheville and the Blue Ridge

The Diamondback: Highway 226A

NC 226A · Woodlawn → Little Switzerland

Intense9.6 mi20 min2,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,500 ftOne way
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The drive

NC 226A, known to motorcyclists as the Diamondback, climbs from NC 226 near Woodlawn up the Blue Ridge to Little Switzerland. The route follows Armstrong Creek and Three Mile Creek, then climbs Grassy Mountain. The early part is curvy but climbs only slightly; the climb toward Little Switzerland has a sensational amount of curves, over 1,900 feet of rise.

Destination McDowell counts more than 190 steep, climbing curves in about 12 miles, with switchbacks that loop almost 360 degrees, rocky outcroppings and sheer drop-offs. This drive is 9.6 miles and about 20 minutes, with an Intense rating. It ends near Little Switzerland, where it connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Along the way

  1. Woodlawn (NC-226)
  2. NC-226A switchbacks
  3. Little Switzerland
Elevation
2,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,500 ft
WoodlawnLittle Switzerland
Curves
Twisty most of the way
WoodlawnLittle Switzerland
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Trucks are not recommended on the steep, winding grade.
  • The road is narrow with sheer drop-offs and tight hairpins.
  • I found no current closure on 226A, but check DriveNC for road work.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NCDOT DriveNC.

Questions about this drive

How twisty is the Diamondback, NC 226A?

Destination McDowell counts more than 190 steep, climbing curves in about 12 miles of NC 226A.

How long does NC 226A from Woodlawn to Little Switzerland take?

This drive is 9.6 miles and takes about 20 minutes.

Where is the Diamondback road?

NC 226A runs from NC 226 near Woodlawn in McDowell County up to Little Switzerland.

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 The Diamondback: Highway 226A, from Woodlawn to Little Switzerland