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Highway 106: Highlands to Dillard, Blue Ridge Escarpment, North Carolina and Georgia
Photo: Thomson M · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Drives North Carolina The Smokies

Highway 106: Highlands to Dillard

NC 106, Dillard Road, US 23 · Highlands → Dillard, Georgia

Twisty15.7 mi30 min1,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,000 ftOne way
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The drive

NC 106 begins on Main Street in Highlands, at US 64 and NC 28, and runs south as Dillard Road. It passes Scaly Mountain on the slopes of Kinley Mountain and crosses the Georgia-North Carolina line five times before ending at US 23 in Dillard, Georgia.

The Georgia portion is designated SR 246, and an overlook there offers a view west toward Dillard. The road drops off the plateau and is known for tight curves and motorcycle traffic on weekends.

The road widens near the first North Carolina entry and returns to two lanes near the final crossing.

Along the way

  1. Highlands
  2. Dillard, Georgia (US 23)
Elevation
1,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,000 ft
HighlandsDillard, Georgia
Curves
Mostly moderate, with three twisty stretches
HighlandsDillard, Georgia
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Expect motorcycles, especially on weekends.
  • Two states maintain the road; check both DriveNC and 511GA.
  • The road drops from the Highlands plateau toward Dillard.

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

Questions about this drive

How long is NC 106 from Highlands to Dillard?

It is 15.7 miles and takes about 31 minutes.

Does NC 106 enter Georgia?

Yes. It crosses the state line five times and ends in Dillard, Georgia.

Is NC 106 popular with motorcyclists?

Yes. It has tight curves and heavy motorcycle traffic on weekends.

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.
Preview it in 3DFly the whole drive over satellite and terrain before you go.
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Live Group TrackingAPEXEveryone on the route, on the map, by name.
Road conditionsAPEXWet or dry, ice, fog and wind along the road before you go.
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More drives near here

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

Map of Highway 106: Highlands to Dillard, from Highlands to Dillard, Georgia