US 276 & NC 215

In an update to a post a few below, I mentioned that I was surprised by the Haywood County statement that a couple of our high mountain highways were back open. I decided to scout them this afternoon on the bike, and can report on the veracity of that claim.

I decided to ride over to Brevard, and then to scale US 276 from that side to Wagon Road Gap, where I entered Haywood County. First of course, I had to get to Brevard.

Entry to Wolf Gorge, off NC 281.

Wolf Lake, right by the powerhouse (which is why there are so many electrical wires).

Lunch in Brevard at the Casa Mexicana taqueria, empenadas and flautas.

The ascent on 276 in Transylvania County showed significant sign of the hurricane, but the road is quite open and clear for travel. 

Wagon Road Gap atop the Pisgah Ridge, viewing one of at least two "Cold Mountain"s in North Carolina.

The Haywood side is much less clear for travel. It's technically open as advertised -- I got the bike all the way across it to the junction to NC 215, and then all the way back over Pisgah Ridge at Beech Gap. However, the road is in much worse condition. Pavement is broken at many places, so the highway suddenly becomes a gravel road, especially at stream crossings where the highway itself is washed away. In at least one place, only one lane is traversable so the road becomes single-lane. 

Both highways are in that condition in Haywood County, but you can make the journey if you are patient and careful. It's very pretty right now.

Lake Logan showing some wear and tear, but also beautiful foliage.

The Devil's Courthouse, viewed from the Jackson County side of Beech Gap.

Altogether a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. The roads are more or less open, as advertised. I don't think they're ready for heavy traffic yet, but the random adventurer will find them welcoming enough.