No Code Website BuilderBe sure to download and read the GPS User Guide to correctly set your GPS to use these routes.
For individual routes:
Click on the MAP link of each route to see a complete map
Click on the GPX link of each route to download the GPS route file
Click on the PDF link of each route to view/download the PDF printable route file
If you want to use your phone as a GPS, download the OsmAnd+ app and follow the tutorial HERE
(Do not use ZIP versions if there are last minute route changes- individual routes will be most up-to-date)
Note: To download ZIP files, right-click or control-click the links. Otherwise you may get a 404 error.
All Routes GPX format
For 2026 forward, our GPX route files will only contain a single TRIP PLANNER version, designated by the "TP" suffix at the end of the route name. These routes use mostly shaping points for compatibility with Garmin zumo XT, XT2, 390 and 590 series, as well as BMW Nav5, Nav6 and all Garmin GPS units that use the Trip Planner App to access routes. These routes also work well with TomTOM and phone apps.
MAP GPX
RouteType: TWISTY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE Note: Error in Garmin 2024.1 map database causes a problem with this route. See Comments below
Distance: 225 miles
Lunch Stop:
Direction from Big Lynn: NW, W, CLOCKWISE
Comments: About 4 miles of Bailey's Branch road is used on this route, from 78.3 to 82.6 miles.
If your Garmin mapset is 2023.2 or older, or you are using a non-Garmin GPS, there is no problem. This route will calculate and function normally.
OTOH, if you are using the current Garmin 2024.1 map database, there is a half mile section of Bailey's Branch road that is missing at 81.6 miles, so it will not calculate correctly on your device. If you wish to use this route, there are several options:
1. Make the route's track visible on your GPS, as it is correct. It will show as a green line on the screen. Whenever you see the green track line line diverge from the magenta route, follow the track.
2. If you have your GPS set to auto recalculate when off route and especially have voice prompts set up on your communicator, you will come to a waypoint that will announce, "CONTINUE STRAIGHT Bailey's Branch Road next 0,5 miles." You will aIso see this message at the top of the screen as you approach 81.6 miles on the route. When you hit the next route point in about half a mile, the route will recalculate and you will be fine.
3. If you are set up as #2 but the device is not set to recalculate, be patient. Just continue straight.
In any case, once you get past the missing road segment, you'll be back on the correct route again.
MAP GPX
RouteType: TWISTY
Navigation difficulty: COMPLEX Note: Error in Garmin 2024.1 map database causes a problem with this route. See Comments below
Distance: 292 miles
Lunch Stop:
Direction from Big Lynn: SW, CLOCKWISE
Comments: About 4 miles of Bailey's Branch road is used on this route, from 229 to 233 miles.
If your Garmin mapset is 2023.2 or older, or you are using a non-Garmin GPS, there is no problem. This route will calculate and function normally.
OTOH, if you are using the current Garmin 2024.1 map database, there is a half mile section of Bailey's Branch road that is missing at 229.5 miles, so it will not calculate correctly on your device. If you wish to use this route, there are several options:
1. Make the route's track visible on your GPS, as it is correct. It will show as a green line on the screen. Whenever you see the green track line line diverge from the magenta route, follow the track.
2. If you have your GPS set to auto recalculate when off route and especially have voice prompts set up on your communicator, you will come to a waypoint that will announce, "CONTINUE STRAIGHT Bailey's Branch Road to Marshall." You will aIso see this message at the top of the screen as you approach 229.5 miles on the route. When you hit the next route point in about half a mile, the route will recalculate and you will be fine.
3. If you are set up as #2 but the device is not set to recalculate, be patient. Just continue straight, following Bailey's Branch Road.
In any case, once you get past the missing road segment, you'll be back on the correct route again.
MAP GPX
RouteType: TWISTY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 243 miles
Lunch Stop: Overyonder, Mast store
Direction from STAR HQ: NE, COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: The Twisty Snake route makes for a long, twisty and challenging but rewarding day of riding. The morning includes a scenic tour around Lake James that ultimately takes you to 181 and up the mountain. This route includes 226A, 181, parts of 80, and some great back roads, but the real reward is the Snake that is one of the very best sections of road in the region. The return takes you around scenic Lake Watuga. For lunch you can stop at Overyonder and also the famous Mast store.
MAP GPX
RouteType: TWISTY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 127 miles
Lunch Stop: None
Direction from STAR HQ: S, E, N, COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: A Dan Steinberg route from 2025 that was designed to avoid road closures and construction from Helene. Starts out south from the lodge on SR 226 & US 221 then goes east on the north side of Lake James. then north on 181, 183, 184 and US19E to Roan Mountain. Next it heads south on SR 143 through Bakersville and Spruce pine back to the hotel. You will easily find gas and places to eat along the route.
MAP GPX
RouteType: TWISTY
Navigation difficulty: AVERAGE
Distance: 210 miles
Lunch Stop: Shady Valley Country Store
Direction from STAR HQ: S, E, N, COUNTERCLOCKWISE
Comments: A Dan Steinberg route from 2025 that was designed to avoid road closures and construction from Helene. Starts out south from the lodge on SR 226 & US 221 then goes east on the north side of Lake James. then north on 181, 183, 184 and US19E. Near Elk Park it picks up SR 194, then US 421 to Shady Valley which includes the Snake. Shady Valley is a great stop for gas and food. From there the route heads south on SR 91 to Hunter where it takes backroads around Elizabethton where it picks up US 19E. At Roan Mountain it picks up SR 143 through Bakersville and Spruce pine back to the hotel.
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