This is not a hard road to run in Western NC, but the views are awesome. Up is from NC 126 above Lake James, Down the road Starts in Linville Falls NC off highway 183. The road is an old state road from the 4o's. It is wide, gravel and dirt. It can be very rough with washboards and diagonal washouts, but a good front wheel drive can do it. You will work along the Linville River Gorge with good trail heads to lead you into the valley where the trout fishing is tremendous. Be ready for a hard hike both up and down. You will see Shortoff Mountain, Table Rock mountain, both very impressive rock formations. Stop at Wiseman's view near the top and get a view of the Gorge, and across to the famous Brown Mountains. Stay til dark and you may witness the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights. This road is a good afternoon drive.