Jump Off Rock, A Secret Motorcycle Destination In Hendersonville, North Carolina

     Jump Off Rock in Hendersonville, North Carolina must be the best kept secret in western North Carolina.  What a wonderful little motorcycle side trip.  If you have read my article about U.S. 176 between Spartanburg, South Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina, you know that U.S. 176 is a cool bike ride.

     As you come into Hendersonville, you may have to do a little detour off U.S. 176 to go down Main Street.  Don't miss Main Street in Hendersonville.  This little town gives new definition to the word,"quaint".  Hendersonville is quaint.  Lovely might be a more descriptive word.  There is an abundance of restaurants and places to eat lunch.  After lunch, find Fifth street. Turn west on Fifth street.  That is a left turn if you are coming from Spartanburg.  It is a right turn if you are coming from Asheville.

This sign for Jump Off Rock has been there a long time

 Turn onto Fifth street in Hendersonville, North Carolina.  Head west and Fifth Street will turn into Laurel Park Highway when you reach the Laurel Park city limits just past the railroad tracks.  Keep going.  Keep going.  This ride is about five miles of fabulous motorcycle road.  If you like twisty turney, you will like this.

    Pretty soon, Laurel Park Highway ends at Jump Off Rock.  This is a city park that was donated to the city of Laurel Park in 1907.

You can see the gold dome of the capital building in Atlanta from here

As you stand on Jump Off Rock, you can see forever.  You may need oxygen.  You are 3100 feet above sea level.

     You can skip that twenty five dollar lunch at that restaurant in downtown Hendersonville.  Bring a picnic lunch to this lovely spot.  Sit, relax and and eat your picnic lunch.  You will not find a more pleasant spot than Jump Off Rock, city park.

Jump Off Rock in Hendersonville, North Carolina