"Among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth — and one of the most beautiful, ride-worthy regions in North America."
Appalachian Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains stretch roughly 1,500 miles along the eastern United States, from northern Alabama through Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and on into the Northeast. They are among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, shaped over hundreds of millions of years into the rounded ridges, deep hollows, forested valleys, and cascading streams that define the region today.
What makes the Appalachians unforgettable isn’t just the scenery — it’s the layered character of the place. Hardwood forests blaze vivid in autumn and glow lush green in summer. Cold mountain streams run through nearly every valley. Hundreds of accessible waterfalls hide along ridge-and-valley terrain. And nestled throughout are the historic small towns, family-run diners, country stores, and mountain communities that give the region its unmistakable sense of place.
when
September 14–17, 2026
9:00 am
where
Launch Hub,The Adventure Barn
Collettsville, North Carolina
Our Launch Hub
Collettsville, North Carolina
ECAT’s first Launch Hub is The Adventure Barn, located in Collettsville, North Carolina — a prime base for exploring western NC’s legendary backcountry roads. From here, our guides have developed 7–10 full-day rides that begin and end at the Barn, taking you to iconic stops like Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain, Wiseman’s View, Table Rock Mountain, Blowing Rock, and dozens of hidden gems in between.
Tour Route 2026
100M
3-6
6
6684 Feet
Upcoming Tour Dates
Collettsville 500
(NOT AVAILABLE)
September 17–20
Arrival: September 17 | Ride Days: September 18–20
Launching from the Adventure Barn in Collettsville, North Carolina, the Collettsville 500 is a custom-
designed three-day adventure featuring many of Western North Carolina’s most
celebrated motorcycle roads.
Day One
Ride through the winding mountain roads of Western North Carolina to a campground near
Maggie Valley. Along the way we’ll visit the legendary Wheels Through Time Motorcycle
Museum, one of the country’s premier collections of historic American motorcycles.
Click to go to Wheels Through Time Museum
Day Two
Travel through Hot Springs before climbing toward Mount Mitchell, Roan Mountain, and Beech
Mountain. The day concludes at our Banner Elk outpost, where guests enjoy dinner in town and
spend the evening indoors, with optional camping available for those who prefer sleeping
under the stars.
Day Three
Depart Banner Elk and travel through Linville Gorge, Morganton, and Edgemont before
returning to the Adventure Barn. Riders will experience famous roads including Maple Sally,
Edgemont Road, and several local favorites known only to experienced mountain riders.
Adirondack BDR-X
September 29 – October 2
Arrival: September 29 | Ride Days: September 30 – October 2
The Adirondack BDR-X is a spectacular 700-mile loop through the largest protected wilderness
park in the United States. Surrounded by more than 3,000 lakes, towering mountains, and
endless forests, this route offers one of the most scenic adventure rides in North America.
Beginning in Long Lake, New York, we’ll travel north toward Tupper Lake before joining the
official BDR-X route in a counterclockwise direction. Riders will experience remote backroads,
breathtaking scenery, exceptional campgrounds, and freshly prepared meals each evening with
full Adventure Bus support.
(Add link to the Adirondack BDR-X.)
Appalachian 500
October 15 –18
Arrival: October 15 | Ride Days: October 16 – 18
The Appalachian 500 is a custom-built 500-mile adventure through the mountains of central
West Virginia, combining world-class pavement with exciting gravel and dirt roads.
Day One
Begin near Bramwell, West Virginia, before riding scenic backroads to the iconic New River
Gorge Bridge. From there, continue toward Richwood and ride the famous Hellbender, a 132-
mile route featuring more than 1,300 curves through the beautiful Monongahela National Forest.
Click to go to New River Gorge National Park
Day Two
Enjoy a full day of mixed-surface riding across gravel and mountain pavement before arriving at Twin Hollow Campground near the legendary Hatfield-McCoy Trail System.
Day Three
Complete the journey through the dirt and gravel roads of Logan County before returning to
Bramwell. This final day combines mountain vistas, forest roads, and sweeping curves to
complete one of Appalachia’s premier adventure routes.
Chattahoochee Georgia BDR-X
October 30 – November 2
Arrival: October 30 | Ride Days: October 31 – November 1 –2
This exciting 350-mile loop explores the rugged mountains of North Georgia, beginning and
ending in Dillard, Georgia.
The Chattahoochee BDR-X combines technical forest roads, flowing gravel sections, mountain
stream crossings, and endless winding pavement. Riders will camp each evening while the
Adventure Bus travels ahead to prepare camp, ensuring everything is ready upon arrival.
Camp locations may vary based on weather and availability, but the experience remains consistently
first-class.
Click to go to Chattahoochee BDR-X
Expect breathtaking mountain scenery, exciting terrain, and some of the most rewarding
adventure riding in the Southeast.
Adventure Barn Day Rides
November 9–24
Close out the riding season from the ECAT Adventure Barn in Collettsville, North Carolina—a
rustic horse barn transformed into a comfortable basecamp designed by riders, for riders.
The Adventure Barn comfortably accommodates seven guests plus two guides and serves as the
launching point for six custom-designed day rides showcasing the very best of Western North
Carolina.
(Add link to the Adventure Barn.)
Daily Adventure
Each morning begins with a hearty breakfast before heading into the mountains for a full day of
adventure riding. Every evening you’ll return to appetizers, cold beverages, and chef-prepared
meals that rival some of the region’s finest restaurants.
Scenic Roads & Destinations
Ride legendary mountain roads while visiting iconic destinations including Wiseman’s View,
Table Rock Mountain, Linville Falls, Little Switzerland, Mount Mitchell, Beech Mountain, and
Roan Mountain. You’ll also enjoy sections of the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway, widely
considered one of the most scenic roads on the East Coast.
Click to go to Blue Ridge Parkway
Explore the High Country
Routes wind through Morganton, Spruce Pine, Burnsville, Boone, Blowing Rock, Lenoir, and
countless hidden mountain communities connected by spectacular pavement, gravel roads,
waterfalls, mountain streams, and panoramic overlooks.
Flexible Ride Packages
Adventure Barn tours are ideally suited for 2- to 4-day packages, allowing riders to fully
experience the region. Guests may also customize their visit by selecting up to six individual day
rides. Discounts are available for tours longer than three days, making extended adventures an
even greater value.
