Madison County offers self-guided driving loops through the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, showcasing our beauty, culture and history. Driving these country roads take you back to a simpler, quieter way of living. See fast flowing creeks full of mountain trout, rustic tobacco barns, high mountain vistas as well as cow, horse and llama pastures. Historic markers along the drives explain the establishment of Mars Hill College, the story of the Shelton Laurel Massacre and the hieroglyphics on Paint Rock. Side excursions take you to Max Patch, a 360 view of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains and Big Pine Valley, a small community where farming is still the backbone. Motorcyclists are especially fond of our driving tours since they offer many twists and turns as well as brilliant fall foliage. Brochure available at the Madison County Visitor's Center and the I-26 West Welcome Center.