The first section, a two-lane mountain highway also known as the Diamondback by motorcycle enthusiasts, begins near Woodlawn, from US 221. Once on NC 226A, the first sign is a notice to truckers indicating steep winding road ahead, trucks not recommended. For the first , it marginally increases in elevation, yet curvy, as it follows westerly along the banks of the Armstrong Creek then Three Mile Creek. At Holifield Cemetery (on right), NC 226A begins to quickly climb in elevation with a sensational amount of curves, as it climbs Grassy Mountain. Reaching Chestnut Grove Road, in Little Switzerland, the worst of the climb and curves is over, rising over from its start. Heading east now, NC 226A meets back with NC 226 at Gillespie Gap, just from the Mitchell County line, the Eastern Continental Divide and the Blue Ridge Parkway.