Eastern Tennessee trip coming up!

[cwhite123174]

Ok. I know I have asked and a few have commented but I will be heading to Eastern Tennessee next month.

Our first day we will ride to Clarksville, TN. 2nd day we head to Pigeon Forge, where we have a cabin rented for 3 days.

Since it is short ride from Clarksville, TN to Gatlinburg I was thinking about going South and taking Cherohala Skyway (143) from Tellico Plains to Cherokee, NC and take 441 up to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge From some of your recommendations, that looks like it will be a nice ride.

The next day I was thinking of riding back down 441 into Maggie Valley and going to the Wheels Through Time museum which I have also heard quite a bit about.

Then I was thinking of leaving Maggie Valley and riding interstate 40 up to Wilson Springs and back to Gatlinburg. Is I-40 nice or worth it?

Now, with all this said we have to have time for our wives to "shop" in Gatlinberg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville sometime within these 3 days. I wouldn't mind walking around a few shops to see exactly what it is different about it all.

Tail of the Dragon is not an option for us. Wives don't want to do it and honestly from all the people I have talked to about it... You don't get to spend much time looking at scenery anyway.

What about heading from Gatlinberg to Nashville later on in our trip? Any suggestions to ride to from that direction? A little North? I have heard of the Devils Triangle and thought about trying that.

[10spd]

I've heard from friends the Devils Triangle is better than the Dragon. But you're going to be in a great area to ride. I'm jealous!!!

 

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[BigLenny]

Cwhite,

 

I too am very jealous! What a wonderful area to ride motorcycles. You could close your eyes and put your finger on a map, and it would land on a great motorcycle riding road. The Cherohala Skyway from Tellico Plains to Hwy 129 (Cherokee) is one of our all time favorite roads we've ever ridden. At the end of the Cherohala, go north for a short spell to Deals Gap. Thats where The Dragon starts, and you can go into the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort Store. It's always fun to watch all the bikes come and go there. Always a bunch there. Then, go southeast on Hwy 28 (Moonshiner 28). Wonderful road. Stop at Fontana Dam. It was once the tallest dam east of the Mississippi River. Drive across the dam and take a gander at Fontana Lake, beautiful. Then on down to Hwy 74, then over to Cherokee. The ride from Cherokee up 441 to Gatlinburg is awesome, but sometimes crowded. I think a must for most people and their wives would be to run over to Asheville and tour the Biltmore Estate. Do that if you have time. My wife really really really wanted to tour the Biltmore. I griped and moaned about the idea of going to tour a big house. Well, it wound up being one of the coolest places I've ever seen. Highly recommend it. I think another must is; ride the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville. The speed limit is only 45, but you win't need to go any faster.

 

Big Lenny

[Venturous Randy]

A couple things to consider; To ride I40 over toward Asheville is a pretty ride, except for one thing and that is the trucks. The truck traffic is very heavy thru there. Also, I would also recommend The Biltmore Estate highly, but if you go when it is hot, it can be miserable in there. There is no AC and only some big fans blowing around hot air. We went earlier in the spring when the flowers were in bloom and it was beautiful.

Randy

[stroker ace]

I live on the devils triangle aka hwy 116 it's just another east tn back road almost 48 years of riding this road that now has a name. I'll be glad to show you around if the time permits.

My suggestion on the skyway is to run it to Robbinsville, Nc and take the 129 south just past the Mcdonalds to hwy 74 left to Cherokee or a right down to Andrews,Nc and Murphy Nc to Cherokee casino there lol. The one in Murphy is small compared to the one in Cherokee. Stay on 441 to Dillard Ga and eat at the Dillard house be warned you will need a nap afterward a touch pricey but worth it imo.

 

You can ride the Blue Ridge Parkway while in maggie valley toward Gatlinburg or Sylva,Nc which connects to hwy 74 might want to check out Bryson City,Nc and Waynesville, Nc while in the area.

You can send me a pm for any more info.

[Ky. Rider]

If the wives don't want to ride the dragon I don't think they or you will like the Devil's Triangle. Just rode it about a month ago and although I rode the Dragon also and am not a fan of that type riding I prefer the Dragon over DT. We stayed in Townsend and loop rode for 3 days. Ride maps are available with planned routes but riding through the park is nice as well. Maggie Valley, Cherohala, Blue Ridge, Cherokee, all of those are nice.

[cwhite123174]

Where is the closest starting point of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Gatlinburg? Right now we are going North out of Gatlinburg to Little Cove Road, connect to 321 to Foothills Parkway to Chillohowee and get on 129 West to 72, 411, and take 360 to Cherohala Skyway. Take that to Robbinsville, NC. Take 129 North to the Moonshiner 28 I hear so much about. Take Moonshiner 28 to 74. Take 74 to 19. Take 19 into Cherokee and 441 back up to Gatlinburg? Sound like that will work? Criticize me....do whatever. I have never ridden this far south. I have been married and divorced twice and its about time that I go on a vacation that means something with the woman I should have found 2 marriages ago! Any advice to make this trip memorable is so very much appreciated.

[cowpuc]

If memory serves me correctly, Cherokee will be your closest starting point for the Blue Ridge Parkway.. Concerning the Tail of the Dragon,, you could just ride it and never say anything to anyone about even being on it. It's very well patrolled by the LEO and truthfully, it is very scenic if you obey the speed limit - not any different than any other awesome twisty trails thru the forested hills down there. IMHO - The Dragon has just gotten all the "go fast" hype and just cause it has that stigma does not mean it's any thing more than just another great ride..

Another place Tip and I love to ride down there is the Red River Gorge area - plenty close to Gatlinburg for a really really nice day ride - IMHO.

[cwhite123174]

Thanks Cowpuc. I am gonna check that out. Right now, another day I have planned will go from Gatlinberg to Cherokee over to Maggie Valley where I want to go through the Wheels Through Time museum which I have heard is pretty cool. Then from there I figured we would go take Highway 276 up to I40 up to Wilson Springs and take 321 out of Wilson Springs back to Gatlinburg area. I did see on Map quest there is a road off I40 called My Sterling Road or 32. Doesn't anyone know anything about that road? Goes right through the mountains as it seems to me. May not be a good road. Looks like it would be scenic but.... Who knows. I am going to check out your suggestion now Cowpuc. Thanks again! Keep ideas comin folks. I only have 3 days in that part of Tennessee but it's 3 days none the less.

[Venturous Randy]

32 is OK, but it turns in to a gravel road in about any direction you go. I believe Sterling Rd is also a gravel road at some point.

Randy

[cwhite123174]

So does 32 stay paved from I40 to US-321? Do you know?

[stroker ace]

If using Tobes creek ( exit 451 ) to 32 to 321 part of 32 is gravel. If using the 440 exit pavement

[BigLenny]

Where is the closest starting point of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Gatlinburg? Right now we are going North out of Gatlinburg to Little Cove Road, connect to 321 to Foothills Parkway to Chillohowee and get on 129 West to 72, 411, and take 360 to Cherohala Skyway. Take that to Robbinsville, NC. Take 129 North to the Moonshiner 28 I hear so much about. Take Moonshiner 28 to 74. Take 74 to 19. Take 19 into Cherokee and 441 back up to Gatlinburg? Sound like that will work? Criticize me....do whatever. I have never ridden this far south. I have been married and divorced twice and its about time that I go on a vacation that means something with the woman I should have found 2 marriages ago! Any advice to make this trip memorable is so very much appreciated.

 

C,

 

This sounds like a good plan. I have ridden the Foothills Parkway, and its a good (wouldn't say great) ride. It comes out on 129 a few miles north end of the Dragon. You might want to look at leaving south out of Gatlinburg for a spell on 441 and take Fighting Creek Gap Rd west to Little River Rd, to East Lamar Alexander Pkwy(Townsend Entrance Rd) to 321. It comes out on 321 about 7 miles east of the Foothills Parkway. We rode that route and it's really cool. After you get to The Cherohala at the end of 360, you'll want to take a short break there in Tellico Plains before you ride east on the Cherohala. Heres a side note: from the 360-165 (Cherohala Skyway) intersection, go 4 miles up the Skyway and take a right onto River Road. Ride River Rd about 6 miles and you'll come to Bald River Falls on the right side of the road. Really pretty place to get off the bike and gander and take a photo or two. You can also get there by going up the Cherohala to Turkey Creek Rd, Turn right on Turkey Creek and go down to River Rd, and turn left on River Rd to go to Bald River Falls.

 

When you take Moonshiner 28 out of 129 (Deals Gap) over to 74, as I said before, be sure to ride up on top of the Fontana Dam and get a look at Fontana Lake.

 

When you're in Cherokee, ride around the little town. Lotta indian history there. You'll see a lotta folks swimming in the river that flows through the town. Not sure if you're into gambling, but if you are, there's a very large Harrah's casino there in Cherokee on 19 east of town. When you leave Cherokee heading north on 441 to go back to Gatlinburg, on the north edge of town the Blue Ridge Parkway turns off to right. Just a reference for if you want to come back down and ride it another day. I highly recommend riding it to Asheville and touring the Biltmore Estate, as I stated before.

 

441 is an awesome ride if the traffic is down. but, the time of year, it's gonna be crowded. Remember, you are going to be in America's most visited national park. And there are a boat load of folks in and around that area. Clingmans Dome is off of 441 between Cherokee and Gatlinburg, and worth the looksee. You gotta get off the bike and walk a bit to see it. I can't tell you exactly where this was on 441, I think it was closer to Cherokee than Gatlinburg, but my wife and I stopped at an old grist mill that is about 100 years old. That was really interesting to see and hear the park attendant tell the story of how they used to use it, and how they got water from the stream to the mill. Good place to take a break.

 

The thing that is so nice about the area you're going to go to is; shade. The heat and humidity will probably be smothering at times, but the roads you'll be riding will have large sections of shade covering. Trees trees trees lining the roadways everywhere. I love out west, but out there, you really out in the open for the wind and sun to wear you out. Not so down south and particularly in that area. You're gonna love it. There's so many trees you'l be in shade a lot.

As I said before; I'm jealous. Lol.

[Edbo]

Where is the closest starting point of the Blue Ridge Parkway to Gatlinburg? Right now we are going North out of Gatlinburg to Little Cove Road, connect to 321 to Foothills Parkway to Chillohowee and get on 129 West to 72, 411, and take 360 to Cherohala Skyway. Take that to Robbinsville, NC. Take 129 North to the Moonshiner 28 I hear so much about. Take Moonshiner 28 to 74. Take 74 to 19. Take 19 into Cherokee and 441 back up to Gatlinburg? Sound like that will work? Criticize me....do whatever. I have never ridden this far south. I have been married and divorced twice and its about time that I go on a vacation that means something with the woman I should have found 2 marriages ago! Any advice to make this trip memorable is so very much appreciated.

 

 

 

This route that you have listed here will work perfectly for you. The mileage may not be a lot but it will take all day to do this ride but it will be worth it. Once you get into Robbinsville you can always change your route if needed to make it back over the mountain to Gatlinburg before dark. Don't want to drive over mountain after dark. You will enjoy riding this area no matter which road your on. Just remember all the roads people are telling you to ride are all good riding roads, but their is no way to hit them all on one trip so you enjoy what you have planned and ride the rest on another day.

[Edbo]

So does 32 stay paved from I40 to US-321? Do you know?

 

 

I have ridden this 32 you speak of. Let me tell you it is so much more fun to ride than the Tail of the Dragon. The reason most people don't ride it is because it does turn into a dirt road. If you get on it coming from Gatlinburg it has great pavement and some very nice curves for 11 miles then turns into a gravel road for another 1.5 miles and it is also just as curvey. I rode it coming off of I40 going to Gatlinburg but it was a planned ride knowing that it is gravel. If you want to ride it do it just turn around when you get to the gravel, it has a place you can turn around. I would ride that road any day instead of the dragon.

[cwhite123174]

Wow! So many recommendations... I don't even know where to start! Thank you all so much! I really want to ride this TN-32. Gonna try and make that happen. I will play dumb to the couple riding with us.... 😉.

[cwhite123174]

Let me ask this... If I was to change my mind and NOT go north from Maggie Valley up to I40 and TN-32 would this be a better more scenic ride....

Leave Gatlinburg heading south and catch the Blue Ridge Parkway before Cherokee and ride that all the way to 112 (Sardis Rd) which is just south of Ashville, NC and ride 112 to 23 (Smokey Park Highway) back to Maggie Valley and up to Gatlinburg? Thoughts on that?

[cwhite123174]

What are some nice scenic roads to take when we leave Gatlinburg heading back to Nashville for a night?

[BigLenny]

Let me ask this... If I was to change my mind and NOT go north from Maggie Valley up to I40 and TN-32 would this be a better more scenic ride....

Leave Gatlinburg heading south and catch the Blue Ridge Parkway before Cherokee and ride that all the way to 112 (Sardis Rd) which is just south of Ashville, NC and ride 112 to 23 (Smokey Park Highway) back to Maggie Valley and up to Gatlinburg? Thoughts on that?

 

That might be okay, but, that doesn't take you by the Biltmore Estate. LOL LOL LOL! Ima keep hounding you until you put that in your agenda.

 

BTW, it looks like you would get off at 191, and then run up to 112.

 

Also, FYI: the Blue Ridge Parkway is a non commercial road. Can't have buses or big trucks or anything like that on it. Thats a big reason it's a great bike road. Also, there is no businesses on it, ei: gas stations, restaurants, convenience stores. It is a road that our great country built strictly for driving and enjoying the scenery. You have to get off the exits to get find a gas station, etc. Awesome road. There are several tunnels between Cherokee and Asheville.

[cwhite123174]

Honestly Lenny, it's in the Agenda.... So far. I was telling the couple we are riding with that if we choose to go there, its a short jaunt from 112, Sardis Rd. The couple is going to check out the website and see what they think. It does look pretty cool!

[stroker ace]

Let me ask this... If I was to change my mind and NOT go north from Maggie Valley up to I40 and TN-32 would this be a better more scenic ride....

Leave Gatlinburg heading south and catch the Blue Ridge Parkway before Cherokee and ride that all the way to 112 (Sardis Rd) which is just south of Ashville, NC and ride 112 to 23 (Smokey Park Highway) back to Maggie Valley and up to Gatlinburg? Thoughts on that?

 

 

I actually think its hwy 191 you get off the parkway and then to 112 to 23/74/19, Lake Junaluska is pretty nice place to stop and visit there is a walk way all the way around the lake.

 

You can always jump on hwy 209 aka the rattler there and ride to Hot Springs, NC

 

http://209therattler.com/

 

 

There is to much to do and not enough time lol.

[BigLenny]

Honestly Lenny, it's in the Agenda.... So far. I was telling the couple we are riding with that if we choose to go there, its a short jaunt from 112, Sardis Rd. The couple is going to check out the website and see what they think. It does look pretty cool!

 

Cool! If you do decide to go, splurge and get the headsets. It makes the tour WAAAYYY more interesting!

[stroker ace]

Honestly Lenny, it's in the Agenda.... So far. I was telling the couple we are riding with that if we choose to go there, its a short jaunt from 112, Sardis Rd. The couple is going to check out the website and see what they think. It does look pretty cool!

 

 

 

It's nice to visit but not this time of year there is no a/c as someone else has said and at $60 a head to get in it'll buy a lot of gas to do other things IMHO.

[BigLenny]

That might be something to consider Cwhite. It is hot. But, on the other hand, we went the last week of July and I don't really remember being miserable or anything. I think I was in the mode of letting my wife do something she wanted to do on the trip, so I just sucked it up and enjoyed it no matter what. As I said before, I had done my share of griping about us having to tour a big house before we got there. Then, I actually thought it was awesome! As far as the money; I think it was $50.00ea. with the headsets when we went in 2012, but what the heck ever. Money, Smunny, you're on vacation. That means take a break from everything back home, including worrying about the budget. LOL.

[Venturous Randy]

Another thing, the Biltmore House gives a good discount if you are a veteran.

Randy