Good ride recommendations for the Smoky's

[Viffer]

Going to take my first bike vacation this month and could use some good idea's on roads and routes. We're going to be basing out of Pigeon Forge on a Mon through Fri, so these will just be day trips and not long distance trips this time. Any secret twisty roads, cool places or great bike routes other than the Dragon? I'll hit that up at least once, but any other insights are greatly appreciated. Can't wait to go!

 

[ricks.06]

Going to take my first bike vacation this month and could use some good idea's on roads and routes. We're going to be basing out of Pigeon Forge on a Mon through Fri, so these will just be day trips and not long distance trips this time. Any secret twisty roads, cool places or great bike routes other than the Dragon? I'll hit that up at least once, but any other insights are greatly appreciated. Can't wait to go!

These are THE best roads in the country and right in my back yard. You will love this trip!

Here is a fantastic day loop that will cover some of the best roads:

Take 321 out of Pigeon Forge

Left on the Foothills PKWY

Left on 129 (you are at the base of (The Dragon)

Over the Dragon (obligatory stop at the bottom for cup of coffee and sticker purchase)

Stay right at the fork to remian on 129- L would take you to 28 S. We will hit this on the way back

Just before you get to Robbinsville NC, go Right on 143 to Cherahola Skyway

At the end of the Pkwy, go Left on 68 (south)

At the intersetcion of 64/74, go left (east). This is a scenic byway. Your tires will need the break

Travel through Murphy then Andrews. Then road becomes one lane again. Make sure to stop at the Natahala Outdoor Center for lunch. they have a cool little restaraunt that hangs over the river. You can watch the white water kayakers while you eat.

Continue on a few miles and make a left on 28 N. This is a cool road and will take you back to The Dragon and you can retrace your steps back to Pigeon Forge

Have a great time! If you have time to dip into GA, we have some equally cool roads only an hour from you.

 

[Larry33319]

Do you have a Garmin? If so, I can email you several Mapsource routes that I have used in the past. I usually base out of Pigeon Forge each summer for a week. Send me a PM with your email addy if you do.

 

[lonerider]

Going to take my first bike vacation this month and could use some good idea's on roads and routes. We're going to be basing out of Pigeon Forge on a Mon through Fri, so these will just be day trips and not long distance trips this time. Any secret twisty roads, cool places or great bike routes other than the Dragon? I'll hit that up at least once, but any other insights are greatly appreciated. Can't wait to go!

I've always liked the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Rt. 191 intersection (French Broad River) to the southern end. Highest elevations and best views, IMHO. Nice restaurant at the Pisgah Inn (mile 408). The stretch from Crabtree Meadows to Craggy Gardens is nice too, with a side trip to Mt. Mitchell (mile 355).

 

[Viffer]

Thanks guys, I'll look all those roads up. No GPS though, I've never owned a bike before where one would be needed! Also it looks like there will be two feejer's there, my girlfriends brother will be heading up to join us from Alabama with the '09 FJR he just bought this year as well. What's better than one FJR? Two!

 

[HaulinAshe]

I've have a large collection of routes from which to choose. How many miles do you plan to ride per day? How many days?

I do have some secret roads, but won't post them anywhere. Email me, haulinashe at gmail dot com.

 

[wheatonFJR]

441 south...then 441 north. Be sure to stop at Dollywood!

 

[Dr. Bones]

You've got to do Deals Gap and the Cherohola Highway if they're near your route. Both are different styles of riding and great mountain crossings. Personally I liked the Cherahola Hwy the best. The whole area is full of great scenic routes. On our last trip, the wife and I explored near Helena GA and the roads were good there too, although more long scenic than tight twisties. Are you riding or trailering there?

 

[Jonathan08]

Pretty much any road on the Southern side of the Smokeys is good. 28 is my favorite though.

 

[Patriot]

list of routes/good roads at bottom of this page I reference often: https://www.huntslodge.com/local.html

this route are most of the great roads around the park...break it up into smaller pieces

catching most of them is my usual recommendation: https://www.huntslodge.com/uploads/Ultimate_Twisties_Loop_-_215_miles_5.5_hours.pdf

 

[Viffer]

Thanks again guys. We're leaving tomorrow, going to trailer down for a few reasons but it will still be a good trip. Well, as long as we can escape the never ending last second disasters around here! Be back after a great ride.

 

[Jonathan08]

Going to take my first bike vacation this month and could use some good idea's on roads and routes. We're going to be basing out of Pigeon Forge on a Mon through Fri, so these will just be day trips and not long distance trips this time. Any secret twisty roads, cool places or great bike routes other than the Dragon? I'll hit that up at least once, but any other insights are greatly appreciated. Can't wait to go!

These are THE best roads in the country and right in my back yard. You will love this trip!

Here is a fantastic day loop that will cover some of the best roads:

Take 321 out of Pigeon Forge

Left on the Foothills PKWY

Left on 129 (you are at the base of (The Dragon)

Over the Dragon (obligatory stop at the bottom for cup of coffee and sticker purchase)

Stay right at the fork to remian on 129- L would take you to 28 S. We will hit this on the way back

Just before you get to Robbinsville NC, go Right on 143 to Cherahola Skyway

At the end of the Pkwy, go Left on 68 (south)

At the intersetcion of 64/74, go left (east). This is a scenic byway. Your tires will need the break

Travel through Murphy then Andrews. Then road becomes one lane again. Make sure to stop at the Natahala Outdoor Center for lunch. they have a cool little restaraunt that hangs over the river. You can watch the white water kayakers while you eat.

Continue on a few miles and make a left on 28 N. This is a cool road and will take you back to The Dragon and you can retrace your steps back to Pigeon Forge

Have a great time! If you have time to dip into GA, we have some equally cool roads only an hour from you.

About how long does that route take. I'm heading down there this weekend and it sounds like a good one.