PM "dyna rider" or "RockyTopRider" for some good suggestions (you can tell them that SuburbanMom sent ya). Both live in that area and both are A-Ok in my book. They can give you some great routes and ideas.

 

I feel lucky to have "discovered' this area two years ago and I've been going once in the spring and then again in the fall. Pittsburgh has long winters and this is a great way to kick off and end summer. There are a lot of great posts with suggestions. What really made my trips great was the maps from americaridesmaps.com which will give you great rides you may not know exist.

http://www.americaridesmaps.com/Catalogue.htm

 

Lots of great riding in this region. Be sure to allow ample time for your rides. The average time for travel due to the twisty roads is only about 30-35 mph. Keep this in mind as you try to calculate the distance you think you can cover in a single day.

 

You Texans make some pretty good BBQ.....Eat at the Blues City Cafe when on Beale St. Best ribs in the State!

 

Folks have already covered some good road choices, so I'll chime in with something else. I wouldn't let a Holiday Inn drive my choice of location, as Murphy ain't that convenient for the roads listed above...unless you do wanna hit north GA too. If you're concentrating on the Dragon, Cherohala, the Smokies, BRP, Cherokee, etc., then Murphy wouldn't be my choice. You would be much better off somewhere like the Ironhorse. http://www.ironhorsenc.com/ There, or some other place around Robbinsville, NC, would put ya smack dab in the middle of it, giving you a lot more ride options IMO.