Hello all,

On July 15th I'm headed to the TOTD from Northern Louisiana. I'm taking the shortest distance up there so I can have more time riding the area roads around the Smoky Mountains. Other than the TOTD, which roads would you consider the best of the best in that area? Not necessarily demanding roads with twisties and switchbacks, just good scenic roads. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Perry

 

There are plenty. Cherahola parkway, foothills parkway and blue ridge parkway and the moonshiner gulch are most popular. There are plenty more i cant recall off hand, and most random turn offs are excellent (of course I'm comparing to michigan roads). Madmaps makes a map for the region, pick it up.

 

I know it's a little out of the ways, but on your way there, make the little town of Helen, GA your 1st pit stop. Gorgeous little Bavarian Village right in the heart of motorcycling paradise; if you got time, there's plenty to do and see. From there, take the mountain pass SR-17 (Also known as SR75) north and connect with Hwy 76 West (left), 7.5mi later make a right onto 515, which will convert into Rt 69; another left onto Rt 64 West and right on 141 Northbound(SR 1519) and a right on Rt 19 and stay on 19 about 16 miles. You'll see a sign for US129 goes left over the tracks (yes, take that) and you are now on the famous US129. 11 miles take you to Robbinsville, NC. There's a Microtel that's motorcycle friendly and the rooms are super comfy! Continue 18 miles on the same road and you'll end up at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, home of the Tail of the Dragon. TIP: At the end of the Dragon, you'll have a lake to your left; continue about 5-6 miles to the HD store for a cold drink and they have 103 octane at the pump. Ask them how to get to the Skyway from there, and follow it all the way back to Robbinsville, where there's a nice comfy bed waitin' fo ya.

Have a blast, but know, the Dragon claims lives. Ride your level, don't feel rushed. If you got traffic, let them pass at the next pull-off. Don't fall victim to the photographers by showing off. Front brakes only before the turns, never brake you rears in them; save them for the dirt pull-offs.

Take pics and share them with us...

 

NoDeal, thanks for the advice! I forgot all about Mad Maps and I have it installed.

funnythebunny, my schedule heading up there is wide open so thanks for the advice heading up there as well as when I get there. Also, thank you for the riding advice in the turns. These type roads will definitely be new to me.

 

My wife and I rode all over that area last month. Didnt think that the Cherohala Skyway was that great, the views were very obstructed by trees and overgrowth, still a nice ride though. The blue ridge pky. was the best road in the area it has the best views and a lot of tunnels. Stay away from Cades Cove in the national park unless you want to sit in traffic for two hours while a bunch of tourist take pics. of deer. (we made that mistake). At the end of the Dragon the foothills parkway is a also very good road to ride.

 

Hwy. 28 from Deals Gap is excellent.

 

Foothills Parkway is a laid back run that I enjoyed the most. Remember in the twisties, it it looks like you are not going to make the turn, push down more on the handle bar.

 

I like Hwy 64 from Murphy to Brevard, and 19 from Murphy to Maggie Valley. Pics of those roads here.

 

My favorites in order:

1. Cherohala Skyway
2. BRP (best part is from Cherokee to Asheville IMHO)
3. Hwy 28 from Hwy 19 to Deal's Gap
4. Hwy 19 thru the Nantahala Gorge

 

Could not agree more. Also enjoy Hwy 32 outside of Cosby if I want to do some twisties.