I stayed in Gatlinburg just at the foot of the mountians, I would go back there in a heart beat. I can only say enjoy yourself, I will be going back myself.

 

Wheels Through Time has not moved yet and is still open. My best friend lives in Maggie Valley and I just asked him yesterday about the museum. He said it is still there and he sees visitors going in and out every day.

 

I would suggest staying somewhere else besides the Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg area...the TRAFFIC sucks and you'll be sitting on your scoot for a long time. Try the maryville or Knoxville area....there is still great access to the Dragon and Parkways.

 

If you do wind up riding 441 thru Gattlinburg toward Cherokee, you need to take the road up to Clingman's Dome...AWESOME!

 

Either side of Smokies is great. Depends what you want, but most of the "famous" rides are on the south side...I've been going up to that area for a while and only a few times make a reservation...never had a problem for lodging....I'm sure the locals on here from the area will chime in...3-4 not recommended...extend it to 3-4 months...ENJOY.............

 

Lots of good places to stay...
One of our favorite places to eat is The Apple Wood Restaurant....great food, good price...crowded but worth the wait....

 

All the suggestions have been GREAT! Thanks to all. It's going to be a LOOOOOOOONG wait till July. We're still debating about where to stay. I have reservations in both Pigeon Forge and Maggie Valley right not. Once we make a final decision we'll cancel one of them.

Where is the Apple Wood Restaurant? I'm always up for good food.

 

Stay in Maggie Valley. Every thing you wanna see (east, west, north and south) is a day ride from there. I was at the Builtmore house last week. Whata a place.....


Trucky911

 

I'm not gonna read all the other posts to see if anyone mentions the IronHorse Lodge in Stecoa(sp?) NC. Real nice folks, good atmosphere, all bikes(any make), good food and very reasonable prices. It will put you smack in the middle of all those places you mentioned. We went twice last year and the wife will probably make reservations a few times this year as well...and we live just two hours from there...

 

pidgeon forge waas traffic hell but gatlinburg wasnt too bad for me just in the small downtown. if u must do the dragon go on a weekday early in the am less cops sportscars and crotch rockets.and leo is evrywhere on the dragon do NOT CROSS CENTERLINE OR SPEED EVN A LITTLE.