Yes we went last summer it was awesome! Ride thru Great Smokey Mountains State Park, those maps are available around Maggie Valley. We stayed at A Holiday Motel and The Smoky Falls Lodge. Nice enough, price is right. Check out the Salty Dog a good time dive bar! Good riding, bring your rain gear! We had lunch at a nice little place called The Carver Applehouse in Cosby TN http://carversappleorchard.com/ and for a REALLY GOOD TIME go here... Not for the faint of heart! http://www.bobarosasaloon.com/ in DelRio TN

 

Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Biltmore Estate, Cherokee Casino, Wheels Through Time are all awesome. The main thing is, there's not a bad road for riding in the area!

 

Blue Ridge Parkway from 74 near Maggie Valley to Blowing Rock is one of my favorite rides! My sig pic was taken near Linville at an overlook.

 

I have rode the NC hills many times with folks that have been riding them for over 30 years... 5 days ain't enough to see everything...With that said...Hit the spots you mentioned in you opening statement...Now let's talk food...On the BRParkway at the southern end look at the Pisgah Inn, the food and the view is awesome...you can get there on 276 east from Waynesville...the ride up is worth it. If you do 28 south, go all the way to Wallhala SC, as you're coming to town on the right there is a hole in the wall... Varsity Sandwich shop, they have good BBQ believe it or not...then on your way back... take 1310 (Wayah rd) from Franklin to Andrews...About 1/2 way through there is a little place on the side of the lake perfect for a break...that road is awesome also...

 

This is a nice ride but there are quite a few quarries and coal mines on the road. That means lots of loose crap on the road from the dump trucks.

Diggs

 

Check out The Southern Dozen rides.

My wife and I have been doing a week long trip to the area, renting a cabin in Wears Valley (less traffic than Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg), for about 12 years now. We are still finding new places and hitting the best of the ones we like again each year.

As mentioned above, make time to get some moonshine at Ole Smoky Moonshine in Gatlinburg. Free samples and smooth whiskey = SCHWEET!!

Diggs

 

Dad and I thought moonshiners run was more fun than the Tail for riding, although it was cut short by a worn through tire.

 

Thanks, guys! That ought to keep us busy.

David

 

Mount Mitchell is always nice as is Clingmans Dome

http://americasroof.com/6000.shtml

 

Dont forget Cades Cove near Townsend TN. If you like wildlife.