The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycle Riding in Tennessee
Tennessee offers some of the most thrilling and scenic motorcycle routes in the United States. From the challenging twists of the Tail of the Dragon to the serene beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway, riders will find a diverse range of experiences across the Volunteer State. Before we dive into Tennessee’s top roads, it’s worth noting that neighboring states like North Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky also offer excellent riding opportunities that can be easily combined with a Tennessee trip.
1. The Tail of the Dragon: US 129
- Location: Deals Gap, bordering North Carolina
- Distance: 11 miles
- Key features: 318 curves, extremely challenging twists and turns
- Difficulty level: High
- Notable attractions: Tree of Shame, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort
The Tail of the Dragon is legendary among motorcycle enthusiasts for its intense concentration of curves. This short but demanding stretch of road tests riders’ skills with its relentless switchbacks and hairpin turns. The nearby Tree of Shame, adorned with parts from crashed motorcycles, serves as a sobering reminder of the road’s challenges.
2. Cherohala Skyway: A Picturesque Ride
- Location: From Tellico Plains, TN to Robbinsville, NC
- Distance: 43 miles
- Key features: National Scenic Byway, mountain views, waterfalls
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Best time to ride: Avoid winter due to dangerous conditions
- Notable attractions: Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests
The Cherohala Skyway offers a more relaxed riding experience compared to the Tail of the Dragon. This scenic route takes riders through pristine forests and provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains. The road’s sweeping curves and elevation changes make for an enjoyable ride, while its status as a National Scenic Byway ensures well-maintained surfaces.
3. Natchez Trace Parkway: Leiper’s Fork to Collinwood
- Location: From Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS
- Distance: 444 miles (100 miles in Tennessee)
- Key features: Scenic nature views, historic sites, no commercial traffic
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Notable attractions: Emerald Mound, Ross Barnett Reservoir, Elvis Presley’s boyhood home
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a unique riding experience with its ban on commercial traffic and focus on natural and historical attractions. The Tennessee portion of this parkway provides a relaxed ride through rolling hills and forests. Riders can enjoy a peaceful journey while taking in the scenic beauty and exploring the numerous historical sites along the route.
4. Foothills Parkway: US 321 to Wears Valley
- Location: From Walland to Chilhowee, TN
- Distance: 16.8 miles
- Key features: Panoramic mountain vistas, slight curves, straightaways
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Notable attractions: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Foothills Parkway is perfect for riders looking to enjoy scenic views without the intensity of more challenging roads. This route offers spectacular vistas of the Great Smoky Mountains and is ideal for a leisurely ride or for less experienced motorcyclists. The parkway’s gentle curves and good road conditions make it accessible to riders of all skill levels.
5. Great Smoky Mountains Loop: Mountain Splendor
Location: Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance: 42 miles
Key features: 3,000-foot elevation gain, mountain scenery
Difficulty level: Moderate
Notable attractions: Clingmans Dome, Rockefeller Memorial, Appalachian Trail
US 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers riders a chance to experience the beauty of America’s most visited national park. The road climbs over 3,000 feet, providing spectacular views and a variety of riding conditions. Stops at Clingmans Dome and the Rockefeller Memorial offer opportunities to stretch your legs and take in panoramic vistas.
6. The Snake (Hwy 421 and 34)
- Location: From Mountain City to Holston Valley
- Distance: 23 miles
- Key features: Nearly 500 curves, mountain ridges, forests
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high
- Notable attractions: Cherokee National Forest
The Snake lives up to its name with a winding path through the mountains of northeastern Tennessee. This route offers a thrilling ride with its numerous curves and elevation changes. The surrounding Cherokee National Forest provides a picturesque backdrop, making The Snake a favorite among riders who enjoy a challenging road in a beautiful setting.
7.Tennessee Route 32
- Location: From Cosby to Newport
- Distance: 14 miles
- Key features: Scenic route through the mountains
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Tennessee Route 32 offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience for riders. This scenic route winds through the mountains, providing a mix of sweeping curves and tighter turns. While not as well-known as some other Tennessee roads, Route 32 delivers a satisfying ride with less traffic, allowing motorcyclists to fully enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Best Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee
1.Devil’s Triangle
- Location: North of Oak Ridge
- Distance: 44 miles
- Key features: Steep switchbacks, deep gullies, twists
- Difficulty level: High
- Notable attractions: Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
The Devil’s Triangle is a challenging loop that tests riders’ skills with its technical sections and varied terrain. This route offers a mix of tight switchbacks, sweeping curves, and elevation changes. The ride passes by the infamous Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, adding a touch of intrigue to the journey.
2.Smoky Mountains Loop
- Location: Starting and ending in Maggie Valley, NC
- Distance: 250 miles
- Key features: Twisties, views, sweepers
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high
- Notable attractions: Clingmans Dome, Bald River Falls, Foothills Parkway, Cherohala Skyway
The Smoky Mountains Loop combines several of Tennessee’s best riding roads into one epic journey. This route takes riders through diverse landscapes and road types, from the challenging twisties of the Tail of the Dragon to the scenic sweepers of the Cherohala Skyway. The loop offers a comprehensive taste of what motorcycle riding in Tennessee has to offer.
3. Thunder Road
- Location: Starting and ending in Maggie Valley, NC
- Distance: 140 miles
- Key features: Scenic views, curvy roads, elevation changes
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Best time to ride: 5-6 hours including stops
Thunder Road provides riders with a diverse riding experience, combining scenic mountain views with engaging curves and elevation changes. This route takes motorcyclists through some of the most beautiful parts of the Smoky Mountains, offering a mix of challenging sections and more relaxed stretches. The 5-6 hour riding time allows for a full day of enjoyment with stops to appreciate the scenery.
Tennessee’s motorcycle routes offer something for riders of all skill levels and preferences. From the adrenaline-pumping curves of the Tail of the Dragon to the serene beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway, the state provides a rich tapestry of riding experiences. Neighboring states like Virginia and Alabama also offer excellent riding opportunities, allowing motorcyclists to extend their adventures beyond Tennessee’s borders.
When planning your motorcycle trip to Tennessee, consider factors such as weather conditions, traffic patterns, and your own riding skills. Always prioritize safety, wear appropriate gear, and respect local traffic laws. With proper preparation, a motorcycle journey through Tennessee can be an unforgettable experience, showcasing the state’s natural beauty and offering the thrill of the open road.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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