Hi all.
Its a long way off but just planning a tour of the smokey mountains (near knoxville) for next year.
Will probably fly into Atlanta from the UK.(rentals from Hellbender HD).
Besides the Dragons tail, where are some good places to ride/maybe stay?
I have 2 weeks and the ol lady also wants to do Nashville.

I have toured the USA quite a lot but not kentucky/Tennassee areas.

Thanks for any help.
Rowle - uk

 

Once you get close to the GA/TN/NC line, you can't find a bad road to ride.

 

Have you considered flying to Nashville and renting the bike there (Boswells HD)?

 

Definitely hit Cherohala skyway, not to be missed!

 

I agree. Would put you more in the middle of everything compared to flying into Atlanta.

 

If you find yourself needing a place to stay around Little Switzerland I would highly recommend Big Lynn's Lodge. Get there before 6 so you are there in time for supper. The views from the rocking chairs outside every cabin can't be beat. Oh and the next morning you can smell breakfast being cooked from the lodge. When you consider that it's all included in the price of your room it's a hell of a bargain

 

Second that . It is quite a beautiful ride .

 

I agree and I live near Atlanta. Knoxville is actually a lot closer to the Dragon, probably two hours. Maybe make that decision on how much time you plan to spend in Nashville.
Leaving Hellbender youve got at least an hour of hellish traffic and construction before you get to anything remotely fun. Not to mention that the Atlanta Airport is an hour + through downtown Atlanta to get to Hellbender. Does Hellbender even rent bikes or is it Eagle Riders, which is right next door?
At some point I plan to go to Johnson City, TN for this
http://www.southerndozen.com
Looks like a central location to see lots of the country.

 

You might also consider some Blue Ridge Parkway time .
I live in SE TN . If I had to choose between The Cherohala
Skyway & the BRP it would be a hard choice . Both are must
do rides . The Dragon is ok , but for cruising & beautiful scenery
the Skyway & BRP can't be beat . Also look at Moonshiner 28 .
It's a ride similar to the Dragon . Also cruise along the Nantahala
river . Pm me if you like & I can probably help more . I'm about
to retire & could maybe ride along next year .

 

Great information !
Thanks everyone, keep the suggestions coming.

Rowle uk