Asheville NC
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 6
From: Mid Michigan
Asheville NC
A group of guys are headed back to the smokys for more exploration. Last year we stayed near Gatlinburg but had to run 441 everyday/night. We were thinking Ashville area to change things up a bit. A few questions....
I read that most of the better riding is south west. Should we stay more toward Cherokee or Maggie Valley or is Asheville just as good of a starting point everyday?
We all enjoy craft beer and Asheville seems like they have quite a craft beer scene. Can anyone recommend somewhere to stay in the Asheville area that is mc friendly and walking or cab ride distance from the craft beer area of downtown? It could be a home to rent or secure hotel....
Your general thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks
I read that most of the better riding is south west. Should we stay more toward Cherokee or Maggie Valley or is Asheville just as good of a starting point everyday?
We all enjoy craft beer and Asheville seems like they have quite a craft beer scene. Can anyone recommend somewhere to stay in the Asheville area that is mc friendly and walking or cab ride distance from the craft beer area of downtown? It could be a home to rent or secure hotel....
Your general thoughts are appreciated.
Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 36
From: Ormond Beach, FL
For me it would be Maggie Valley, from Asheville you are 30-45 min. of traffic and time before you are into good riding depending on where you stay.
Several nice mom and pop motels in MV that are all motorcycle friendly and walking distance to a good bar and food at night. May not have a craft beer but good times. Lots of cabins for rent but be careful and ask about steep gravel driveways, don't get there and be surprised. This is just MO and I am sure you would have a great time anywhere with friends and your motorcycles. I agree with you about Gatlinburg/441. I avoid that side of the mountain all together.
Ride safe.
Several nice mom and pop motels in MV that are all motorcycle friendly and walking distance to a good bar and food at night. May not have a craft beer but good times. Lots of cabins for rent but be careful and ask about steep gravel driveways, don't get there and be surprised. This is just MO and I am sure you would have a great time anywhere with friends and your motorcycles. I agree with you about Gatlinburg/441. I avoid that side of the mountain all together.
Ride safe.
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
Asheville is too busy with a lot of traffic, riding there at night is on the scary side. Maggie Valley is great and minutes away from great riding in any direction. I think Cherokee is a dry county if I remember correctly, except at the casinos (might be wrong)? And Cherokee is a little on the tourist trap side, I'd vote for Maggie every time!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
Asheville is a fun town. Lots of restaurants and bars, many with live music. They are mostly all within walking distance on several streets. My buddies and I just stayed at a Hampton Inn just outside of town with plenty of surface parking for the bikes. They had a free shuttle for the 5-10 minute ride into town. The shuttle stopped running at midnight, so we grabbed a cab back.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 152
From: Not here
I rented a lake front house on Lake Lure outside of Ashville. 2 hrs from Dragon. Looks like lots of riding in the area. Home Away is the real estate co I used. My family, dog and lots of stuff towing my FTLRX down for 1st 2 weeks in Aug. I plan 4-5 day trips while family vegitates around pool or lake.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,069
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
I've stayed in Cherokee and enjoyed it immensely ... The Gatlinburg area reminds me of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls ... Hurry up and wait ... Very congested.
Trending Topics
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Marion, NC
I'm just 45 min east of Asheville and avoid the area when I'm on my bike. Unless I just have to buzz through on interstate and get to the other side. Me and my wife stayed in Franklin NC at a Hampton Inn. It's right off Moonshiner 28. Great riding and waterfalls and not far to the Dragon and the Cherahola Skyway. But Asheville for sure is a craft beer town and neat cultural scene. Lots of diverse music at the pubs. Where ever you stay hope you enjoy our neck of the Mtns!!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 8
From: General Sherman's Christmas Location 1864
It sounds like Maggie Valley would be perfect for you.
Staying in Gatlinburg " you were on the wrong side"
Maggie V is a pretty neutral location for the type of riding you're looking for.
western NC, N Ga , SC You cant go wrong.
Plus it's a motorcycle friendly town
Staying in Gatlinburg " you were on the wrong side"
Maggie V is a pretty neutral location for the type of riding you're looking for.
western NC, N Ga , SC You cant go wrong.
Plus it's a motorcycle friendly town
