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Need some ideas for places to stay, roads and sights to see in the eastern TN, northern GA, NC and SC area. Targeting the following area. Plan to hit Maggie Valley, Wheels of Time, Tail of Dragon, Moonshiner 28, and more. Trip is planned for 5/16 to 5/27 and we are coming from Wisconsin. Go!
Check the scheduled hrs for Wheels through Time--they are not open everyday--do the TOTD on a weekday, Moonshiner 28 is awesome as well as Wayah rd. Are you planning on a home base spot or day to day destination with multiple stays? Maggie Valley has numerous motels[ and is quiet and laid back] Copperhead Lodge in Blairsville GA [northwest mt area] is a motorcycle destination [The Gauntlet ride ] Gatlinburg offers many choices of hotel/motel cabins and restaurants, c cabin rentals in many areas but some of the driveways are not motorcycle friendly/ are you trailering down or riding? 11 days [probably 5 or 6 in the area] because of travel to and fro will keep you busy looking for great rides and must see tourist stops. Smoky Mt Harley with The Shed is a nice stop if that interest you-Biltmore Estates in Asheville NC if you want to ride part of the BRP . Sounds exciting--love that whole Smoky Mt area[ been there 4 times] Jealous
A map will allow you to preplan your trip.
Using the map and google earth will help you to identify best places to stay overnight and places to eat.
The overnight stays and places to eat can really make a difference in enjoyment.
Several short hikes(15-30 minute) to waterfalls are available too.
Some planning now will help you to best organize your trip.
Keep in mind that many roads in the mountains are missing signs or your paper map has a road number or name that is different from actual signage.
A real GPS will be very useful too since cell phone service is unavailable in many mountain road areas. A cell phone will not work unless you pre-downloaded maps.
Also keep in mind that a GPS will just follow whatever you have it set too...shortest route, fastest or whatever.
If you use the HD ride planner to download into a GPS then make sure to separate routes by name and add waypoints to force GPS to follow your route.
Then use maximum zoom on computer to review and then verify exact route again in GPS.
Not doing so will make you want to throw GPS away.
The paper map below requires shipping.
Consider purchase of a map such as: https://freemanmapstore.com/collections/all
Each has their own ideas on where to stay. We ride that area every year for 1-2 weeks. Always stay on out side edge of Gatlinburg.TN.
Nice ride from Wisconsin We live 60 miles from Milwaukee a 750-780 mile ride down. Can be done easy in one day.
We are more likely now to stop over night on the way down.
Already have reservations made for May 2024.
Spoty cell service. GPS is the way to go.
another vote for this. My kid said, 'I got this. We don't need a map'. First stop was, 'no service, I don't know where we are'
You probably know, weekDAYS and early are better on the 129. We were way more relaxed and enjoyed the Cherohala
I want to explore more over there. Watching this....
Even the main highways and interstate are nice to ride in the hills. Depending on how many you are, maybe rent a log cabin near Bryson City for the whole trip. Most of the stuff is provided and Bryson City isa great launching point.
Good info Rocker. We are traveling with 3 couples. Typically like to stay 3-4 nights in one place and explore the area and then move to another spot. I had the Gauntlet on my list. Would you suggest Blairsville and Maggy Valley areas for home bases? Or anything else you can recommend? thx
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Planning a Road Trip to TN, GA, NC and SC
