We rode the area in October. Great riding. When I go back, I will make sure I avoid Gatlinburg if at all possible due to the traffic.

 

I have been in the area dozens of times and never found the traffic in Gatlinburg that bad at all. Don't get me wrong it can be busy there because it is one of the largest tourist areas but never found it at the point I got stuck in traffic. Another good place to get a bite to eat is Smokies bar and grill. They have a philly cheese to die for.

 

We got stuck in traffic. We made the loop from Gburg, Dragon, Bryson City, Cherokee coming down the mountain into Gburg traffic came to a stop. People would come by and tell us it was backed up for 10 miles into Gburg. We would sit there for 10-15 minutes, then move up a half mile. We got to coasting down the mountain. We figured we coasted for 5 miles down the mountain.

 

The best roads to ride are on the other side of the mountain from Gatlinburg. Unless you want to visit the shops and restaurants there, I would stay away if possible. Only place worst is Pigeon Forge next to Gatlinburg.

I always tell people to head to Maggie Valley which is located in the center of many good roads to ride in every direction.

 

+ 1 for Maggie Valley............

 

Moondog, I love your avator (sp), I've been watching it for 10 minutes waiting on the vixen to get tired. She looks like she dancing one of those hillbilly footstompin jigs!
Reminds me of someone I once knew. AHH, Alas, poor Yoric!!

40 miles from the Dragon and ride it quite often. The smokies are my backyard.

 

And stop in the Wheels Through Time museum as long as you're in the area. Well worth the trip.

 

I too am a big fan of Maggie Valley and the WTT. If you want to scrape footboards and chrome the road to Clingmans Dome has fresh pavement and in perfect condition. Of course you have to wait at the bottom (or top) in order to get a long stretch of roadway without slo-mo's.

Early May is good, early morning even better.