Great smokey mtns. ???
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
From: Grayson, GA
All great suggestions however, with out a doubt, the best place to stay is the Ironhorse Resort in Stecoah NC. About 10 miles outside of Robbinsville NC, local to Deals Gap, Cherahola Pkwy, Foothills Pkwy, Maggie Valley. The owners are riders too and know how to accommodate. I have stayed there 3 times and will be back again in the spring.
www.ironhorsenc.com
www.ironhorsenc.com
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 33
From: Acworth
Just to add to the list, the mountain road that connects Cherokee to Gatlinburg is a Great ride. At the top of the mountain, at the state line, there is a road that leads to Clingmans dome, an observation tower where you can see in all directions as far as your eyes can focus. Its less than a mile from the parking lot but it is a steep path that provides a nice leg work out.
Last edited by Mikey 1450; Sep 24, 2011 at 07:48 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 976
Likes: 212
From: northern nj
My wife and i do 9 days every august , and no matter where we go we stop at the local dealer and they will tell where to ride and some great spots that you do not see advertised ,found the best info from the locals at the dealership on when and where to ride ,eat ,drink , and stay !! enjoy the trip
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 471
Likes: 19
From: Grapeland Texas
I got a motorcycle road map at the HD store in Chimney Rock with a lot of ride loops and mileage. I wish I had it when I 1st. got in the area. I didn't realize I was that close to the dragons tail.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 6
From: Eaton Rapids, MI
My wife and I just got back from there today. We stayed closer to Knoxville as to save a little money. Rode BRP, Dargon, Cheraola, Newfound Gap road(main road through SMNP). We went to Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove. Both rides to and from those places in the National Park are good rides. Dragon was a hoot and we rode it on a Sunday morning.
We will go back again. It is worth the expense IMHO. We ate at J. Arthurs in Maggie Valley and we both thought it was excellent. Otherwise it was mostly in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
We will go back again. It is worth the expense IMHO. We ate at J. Arthurs in Maggie Valley and we both thought it was excellent. Otherwise it was mostly in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I go down every year at least once. We usually rent a cabin in Maggie Valley. The town is not dry and it is very motorcycle friendly. I don't like eating out all that much and she likes the hot tub in the evening. I will reiterate what was stated before if you go this route do your homework about motorcycle friendly access. The people down there don't know what steep is to northern folks.
There is good riding everywhere down there.
There is good riding everywhere down there.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 4
From: Knoxville, TN
I live in Knoxville and have a vacation place in Gatlinburg. I agree with the person who asked what kind of vacation this is. If you are going to go to ride as much as you can then the place to stay is Maggie Valley. Most of the best riding is on the NC side of the GSMNP. Getting there from Gatlinburg can take more than an hour in heavy traffic, which is normal in Gatlinburg. You then have to fight traffic going back to Gatlinburg at the end of the day. So, you can easily spend 2-3 hours each day just trying to get out of and back to Gatlinburg.
By staying in MV you can ride west and hit the Cherohala, Moonshiner 28, the Dragon, etc. You can also ride east and hit the Rattler and all the good rides up by Hot Springs or take the BRP to Asheville.
If this is a ride and "other stuff" vacation then consider staying in Gatlinburg. It's usually crowded but there are lots of things to do in and around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about either place.
By staying in MV you can ride west and hit the Cherohala, Moonshiner 28, the Dragon, etc. You can also ride east and hit the Rattler and all the good rides up by Hot Springs or take the BRP to Asheville.
If this is a ride and "other stuff" vacation then consider staying in Gatlinburg. It's usually crowded but there are lots of things to do in and around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about either place.
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I agree with the recommendation of Townsend, less traffic. You can go into Gatlinburg from the east, River road out of Townsend.
Townsend is close to HWY 129 (Dragon) and Cherokee through the GSMNP.
Good roads wherever you go go in the area.
If you rent a cabin tell them you are on motorcycles and want level area, a lot of the cabins are on steep grades.
I added a link to the car show schedule, these weekends are to be avoided in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area unless you want to sit in traffic and move one mile an hour.
http://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/ca...show-schedule/
Townsend is close to HWY 129 (Dragon) and Cherokee through the GSMNP.
Good roads wherever you go go in the area.
If you rent a cabin tell them you are on motorcycles and want level area, a lot of the cabins are on steep grades.
I added a link to the car show schedule, these weekends are to be avoided in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area unless you want to sit in traffic and move one mile an hour.
http://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/ca...show-schedule/
Last edited by MCHOGG; Aug 19, 2016 at 07:23 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 239
Likes: 23
From: Edwardsville, IL
I see Tail of the Dragon mentioned alot. It was kinda fun to ride. Definately do it during the week. We went on a Sunday late morning, way too many jackass crotch rocket riders. Probably won't go back. However, might want to take a look at the Georgia Dragon. Lots of curves and lots of miles. Very enjoyable, more so than the tail. My $0.02.