Gatlinburg?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 568
Likes: 147
From: Georgia
that made me lol
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 3
From: Sevierville, TN
Also look into Highway 38 near Cosby. So curvy it makes the dragon look weak. Also look into hwy 64 from Bryson City to Highland NC. The ride down 64 is called the waterfall ride due to you pass by multiple waterfalls along the way.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 916
Likes: 12
From: NoVA
Here's my two cents. I don't think of Gatlinburg as crowded, just tacky. But there are a lot of good places to eat. Many more than Cherokee or Maggie Valley. Cades Cove may just be the most beautiful place east of the Mississippi, at sunrise. After nine, forget it. The driver's are so rude it can be impossible to get around them on a BMW Dakar much less a Harley. I know because I took my 650 once to ride the dirt roads in the Smoky's.
The road up to Clingmans Dome was fresh paved a year ago and you can really rip, at 7AM. Otherwise brain dead traffic. That's true anywhere in the park.
If you go to Wheels Through Time, call ahead to make sure they are open. Dale's been kind of independant lately. The lower section of the Parkway is awesome and any side road off it is worth exploring. They all seem to be twisty and steep.
If you can make it in early June to avoid the vacation crowd it will be worth it. I go twice a year, spring and fall.
The road up to Clingmans Dome was fresh paved a year ago and you can really rip, at 7AM. Otherwise brain dead traffic. That's true anywhere in the park.
If you go to Wheels Through Time, call ahead to make sure they are open. Dale's been kind of independant lately. The lower section of the Parkway is awesome and any side road off it is worth exploring. They all seem to be twisty and steep.
If you can make it in early June to avoid the vacation crowd it will be worth it. I go twice a year, spring and fall.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 376
From: Mississippi
We rode the area a coupe of years ago in October. Beautiful. We did the Dragon on Saturday and Sunday mid morning or so after breakfast. No problems with traffic.
One evening crossing over the mountain from Cherokee to Gatlinburg we were stuck in traffic for about 10 miles. We literally coasted seems like about 5 mies down the mountain. Traffic would stop for about 15 minutes, then move up about half mile or so.
One evening crossing over the mountain from Cherokee to Gatlinburg we were stuck in traffic for about 10 miles. We literally coasted seems like about 5 mies down the mountain. Traffic would stop for about 15 minutes, then move up about half mile or so.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,001
Likes: 11,441
Gatlinburg your out of town in a flash after that just ride it is a darn good place to ride out of.
The National Park is one that can't not charge you to drive though goes back to the roads being public there. Stop in the visitor station pick up some free maps.
Last year we stayed there and road 3500 miles in the area. Going back this year.
Pigeon Forge HD is a satellite type dealer so on busy Holidays they do not make appointments it is first come first serve if you need anything. I had a brake pad that gave me some concern they got me in did the work fast and at a fair price and a great lunch right across the street.
Many days we had no plan just go that way we never had a bad days ride.
And if you do wish to pick up a few shirts Deals Gap had some cheap deals wife mailed a box home for the grand kids.
The National Park is one that can't not charge you to drive though goes back to the roads being public there. Stop in the visitor station pick up some free maps.
Last year we stayed there and road 3500 miles in the area. Going back this year.
Pigeon Forge HD is a satellite type dealer so on busy Holidays they do not make appointments it is first come first serve if you need anything. I had a brake pad that gave me some concern they got me in did the work fast and at a fair price and a great lunch right across the street.
Many days we had no plan just go that way we never had a bad days ride.
And if you do wish to pick up a few shirts Deals Gap had some cheap deals wife mailed a box home for the grand kids.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 3
From: Sevierville, TN
To be quite honest there is not a bad place to ride anywhere up there. We have been riding up there for about 15 years and have yet to go on a ride and end up disappointed. I personally use google maps to plan out our rides cause you can make a route and then get a view of the route just as if you were riding on it before you ever leave. Traffic can get bad at times especially in June, July and October as well as special events but it has never been too bad. The worse time by far is the second weekend in September. That is when they have the Rod Run going on. Wonderful event if you like hot rods but absolutely the worst traffic. If you have any questions please just PM me and I will gladly help you out with anything. Ride Safe!
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: N. Virginia
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post