Scenic Drives and Touring
The Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina are an incredible backdrop for some of the best riding you'll ever find. Legendary routes like Deal's Gap and the Blue Ridge Parkway are in abundance, and just getting to them can be an adventure in itself. Take your time and enjoy the breathtaking views, quiet walkways, and scenic vista turnouts along the routes.
Please respect the traffic signs and speed limits, on these curvy roads, a heads up is your best friend. Whether you're a seasoned motorcyclist or just a novice, our hope this website provides the best information for making your touring in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee unforgettable.
Deals Gap |
318 Twist and turns in 11 miles. Also known as "The Dragon" this ride is not for the faint of heart. Take your time and enjoy the rivers edge, gorges, little mountain towns along the route. Getting there is half the fun, you can get to deals gap from either Bryson City via hwy 28, or from Robbinsville via hwy 129. |
Hwy 209 - The Rattler |
Start at Hwy 209 were it intersects with Hwy 74/23 in Waynesville. A moderate ride with lots of change in elevation as it crosses from Haywood County to Madison County on your way to Hot Springs. The one-way ride will take about an hour and is not heavily traveled. |
Hwy 28 from Bryson City to Franklin |
This ride twists and turns like no other. It's a short ride but lots of fun. This is also a good side trip if you're on your way to or from Deals Gap. |
Hwy 441 From Cherokee to Gatlinburg |
The only road through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elevation changes is the name of the game and be prepared for cooler temps as you cross Newfound Gap into Tennessee. Temperatures can vary 20 degrees or more from either side of the park to the highest point. |
Cherohala Skyway |
If you like the Blue Ridge Parkway You'll love this ride. Lots of views, and plenty of winding road from Robbinsville out west. |
Hwy 63 From Hwy 209 to Asheville |
Beautiful landscapes, farms and occasional mountain views. The Asheville side of the rides has quite a few hairpin turns and plenty of change in altitude. |
Heintooga Road from the BRP |
A high altitude ride starting at Wolf Laurel Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway just south of the Hwy 19 Entrance (Maggie Valley). A high altitude ride which ends at a large parking area. Park your bikes and walk to a clearing - great for watching sunsets. The brave of heart can ride the gravel road for 22 miles down to Cherokee when the road is open - great for dual sport bikes - otherwise just make the return trip. |