Ride the
Smokey Mountains
Posted by:
Joe Peterson (Webmaster)
Wednesday June 17, 2026 5:02 am
Joe Peterson (Webmaster)
Wednesday June 17, 2026 5:02 am
The Smoky Mountains are a premier motorcycling destination, offering hundreds of miles of thrilling twists and scenic vistas. The absolute "best" route depends on your riding style, but the Tail of the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are widely considered the holy trinity of Smoky Mountain riding
1. The Tail of the Dragon (US 129)
- The Experience: The ultimate thrill ride. This 11-mile stretch features an astonishing 318 curves and zero driveways or intersections.
- Best For: Experienced riders looking for a technical, challenging, and fast-paced twisty road.
- Details: Located near Robbinsville, NC, and Deals Gap, TN. Watch out for heavy traffic and sportbike riders treating the road like a track.
2. The Cherohala Skyway
- The Experience: Widely considered the "crown jewel" of the region by locals. It is a 43-mile scenic highway that climbs to over 5,000 feet, offering sweeping, banked turns and panoramic mountain views.
- Best For: Riders who want to actually enjoy the scenery without the intense, non-stop switchbacks of the Dragon.
- Details: Connects Robbinsville, NC, to Tellico Plains, TN. It is much wider, smoother, and less crowded than the Dragon.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP)
- The Experience: Known as "America's Favorite Drive," this is a beautifully paved, gentle, and relaxing route that spans 469 miles along the mountain ridges. You can access it directly from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC.
- Best For: Cruisers, touring bikes, and anyone who wants a scenic nature ride with plenty of overlooks to pull over and take photos.