Motorcycle Maggie
The Heart of the Mountains, Maggie Valley, NC
The Rides
"This is what makes Maggie Valley so very special for motorcyclists;"
There is more great riding to be discovered around Maggie Valley than anywhere else in the country. Hundreds and hundreds of miles of two lane mountain back roads weave a web of wonder through the hills and hollows which surround it.
This page describes rides well known and others that wait for you to discover.
There is more great riding to be discovered around Maggie Valley than anywhere else in the country. Hundreds and hundreds of miles of two lane mountain back roads weave a web of wonder through the hills and hollows which surround it.
This page describes rides well known and others that wait for you to discover.
AMERICA RIDES MAPS - http://americaridesmaps.comThere are no finer nor more detailed and comprehensive maps of the great rides surrounding Maggie Valley. All those listed here as well as dozens more are mapped for you to enjoy. Designed to be handy and fit in a riders pocket, they not only identify the best rides, but include out of the way gas stations, road mileage, times to ride each road, suggested loops, points of interest, waterfalls, locations of dealers and repair shops, and outstanding places to eat. Don't come to Maggie Valley without them!
Featured Rides
The Blue Ridge Parkway
The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap
The Cherohala Skyway
The Hellbender 28
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Foothills Scenic Parkway
US 276
US 64
NC 209
Wayah Road - coming
NC 215 - coming
NC 281 - coming
More to be described!
All of these roads barely scratch the surface of the wealth of great roads located near Maggie Valley. Many, many, more are detailed on the great maps available on line at America Rides Maps
The Blue Ridge Parkway - http://www.nps.gov/blri/index.htm
The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches it's southern end just outside Cherokee, NC., at the south entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. From here, this National Park starts it's 469 mile course along the highest navigable ridge lines through North Carolina then Virginia. It's shaped more or less like a letter "J" as it first heads south to loop around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It climbs from the valley near Cherokee to intersect US 19 on the west edge of Maggie Valley. From Maggie Valley, it continues south for the steep climb to reach Waterrock Knob with it's spectacular panoramic views. A few miles more bring you to the highest elevation of the roadway, a great place to pull off and get pictures while you admire the views.
It continues at these high elevations for miles and miles, unwinding the curve of the "J", passing through rugged tunnels from time to time. There are frequent overlooks for you to stop at and you should budget extra time to enjoy them. The few roads which cross the parkway at high mountain passes lead to some of the greatest riding found anywhere beckoning you to explore them.
Just as you pass the bottom of the "J" curve, the Pisgah Inn comes into view, one of the only places to eat and spend a night right on the parkway for many miles to come. The food is excellent and worth a stop, if not a special trip to enjoy it. The views from the restaurant at 5000 feet elevation make the meal all that more enjoyable.
Once beyond the Pisgah Inn, the parkway makes a gradual descent as it approaches the city of Asheville, NC. If you're paying attention, you may catch a glimpse of the Biltmore Mansion in the distance, though the closer you get to the city, the fewer views are found.
From Asheville, you start the long ride up the straight part of the "J", a ride which will last for days. About an hour north of Asheville you can detour off to Mt. Mitchell State Park, home to the highest mountain in the east and drive to the top of it. Another restaurant awaits you here.
As you continue further north the road makes a gradual descent passing very near Blowing Rock, NC a good place to end your day.
The Blue Ridge Parkway reaches it's southern end just outside Cherokee, NC., at the south entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park near the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. From here, this National Park starts it's 469 mile course along the highest navigable ridge lines through North Carolina then Virginia. It's shaped more or less like a letter "J" as it first heads south to loop around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It climbs from the valley near Cherokee to intersect US 19 on the west edge of Maggie Valley. From Maggie Valley, it continues south for the steep climb to reach Waterrock Knob with it's spectacular panoramic views. A few miles more bring you to the highest elevation of the roadway, a great place to pull off and get pictures while you admire the views.It continues at these high elevations for miles and miles, unwinding the curve of the "J", passing through rugged tunnels from time to time. There are frequent overlooks for you to stop at and you should budget extra time to enjoy them. The few roads which cross the parkway at high mountain passes lead to some of the greatest riding found anywhere beckoning you to explore them.
Just as you pass the bottom of the "J" curve, the Pisgah Inn comes into view, one of the only places to eat and spend a night right on the parkway for many miles to come. The food is excellent and worth a stop, if not a special trip to enjoy it. The views from the restaurant at 5000 feet elevation make the meal all that more enjoyable.
Once beyond the Pisgah Inn, the parkway makes a gradual descent as it approaches the city of Asheville, NC. If you're paying attention, you may catch a glimpse of the Biltmore Mansion in the distance, though the closer you get to the city, the fewer views are found.
From Asheville, you start the long ride up the straight part of the "J", a ride which will last for days. About an hour north of Asheville you can detour off to Mt. Mitchell State Park, home to the highest mountain in the east and drive to the top of it. Another restaurant awaits you here.
As you continue further north the road makes a gradual descent passing very near Blowing Rock, NC a good place to end your day.
The "Tail of the Dragon" at Deals Gap - http://www.tailofthedragon.com/
After the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most famous (or infamous) ride near Maggie Valley is the 318 turns along the 11 mile stretch of US 129 at Deals Gap called "The Tail of the Dragon". Located at the southwest corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deals Gap links North Carolina to Tennessee. Remote, isolated, undeveloped, this short section of serpentine road has been well promoted and publicized to the point hundreds of thousands of riders and car enthusiasts flock their every year to either test their mettle or just "survive" the ride.
Depending on how you approach it, Deals Gap is about 60 miles west of Maggie Valley, or about an hour and 20 minutes ride. Once you arrive at the southern (North Carolina) end, most pause at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort store to pick up their souvenirs and grab a bite or gas. Due to the notoriety, you'll rarely ride this road alone. Weekends, of course, are busy. If there is a rally or meet somewhere in the surroundings, it becomes a circus, sometimes a circus of terror as hundreds of bikes rush through, everyone trying to give it their best shot. I'd avoid it during these events if you can.
Before you head off all hell bent to break the record, recognize you're not the only one to hear about this stretch of road. As word got out and the carnage accrued, the Tennessee Highway Patrol moved in to crack down on the crazies and set up traps along the road. Don't expect any sympathy either on the Dragon or any of the surrounding roads. The North Carolina Highway Patrol has also increased monitoring of roads on the south side so you'd best mind your P's' and Q's when cruising around this area. There's not a doughnut shop for miles and these guys are not happy campers to be spending their weekends in the boondocks chasing squids, hoodlums, and outlaw posers.
Still, for many riding the Tail of the Dragon is a milestone and the crowds continue to come. There are few roads like it, the pavement is excellent, it's certainly a challenge.
After the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most famous (or infamous) ride near Maggie Valley is the 318 turns along the 11 mile stretch of US 129 at Deals Gap called "The Tail of the Dragon". Located at the southwest corner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Deals Gap links North Carolina to Tennessee. Remote, isolated, undeveloped, this short section of serpentine road has been well promoted and publicized to the point hundreds of thousands of riders and car enthusiasts flock their every year to either test their mettle or just "survive" the ride.
Depending on how you approach it, Deals Gap is about 60 miles west of Maggie Valley, or about an hour and 20 minutes ride. Once you arrive at the southern (North Carolina) end, most pause at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort store to pick up their souvenirs and grab a bite or gas. Due to the notoriety, you'll rarely ride this road alone. Weekends, of course, are busy. If there is a rally or meet somewhere in the surroundings, it becomes a circus, sometimes a circus of terror as hundreds of bikes rush through, everyone trying to give it their best shot. I'd avoid it during these events if you can.
Before you head off all hell bent to break the record, recognize you're not the only one to hear about this stretch of road. As word got out and the carnage accrued, the Tennessee Highway Patrol moved in to crack down on the crazies and set up traps along the road. Don't expect any sympathy either on the Dragon or any of the surrounding roads. The North Carolina Highway Patrol has also increased monitoring of roads on the south side so you'd best mind your P's' and Q's when cruising around this area. There's not a doughnut shop for miles and these guys are not happy campers to be spending their weekends in the boondocks chasing squids, hoodlums, and outlaw posers.
Still, for many riding the Tail of the Dragon is a milestone and the crowds continue to come. There are few roads like it, the pavement is excellent, it's certainly a challenge.
The Cherohala Skyway - http://www.cherohala.com/
The Cherohala Skyway is North Carolina / Tennessee's version of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 21 miles of it run from Robbinsville, NC., west, then north through remote and beautiful parts of the Nantahala National Forest. At the Tennessee state line, it enters the Cherokee National Forest and continues a 15 mile run to Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It reaches elevations more than a mile high and has overlooks similar to the more famous Blue Ridge Parkway.
Completed in 1996, the sweeping curves are more gentle than those found on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the long range views are almost as nice. It's about and hours ride from Maggie Valley to reach the start in Robbinsville and a very pleasant road. It has it's challenging curves as well, but it is overshadowed by the nearby Tail of the Dragon.
The Cherohala Skyway is often included on a loop ride which starts and ends at the Tail of the Dragon, the most popular and challenging of rides in the area.
The Cherohala Skyway is North Carolina / Tennessee's version of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 21 miles of it run from Robbinsville, NC., west, then north through remote and beautiful parts of the Nantahala National Forest. At the Tennessee state line, it enters the Cherokee National Forest and continues a 15 mile run to Tellico Plains, Tennessee. It reaches elevations more than a mile high and has overlooks similar to the more famous Blue Ridge Parkway.Completed in 1996, the sweeping curves are more gentle than those found on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the long range views are almost as nice. It's about and hours ride from Maggie Valley to reach the start in Robbinsville and a very pleasant road. It has it's challenging curves as well, but it is overshadowed by the nearby Tail of the Dragon.
The Cherohala Skyway is often included on a loop ride which starts and ends at the Tail of the Dragon, the most popular and challenging of rides in the area.
The Hellbender 28 - http://www.hellbender28.com/
NC 28 ends when it reaches US 129 at Deals Gap - it intersects at the very beginning of the North Carolina end of the Tail of the Dragon. The beautiful curvy section of it which runs along Fontana Lake passes Fontana Village and Dam near it's midpoint and continues on to Stecoah, NC. This section is the "classic Hellbender". From Stecoah on to the intersection with US 19 / 74 near Almond, NC, the road becomes four lane divided highway. NC 28 shares the four lane of US 19 / 74 for 5 miles or so then continues south.
Twice as long as the Dragon (22 miles), it has something the Dragon doesn't - scenery. There are restaurants and nice lodging at Fontana Village Resort, and the Fontana Dam (made famous in the movie "The Fugitive") can be approached from the bottom as well as ridden across the top.
Use caution on The Hellbender. Unlike the Dragon, it has some straight sections that can lure one into getting on the throttle a bit to eagerly only to find a hairpin turn rushing up at you. There have been more deaths on this stretch of road than it's infamous partner nearby.
NC 28 ends when it reaches US 129 at Deals Gap - it intersects at the very beginning of the North Carolina end of the Tail of the Dragon. The beautiful curvy section of it which runs along Fontana Lake passes Fontana Village and Dam near it's midpoint and continues on to Stecoah, NC. This section is the "classic Hellbender". From Stecoah on to the intersection with US 19 / 74 near Almond, NC, the road becomes four lane divided highway. NC 28 shares the four lane of US 19 / 74 for 5 miles or so then continues south.
Twice as long as the Dragon (22 miles), it has something the Dragon doesn't - scenery. There are restaurants and nice lodging at Fontana Village Resort, and the Fontana Dam (made famous in the movie "The Fugitive") can be approached from the bottom as well as ridden across the top.
Use caution on The Hellbender. Unlike the Dragon, it has some straight sections that can lure one into getting on the throttle a bit to eagerly only to find a hairpin turn rushing up at you. There have been more deaths on this stretch of road than it's infamous partner nearby.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm
America's most visited National Park lies on the northern border of Maggie Valley. More than 800 square miles of rugged wilderness straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is well known by hikers and campers and those who come to enjoy it's scenic beauty and wildlife. There are few roads through this wilderness. The two of most interest to motorcyclists are US 441, which crosses the heart of the park from north to south, and Little River Road which enters the park from Townsend, Tennessee, to intersect US 441 near the parks northern visitor center.
US 441 (a.k.a. Newfound Road) runs between Cherokee, North Carolina on the south side of the park, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee on the north side of the park. Passing the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, it climbs to reach it's peak at Newfound Gap, where a large parking area and overlook provide a midway break. It winds and twists it's way through the heart of the park with numerous pull offs and trail heads along the way. It's the best way to see the park and it's interior from the road, though you pay a price for it by having to share that road with everyone else who's also come to see the sights. On a good day, it's a nice ride. During peak seasons, particularly in the fall, it can be one long slow slog of crawling traffic. Always budget extra time for this ride.
Little River Road (a.k.a. TN 73) enters the park from Townsend, Tennessee. Cades Cove Road branches off it leading out into the popular area, but there you will encounter unpaved sections should you decide to explore it and ride the Cades Cove Loop. Little River Road follows a rushing mountain stream as it winds it's way into the park eventually intersecting US 441 near the Park Headquarters. The Sugarlands Visitors Center is located on US 441 a mile or two into the park south of Gatlinburg. Again, it's a great ride and a good way to see more of the park, but expect the traffic that comes with it.
America's most visited National Park lies on the northern border of Maggie Valley. More than 800 square miles of rugged wilderness straddle the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is well known by hikers and campers and those who come to enjoy it's scenic beauty and wildlife. There are few roads through this wilderness. The two of most interest to motorcyclists are US 441, which crosses the heart of the park from north to south, and Little River Road which enters the park from Townsend, Tennessee, to intersect US 441 near the parks northern visitor center.
US 441 (a.k.a. Newfound Road) runs between Cherokee, North Carolina on the south side of the park, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee on the north side of the park. Passing the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, it climbs to reach it's peak at Newfound Gap, where a large parking area and overlook provide a midway break. It winds and twists it's way through the heart of the park with numerous pull offs and trail heads along the way. It's the best way to see the park and it's interior from the road, though you pay a price for it by having to share that road with everyone else who's also come to see the sights. On a good day, it's a nice ride. During peak seasons, particularly in the fall, it can be one long slow slog of crawling traffic. Always budget extra time for this ride.
Little River Road (a.k.a. TN 73) enters the park from Townsend, Tennessee. Cades Cove Road branches off it leading out into the popular area, but there you will encounter unpaved sections should you decide to explore it and ride the Cades Cove Loop. Little River Road follows a rushing mountain stream as it winds it's way into the park eventually intersecting US 441 near the Park Headquarters. The Sugarlands Visitors Center is located on US 441 a mile or two into the park south of Gatlinburg. Again, it's a great ride and a good way to see more of the park, but expect the traffic that comes with it.
Foothills Scenic Parkway - http://www.theblueridgehighlander.com/scenic_drives/tennessee/foothills_parkway/
Rounding out the popular rides near Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Tennessee's Foothills Scenic Parkway. One end of it connects to US 129 just beyond the area where the "Tail of the Dragon" ends. It follows a ridge line east to reach the town of Townsend, Tennessee.
Part of it's popularity with motorcyclists is it links the Tail of the Dragon with an entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park which enables a great loop around the west side of the park. It's also a scenic drive, similar in many ways to the nearby Cherohala Skyway and the Blue Ridge Parkway to the south, though it never approaches the high elevations found in those other roads. What it does give is great views of the grand mountains in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as a curvy and twisty ride along a ridge top overlooking lakes and valleys below complete with overlooks and places to stop and pause on your travels.
Rounding out the popular rides near Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Tennessee's Foothills Scenic Parkway. One end of it connects to US 129 just beyond the area where the "Tail of the Dragon" ends. It follows a ridge line east to reach the town of Townsend, Tennessee.
Part of it's popularity with motorcyclists is it links the Tail of the Dragon with an entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park which enables a great loop around the west side of the park. It's also a scenic drive, similar in many ways to the nearby Cherohala Skyway and the Blue Ridge Parkway to the south, though it never approaches the high elevations found in those other roads. What it does give is great views of the grand mountains in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as a curvy and twisty ride along a ridge top overlooking lakes and valleys below complete with overlooks and places to stop and pause on your travels.
US 276 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_276
US 276 runs north from South Carolina, through North Carolina, ending at Interstate 40 just a few miles from the Tennessee State border. It is a well known and popular ride due to it's beauty and challenge. The section of interest for motorcyclists runs from near the South Carolina / North Carolina border where the road enters the mountains with a dramatic and serpentine climb up to Caesar's Head State Park. It continues north to enter the town of Brevard, North Carolina, then jogs east sharing a piece of US 64 for several miles.
It then continues north from the Brevard area entering the Pisgah National Forest and the most interesting and beautiful section of a ride which climbs up Pisgah Ridge to intersect and pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway then continue it's course following the headwaters of the Pigeon River as they flow towards Waynesville with a twisty descent from it's highest point. Along the way riders will be rewarded with wonderful scenery, challenging curves, and the most notable roadside waterfall in the area, Looking Glass Falls.
US 276 then passes through the heart of Waynesville and continues as a major road towards Maggie Valley. It intersects US 19 east of Maggie Valley near Lake Junaluska, continues west for several miles sharing the roadway with US 19, then heads north again for the long straight run through Jonathan Valley to reach I-40.
US 276 runs north from South Carolina, through North Carolina, ending at Interstate 40 just a few miles from the Tennessee State border. It is a well known and popular ride due to it's beauty and challenge. The section of interest for motorcyclists runs from near the South Carolina / North Carolina border where the road enters the mountains with a dramatic and serpentine climb up to Caesar's Head State Park. It continues north to enter the town of Brevard, North Carolina, then jogs east sharing a piece of US 64 for several miles. It then continues north from the Brevard area entering the Pisgah National Forest and the most interesting and beautiful section of a ride which climbs up Pisgah Ridge to intersect and pass under the Blue Ridge Parkway then continue it's course following the headwaters of the Pigeon River as they flow towards Waynesville with a twisty descent from it's highest point. Along the way riders will be rewarded with wonderful scenery, challenging curves, and the most notable roadside waterfall in the area, Looking Glass Falls.
US 276 then passes through the heart of Waynesville and continues as a major road towards Maggie Valley. It intersects US 19 east of Maggie Valley near Lake Junaluska, continues west for several miles sharing the roadway with US 19, then heads north again for the long straight run through Jonathan Valley to reach I-40.
US 64 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_64US 64 runs all the way from coastal North Carolina to near Four Corners, Arizona. The area of interest to those near Maggie Valley runs from Brevard, North Carolina, to Murphy, North Carolina, bordering the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests.
A historic road, one of the original "Thunder Roads" used by moonshiners, US 64 remains a main east-west artery south of Maggie Valley. Because of this it is often filled with traffic either local, commercial, or tourist. In many areas it has been widened and improved, but here in the mountains, such "improvements" to this winding road are found only near the towns of Brevard and Franklin. The remainder of it is two lane and if it were not for the traffic, it would be one of the great local roads. Even so, it's not one to miss.
The best section runs between Brevard and just outside of Highlands, North Carolina. This section contains both some nice and curvy roads and several really nice roadside waterfalls. Once west of Highlands, it enters the scenic Cullasja Gorge. There are also a few great views of the massive cliffs found on the southern mountains.
NC 209 - http://www.state-ends.com/ncends/state/209.html
NC 209 runs from Lake Junaluska, just outside the eastern edge of Maggie Valley, north to Hot Springs, North Carolina, near the Tennessee state line. About 36 miles in length, it takes more than 45 minutes to make the scenic ride. It starts near the Lowe's Store at Exit 104 on US 19 / 74 and can also be accessed from I-40 at Exit 24.
It starts as a rolling ride through the farmlands and hills, then climbs the first of several big humps to make a sharp right turn near Ferguson's Market. It continues through a valley than climbs over a winding mountain pass to enter another long flat valley. Tracing the course of a roadside stream, it continues winding north then shoots up again for a twisty technical ride through a section of the Pisgah National Forest. It finally enters the tiny town of Hot Springs, which actually does have natural hot springs you can visit and soak in (for a fee).
While it's one of the shorter popular rides in the area, it gives you all you came looking for with nice views, pastoral farmlands, rushing streams, and challenging curves. From Hot Springs, several great rides continue through North Carolina and into Tennessee.
NC 209 runs from Lake Junaluska, just outside the eastern edge of Maggie Valley, north to Hot Springs, North Carolina, near the Tennessee state line. About 36 miles in length, it takes more than 45 minutes to make the scenic ride. It starts near the Lowe's Store at Exit 104 on US 19 / 74 and can also be accessed from I-40 at Exit 24.
It starts as a rolling ride through the farmlands and hills, then climbs the first of several big humps to make a sharp right turn near Ferguson's Market. It continues through a valley than climbs over a winding mountain pass to enter another long flat valley. Tracing the course of a roadside stream, it continues winding north then shoots up again for a twisty technical ride through a section of the Pisgah National Forest. It finally enters the tiny town of Hot Springs, which actually does have natural hot springs you can visit and soak in (for a fee).
While it's one of the shorter popular rides in the area, it gives you all you came looking for with nice views, pastoral farmlands, rushing streams, and challenging curves. From Hot Springs, several great rides continue through North Carolina and into Tennessee.
