Millions of people visit the Great Smoky Mountains each year, and the incredible mountain scenery is the main reason. Winding country roads, rushing waterfalls, peaceful streams, a huge variety of wildlife, soaring trees, fields of wildflowers, rolling hills…all are a part of the amazing mountain setting you’ll find during a trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. And with all this amazing scenery, you want to spend some time in the great outdoors. When you get to the Smokies, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy hiking, riding bikes, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, and exploring. But what about the saying It’s not about the destination but about the journey? If you want that full Smoky Mountain experience, why not take a motorcycle ride to the Great Smoky Mountains? Whether you have a cruiser, touring bike, classic motorcycle, trike, or sport bike, you’ll enjoy the awesome scenery all along the way.
One of the most popular ride in the area – and in the world – is The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap (US 129). This 11-mile section of road boasts 318 continuous curves for a truly memorable motorcycle trip. It’s considered the #1 motorcycle road in the U.S. by many, bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest (with no intersecting roads). It’s an amazing ride, but hairpin turns make it necessary to be cautious along the ride. Thankfully, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has now banned commercial vehicles that are longer than 30 feet, so that means no more semis along the ride! Hop on your bike to conquer curves like Mud Corner, Wheelie Hell, Hog Pen Bend, Beginner’s End, Shade Tree Corner, and Gravity Cavity, just to name a few.
Another great ride nearby is the Cherohala Skyway. It takes riders 40+ miles across mountains as high as 5,400 feet above sea level and as low as 900 feet above sea level. It goes through the Cherokee National Forest and Nantahala National Forest – thus the name Cherohala – and offers amazing mountain scenery along the way.
Wherever you ride, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to stay when you’re ready to get off the road. That’s where we come in. We have a large family of cabin rentals in the Smokies, including lots of motorcycle-friendly properties that will offer easy arrivals for your stay. We have more than 200 cabins that offer paved and/or flat parking areas for smooth rides, so you’ll have plenty of options.
If you want some luxury at the end of your ride, check out Sierra Springs, a 5-bedroom 6 ½-bathroom cabin for 16 that boasts an awesome pool room with private pool and big screen TV, a theater room with starlit ceiling, and incredible mountain views. It also has lots of conveniences you’ll appreciate after a long ride, including a washer and dryer, charcoal grill for cookouts, fireplace, indoor jetted tubs, outdoor hot tub, and games – everything you need to relax and have fun in Pigeon Forge. For a comfortable and cozy place with community amenities, look at Happy Daze. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom cabin with room for up to 8 guests is great if you’re traveling with a few couples. You can look out over the trees from the decks, make in-cabin meals in the fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, play a few rounds of pool or foosball, or climb into the hot tub on the deck after a long drive. Soothe those tired muscles in the hot water before climbing into a queen-size bed and drifting off to sleep. If it’s awesome mountain views and a convenient location near downtown Gatlinburg you’re seeking, Chalet Bella Vista offers both. The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom cabin with room for 6 guests is located less than 4 miles from downtown, making it easy for you to hop on your bike to grab a bite to eat, check out some of the attractions, drive over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (just a little farther down the road), or do some shopping along the Parkway. It also features a wood-burning fireplace, TVs in the bedrooms, an electric grill, a pool table, a big screen TV, high-speed wireless, and an outdoor hot tub where you can relax. At A Wild Hare, a 1-bedroom cabin for 6, enjoy amenities in the cabin and in the community. A location in Hidden Springs Resort means you’ll have access to a community pool, and you’ll be just about 5 or 6 miles from downtown Pigeon Forge. At the cabin, enjoy rest in a California King bed, an outdoor hot tub, a big screen TV and DVD player, and conveniences like a charcoal grill, washer and dryer, and fully equipped kitchen. The fun, bright décor is sure to rejuvenate you after a long ride!
If you’re interested in more of our motorcycle-friendly properties, call one of our reservation specialists at 1.800.684.7865. They can help you decide which property would best fit your budget and needs for a fantastic motorcycle getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains!