planning a trip blue ridge parkway smokey mountians and tail of the dragon

[denny]

My wife and I are planning a trip to this area next May. I'm looking for tips on any must do's. We like back road carving scenic vistas and some short easy hikes. I think Asheville NC is a pretty central place to stay for a week. If anyone thinks otherwise your expertise is welcome.

[jtoro1]

Why not go down the Skyline Drive 100 miles and the whole Blue Ridge Parkway 450 miles and stay in Cherokee which is more central than Asheville done it twice and I love it or stay in Robinsonville which is very close to the dragon

[Grandpot]

In Saluda, NC, there is Green River Road going into the Green River Gorge. It makes the Dragon look like an Interstate. Then from Marion, NC, take Hwy 80 up to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Also, go to Maggie Valley and see the Wheels Through Time Museum. It's one of the best privately owned motorcycle museums in the world.

[Highwayman2013]

Maggie Valley would be a great place to stay. Check out this site for all things in that area. http://tailofthedragon.com/

[Deanna777]

Maggie Valley would be a great place to stay. Check out this site for all things in that area. http://tailofthedragon.com/ (http://tailofthedragon.com/[/QUOTE) Thanks for the link, the link is very useful, and full of info. I will have to put this on my Bucket list for sure. Deanna

[TommyBwell]

Here is another link with some info.
http://smokymountainrider.com/blue-ridge-motorcycle-rides-stay/

They have a map of the Parkway that I feel sure you can order from the forest service.

the Little Switzerland Inn is just off the Parkway and very motorcycle friendly.

[Highwayman2013]

We went there in 2011 and stayed in Robbinsville NC. Want to go back to that area again.http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121051&stc=1

[Sam Mac]

If you are riding the Park Way, I'm 3-1/2 mile's north on route 89 at about the 215 mile marker in Galax VA.

[hecoon]

be sure to do the cherohola skyway. it not far from the dragon. long sweeping curves be vey careful on the dragon


https://www.google.com/#q=cherohala+skyway

[Devious56]

My wife and I are planning a trip to this area next May. I'm looking for tips on any must do's. We like back road carving scenic vistas and some short easy hikes. I think Asheville NC is a pretty central place to stay for a week. If anyone thinks otherwise your expertise is welcome.

Go to this link for another idea concerning a trip to the mountains.

http://www.spyder1attitude.com/Events.html

David

[JayBros]

If I were you coming down this way I would not spend a week in Asheville. Other responders have given good alternatives that I endorse.

[blacklightning]

We go every year. Maggie Valley is definitely the best place to be in the center of it all. From there, you have easy access to the Dragon, Cherohola Skyway, Moonshiner 28, the Blue Ridge Parkway, The Rattler, Wheels Through Time Museum, Devils Triangle, etc. There are also some other roads that are a stretch for a days ride, but may be with it (the Snake, Damascus Rd, Hwy 80, Mt. Mitchel, etch). And if you want to slow things down and do some site seeing, you can do Cherokee, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge. Enjoy yourself.

[ingramwc]

My better half and I stayed near the Little Switzerland Inn, it is a nice place and it is right off the Blueridge Parkway. It is also on Rt. 226A which we discovered in nicknamed "Diamondback" a very twisty road. We thought it was a great area to pivot from, lots of things in the nearby area.

[denny]

Thanks to everyone for the information. Lots more to digest now ,after a quick review Cherokee is looking better than Asheville. I should have added we will be trucking down from northern New Hampshire. I was debating stopping in Virginia and riding the parkway but we think we would want the truck for a rainy day.

[MouthPiece]

The ride from Franklin to Brevard is really nice. Can't remember the name or number of the road. Lotta waterfalls.

Chris

[blacklightning]

The ride from Franklin to Brevard is really nice. Can't remember the name or number of the road. Lotta waterfalls.

Chris
I am not familiar with Brevard, but I do know that hwy 28 goes through Franklin and Highlands. Loads of views and waterfalls to see there.http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121160&stc=1

[blacklightning]

Thanks to everyone for the information. Lots more to digest now ,after a quick review Cherokee is looking better than Asheville. I should have added we will be trucking down from northern New Hampshire. I was debating stopping in Virginia and riding the parkway but we think we would want the truck for a rainy day.
I think you would be happier in Cherokee than Asheville. Don't overlook Maggie Valley either. There are a load of hotels along hwy 19 (Soco Rd.) and a couple of resturants. Maggie Valley will also put you very close to Waynesville, which would have other resturants, a Walmart, KMart, and other things that you could possibly need. I like taking hwy 19 over to Cherokee and such when heading out sometimes, but you can also have easy access to 74 which will get you to some of your destinations a little faster. The BRP can easily be acccessed from 19 between Cherokee and Maggie Valley. Then you can swing by and check out Mt. Mitchell (highest point east of the Mississippi.)
I could go on and on, but I just get excited when I think about going to the area. I am in the process of planning a trip for our Mens ministry at church. We will probably stay in Robbinsville for easy access to the 10 commandments in the woods near Murphy, NC.

[goat232]

On my four tips the last three years have stayed in Gatlinburg. There is several motels there with covered parking and at that time of year they are real reasonable and the location is very good to hiking and all the mountian roads. Have found that most of the motels in Cherokee cost is higher because of the casino and a lot more places to eat in the Gatlinburg area.

[hecoon]

you must try this one...did it from mt airy nc 2 years ago on the spyder

all of route 16 in va is good

http://www.roadrunner.travel/2012/11/04/virginia-state-route-16-becomes-the-back-of-the-dragon/

[blacklightning]

you must try this one...did it from mt airy nc 2 years ago on the spyder

all of route 16 in va is good

http://www.roadrunner.travel/2012/11/04/virginia-state-route-16-becomes-the-back-of-the-dragon/

Yep, did that one too on one of our trips to Boone. My daughter has 1 more year up there at App. State, so I am sure I will be riding it again. We normally do that whenever we are also doing the "Snake"http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121227&stc=1http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=121228&stc=1

[hecoon]

a friend told me the shady valley store had been sold and the new owners were really good. cant wait to get back up that way. I have friends in roan mt tn.

[Rogue Hawk]

My wife and I are planning a trip to this area next May. I'm looking for tips on any must do's. We like back road carving scenic vistas and some short easy hikes. I think Asheville NC is a pretty central place to stay for a week. If anyone thinks otherwise your expertise is welcome.

Will you be riding down or transporting using a trailer?

[denny]

Will you be riding down or transporting using a trailer?

We will be tailoring from New Hampshire due to time constraints

[Sam Mac]

Did a little 50 mile ride on the Park Way today. Weather was great. The road is in need of serious repair. Pot Hole City. Thank you Feds for letting this treasure go to hell while you spend $$$$$$$ on useless other crap. If you plan on riding the Park Way keep the speed down. Here are a couple pics from a couple of the over looks.

[Sam Mac]

A couple more Park Way pics, guess I tried to up load too many in the last post.

[Mexican]

Maggie Valley would be a great place to stay. Check out this site for all things in that area. http://tailofthedragon.com/
I agree, A Holyday Motel is a great place to stay in Maggie Valley, Rob and Gabby are great hosts, strongly suggest it:doorag: