Best routes???

[lloydmoore1]

Has anyone done these routes? Which ones are the "must do" ride??? I will be in Maggie Valley the first week of July and have a bunch of routes planned but won't have time to do all these so I am looking for feedback on the must do ones.
thanks

http://www.appalachianbackroads.com/slideshow

[53driver]

If you still have GaTeach's info, ask her.
She knows those roads very well.

[lloydmoore1]

If you still have GaTeach's info, ask her.
She knows those roads very well.

yep for sure..rode with her there last summer. Great time. I even tried to mark-mark my GPS during the ride when I had time to focus...nothing slow about her..she can ride.
I pretty much have a grip on the routes but there is always someone with a better idea.

[Bob Penn]

Over the years I've ridden many of the roads your asking about.

IMHO they are over rated, not so much that they aren't fun rides but rather because of the traffic and the crazies that ride them. It's no secret that the area is a magnet for bikers who want to be able to say they've ridden the Dragon and other published rides. But once done one quickly realizes there are a lot better rides in various parts of the country that are a lot more pleasurable to actually ride.

The biggest problem is unless you have a local to show them to you you'll have a problem finding them. I was lucky in friendship, I had an old friend who lived in Maggie most of his life. Unfortunately he past away 2 years ago. Now I would get lost trying to find the very roads he led me down.

So my advise to you is go ride. Follow your handlebars or better yet, a friend who knows how to eventually get back home.

[2wheelsforme]

Has anyone done these routes? Which ones are the "must do" ride??? I will be in Maggie Valley the first week of July and have a bunch of routes planned but won't have time to do all these so I am looking for feedback on the must do ones.
thanks

http://www.appalachianbackroads.com/slideshow

Those routes are a long way from Maggie Valley. From Maggie I would much prefer the area to the south of Maggie and north of Cashiers and Lake Toxaway and East of Franklin in the Pisgah Forest. Great roads and not much in the way of tourist attractions so little traffic. Plenty of waterfalls in the area to look at. Be sure you run 215 from just East of Maggie south to Rosman. Bunch of back roads from 215 back toward Franklin and north of Highlands. 215 crosses the BRP also so a run in either direction is an easy experience on that wonderful road. Just to the North West is the highest point on the BRP. You can spend a couple of days and not get far from Maggie. The Cherokee area is choked with cars most of the time and the road over the mountain to the north side is wonderful but back to back cars often. Dollywood and all those special tourist areas are on that side.

[lloydmoore1]

Those routes are a long way from Maggie Valley. From Maggie I would much prefer the area to the south of Maggie and north of Cashiers and Lake Toxaway and East of Franklin in the Pisgah Forest. Great roads and not much in the way of tourist attractions so little traffic. Plenty of waterfalls in the area to look at. Be sure you run 215 from just East of Maggie south to Rosman. Bunch of back roads from 215 back toward Franklin and north of Highlands. 215 crosses the BRP also so a run in either direction is an easy experience on that wonderful road. Just to the North West is the highest point on the BRP. You can spend a couple of days and not get far from Maggie. The Cherokee area is choked with cars most of the time and the road over the mountain to the north side is wonderful but back to back cars often. Dollywood and all those special tourist areas are on that side.

Thanks for the great info. The 215 and BRP is top of my list for sure. The Cherokee will be a maybe but I think I will spend my days lost on those 215 side roads and enjoy the ride.
We have 1360 mile ride to get there and plan 3 days to make it happen. Hopefully get to the start of the BRP just southwest of Washington the 3rd day and follow that to the back of the dragon http://backofthedragon.com/ then into Maggie Valley.
I find with this bike I can ride forever just need to stop for fuel but the other guys with me might see it differently. One on a Honda 1300ctx and the other a Yamaha 1800 stratoliner.

[lloydmoore1]

Over the years I've ridden many of the roads your asking about.

IMHO they are over rated, not so much that they aren't fun rides but rather because of the traffic and the crazies that ride them. It's no secret that the area is a magnet for bikers who want to be able to say they've ridden the Dragon and other published rides. But once done one quickly realizes there are a lot better rides in various parts of the country that are a lot more pleasurable to actually ride.

The biggest problem is unless you have a local to show them to you you'll have a problem finding them. I was lucky in friendship, I had an old friend who lived in Maggie most of his life. Unfortunately he past away 2 years ago. Now I would get lost trying to find the very roads he led me down.

So my advise to you is go ride. Follow your handlebars or better yet, a friend who knows how to eventually get back home.

thanks Bob
Your so right on that...I plan on enjoying getting lost for hours but it's always nice to know somewhat where your going.

[2wheelsforme]

If you are down 215 take a look to the West of 215 and North of Lake Toxaway at Silversteen Rd., Canada Rd., and Charleys Creek Rd. All close and really good. More to the West closer to Franklin and North of Highlands is Ellijay Rd, Tilly Creek Rd. Cullowhee MT Rd., Pine Creek, Walnut Creek and Buck Creek Rds. All out in the boonies. 64 is a fantastic road all the way from Franklin down through Highlands (that has the several water falls) and over to Lake Toxaway but much used and with a good bit of traffic.

[2wheelsforme]

Thanks for the great info. The 215 and BRP is top of my list for sure. The Cherokee will be a maybe but I think I will spend my days lost on those 215 side roads and enjoy the ride.
We have 1360 mile ride to get there and plan 3 days to make it happen. Hopefully get to the start of the BRP just southwest of Washington the 3rd day and follow that to the back of the dragon http://backofthedragon.com/ then into Maggie Valley.
I find with this bike I can ride forever just need to stop for fuel but the other guys with me might see it differently. One on a Honda 1300ctx and the other a Yamaha 1800 stratoliner.

I don't think you will be able to do the Skyway that starts SW of Washington and make it all the way to even the end of the BRP much less the Dragon in one day. That is over 600 miles and with limited speed limits on the BRP. Two full days is needed if you include the Dragon and back to Maggie.

[53driver]

I agree with 2wheels.....I spent 2.3 days on the BRP (North to South) and I thought I was rushing it. So much to see.
469 miles.
45 mph, and at times a lot slower.
That's 10+ hours in the saddle, not counting gas and food, pictures, inadvertent pull offs, etc......
And I was doing faster than 45 when I could.....

Cherokee to the Dragon is another 3+ hours.
Where is your lodging point that night?

[53driver]

The "Lodge at Tellico" is a great place to stay.
Mom & Pop operation, VERY biker friendly.
Key coded garage for bikes!

If you do stay there, here is a nice little route that takes you on the Cherohala Skyway via Joyce Kilmer Pkwy to the Dragon, do the Dragon up and back, then follow 28 down to Stecoah, cut over to Robbinsville, then follow the Cherohala back to the Lodge.

I know it says 4.5 hours, but I've spent 8 on this route with pull offs, pics, gas, food etc.

Enjoy.
https://goo.gl/maps/NPhMeYvJ1sT2

Cheers,
Steve

[53driver]

This route has taken me from the Lodge at Tellico to Suches, up Wolf Pen Gap (180), down Blood Mountain (19), continue on 129 to 75A, up to the Richard B Russel (348) - I KNOW Teach took you there.
Then up to 180 again, and then down the Unicoi Turnpike to Helen for lunch.

Also gives you the option of running the 75A south, to 129 and do Blood Mountain south to north and the RBR north to south after lunch!
Enjoy.

https://goo.gl/maps/cGpDA8kHiR22

Cheers,
Steve

[lloydmoore1]

Thanks Steve :yes:

We will be staying at https://alamo-motel.com/cottage8.html 03-07 July.
I expect to spend Monday-Friday there. Here are some of the routes i'm looking at so far;

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Factory+Branch,+North+Carolina,+USA/35.2734822,-82.7046724/35.1498349,-82.8363738/35.4686123,-82.8865864/@35.3600012,-83.2285229,10.5z/data=!4m16!4m15!1m10!1m1!1s0x885970adda5035fb:0x8f caaf8f449481f2!2m2!1d-83.0012896!2d35.5261756!3m4!1m2!1d-82.8130643!2d35.4273044!3s0x8859994e2a5b9fb5:0x794 a7a4047f8bbf7!1m0!1m0!1m0!3e0?hl=en

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Alamo+Motel+and+Cottages,+1485+Soco+Rd,+Maggie+Val ley,+NC+28751,+USA/''/35.683363,-83.534316/35.6784237,-83.7319275/35.5580566,-84.0098084/35.4660298,-83.9199073/35.4485696,-83.8157228/35.4026797,-83.4734622/35.4927827,-83.1593283/@35.4159453,-83.8774308,10z/data=!4m21!4m20!1m5!1m1!1s0x88597041997bdd0b:0xaa3 b3f46c35f2502!2m2!1d-83.05328!2d35.516748!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0xa87706653f0bf e42!2m2!1d-83.3006111!2d35.5057958!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m 0!3e0?hl=en

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/35.4437211,-83.0810344/Alamo+Motel+and+Cottages,+1485+Soco+Rd,+Maggie+Val ley,+NC+28751,+USA/35.4336923,-82.729979/35.5421982,-82.6840674/35.5261652,-82.8421146/35.147612,-82.8400578/35.2903425,-82.7678752/35.5008618,-82.9878833/@35.469604,-82.9955866,10z/data=!4m30!4m29!1m5!3m4!1m2!1d-83.1463998!2d35.4645113!3s0x88596ea1cf860b4d:0x9c6 9f7e2c9d43697!1m15!1m1!1s0x88597041997bdd0b:0xaa3b 3f46c35f2502!2m2!1d-83.05328!2d35.516748!3m4!1m2!1d-83.1265075!2d35.4622869!3s0x88596e8237919485:0x383 d6e93dd3ba9f8!3m4!1m2!1d-83.0041134!2d35.3751496!3s0x88597345386fd8a3:0xab6 b04cd0b228459!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!1m0!3e0?hl=en

The routes are just a plan and are subject to change on the fly based on enjoyment.'gw-smiley'

If your in the area feel free to drop by or anyone else for that matter.
Lloyd

[53driver]

lloyd,
STRONGLY recommend this map:

Butler Map of "Southern Appalachia"
All the motorcycle roads...

https://www.butlermaps.com/motorcycle-road-maps/southern-appalachia-map-al-tn-nc-sc-ga/

I don't get sales commission, but it's a piece of gear I wouldn't want to be without if I'm riding there.
Cheers
Steve

[jmdaniel]

I have an FJR as well as the F6B, and I grabbed this off the FJR forum. Plug and play maps for the Garmin, after tweaking the starting points.

http://twowheelobsession.com/2016/09/28/custom-smokey-mountain-motorcycle-route-download/

[2wheelsforme]

So many good roads and in every direction. I use these: http://americaridesmaps.com/

[53driver]

Okay, this is great y'all.
Lots of great resources!

That's what this place is all about!
Cheers,
Steve

[lloydmoore1]

'all/right'

This is wicked thanks everyone!!!!! :yes::yes:'riding'

[lloydmoore1]

lloyd,
STRONGLY recommend this map:

Butler Map of "Southern Appalachia"
All the motorcycle roads...

https://www.butlermaps.com/motorcycle-road-maps/southern-appalachia-map-al-tn-nc-sc-ga/

I don't get sales commission, but it's a piece of gear I wouldn't want to be without if I'm riding there.
Cheers
Steve

The butler is on the way....thanks again....:motorcycle2:

[Felloverboard]

I travel the BRP from Cherokee to Asheville often and have found 215 toward Canton and 276 toward Brevard, both from the top of the BRP to always be good rides with a few great waterfalls to see on the way down. Both of these roads are very close to each other on the BRP. Mile markers 412 & 423.
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=827

[lloydmoore1]

I travel the BRP from Cherokee to Asheville often and have found 215 toward Canton and 276 toward Brevard, both from the top of the BRP to always be good rides with a few great waterfalls to see on the way down. Both of these roads are very close to each other on the BRP. Mile markers 412 & 423.
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=827

Perfect thanks. I just added them both to my GPS..route out and route back. I have heard that they re nice routes.

[lloydmoore1]

By popular choice here are my routes so far:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XLp3v_sA7YGmQlin0HXhPD501_k&usp=sharing


Thanks for all the feedback much appreciated!!!!:yes::motorcycle2:

[53driver]

By popular choice here are my routes so far:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XLp3v_sA7YGmQlin0HXhPD501_k&usp=sharing


Thanks for all the feedback much appreciated!!!!:yes::motorcycle2:

Looks great!
Unfortunately, you're not getting down to the Chattahoochee and the Richard B Russell, Blood Mountain, and Wolf Den.
Of course, that's the best reason to schedule another trip back!!!
Cheers,
Steve

[Felloverboard]

Perfect thanks. I just added them both to my GPS..route out and route back. I have heard that they re nice routes.

When you take 276 south toward Brevard from the BRP , at the bottom of the mountain you will be at a Ranger Station, and another mile up the road is a Walmart and other conveniences, plus National Campgrounds also if using them. A nice waterfall halfway down 276 to stop at. You can walk behind the falls flowing over you. Plus Sliding Rock falls on the same road if you want to go swimming.

[2wheelsforme]

By popular choice here are my routes so far:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XLp3v_sA7YGmQlin0HXhPD501_k&usp=sharing


Thanks for all the feedback much appreciated!!!!:yes::motorcycle2:


That is some nice routes and some of my favs. You do know that from Balsam Grove to Looking Glass Falls on 278 that you have marked in black is mostly dirt right? I ride dirt roads sometimes myself.

[lloydmoore1]

When you take 276 south toward Brevard from the BRP , at the bottom of the mountain you will be at a Ranger Station, and another mile up the road is a Walmart and other conveniences, plus National Campgrounds also if using them. A nice waterfall halfway down 276 to stop at. You can walk behind the falls flowing over you. Plus Sliding Rock falls on the same road if you want to go swimming.

Sweet I just marked the swimming hole. That would be a nice break for a quick dip! I was in Pigeon Forge last summer for 3 weeks and man it was hot!!! I don't think the guys realize how hot it will be. :yikes:

[lloydmoore1]

That is some nice routes and some of my favs. You do know that from Balsam Grove to Looking Glass Falls on 278 that you have marked in black is mostly dirt right? I ride dirt roads sometimes myself.

Did not catch that thanks..probably skip down and use the 64..

[Felloverboard]

Only a dirt road if you are taking shortcuts... the main routes you have marked are good paved roads. 215... 276... 64... are all excellent roads

[2wheelsforme]

Did not catch that thanks..probably skip down and use the 64..

Yep the cut across is dirt. Down to 64 is the quickest way to get from 276 to 215 but not a fun road at all, just a well used highway. But if you look south just a bit you will find Wilson Rd, Island Ford Rd. and East Fork Road running almost parallel to 64 and a lot more curvy and less traffic. Even better if have the time is include Becky Mtn Rd and the lower part of East Fork Rd. Always more just a little farther and that holds true with just down the road from there is Ceasars Head. A fine elevation drop off the mountain, but it would be a backtrack for the return. If you find yourself on lower 215 twice take a look at a loop to ride Silversteen, Canada aka 281 and Charleys Creek roads. Much fun and not too far out of the way and come back to 215.

[lloydmoore1]

Yep the cut across is dirt. Down to 64 is the quickest way to get from 276 to 215 but not a fun road at all, just a well used highway. But if you look south just a bit you will find Wilson Rd, Island Ford Rd. and East Fork Road running almost parallel to 64 and a lot more curvy and less traffic. Even better if have the time is include Becky Mtn Rd and the lower part of East Fork Rd. Always more just a little farther and that holds true with just down the road from there is Ceasars Head. A fine elevation drop off the mountain, but it would be a backtrack for the return. If you find yourself on lower 215 twice take a look at a loop to ride Silversteen, Canada aka 281 and Charleys Creek roads. Much fun and not too far out of the way and come back to 215.

Thanks for the info. I now extended that route to include the Caesars Head and East fork...i will put the 281 and Charleys creek on the wish list..if time permits.:yes:

[BobR]

Has anyone done these routes? Which ones are the "must do" ride??? I will be in Maggie Valley the first week of July and have a bunch of routes planned but won't have time to do all these so I am looking for feedback on the must do ones.
thanks

http://www.appalachianbackroads.com/slideshow

Get ahold of me when you get to Maggie. I am heading up Thursday and will be about 15 minutes away outside Waynesville for the next 7 months. I am about a mile from the Blue Ridge. I have had a 2nd home in Western Carolina since the late 1960's and can put you on any kind of route or road you want and love to ride. I typically put about 18K a year on my bike and have owned 122 over the years. I just gave away 1 bike and sold 2 others as they were getting no miles with the F6B in the stable. What a great bike. PM me for contact info. I have a friend flying into Charlotte in May and renting a bike to ride with me. I get a lot of that.

[lloydmoore1]

'all/right'
Get ahold of me when you get to Maggie. I am heading up Thursday and will be about 15 minutes away outside Waynesville for the next 7 months. I am about a mile from the Blue Ridge. I have had a 2nd home in Western Carolina since the late 1960's and can put you on any kind of route or road you want and love to ride. I typically put about 18K a year on my bike and have owned 122 over the years. I just gave away 1 bike and sold 2 others as they were getting no miles with the F6B in the stable. What a great bike. PM me for contact info. I have a friend flying into Charlotte in May and renting a bike to ride with me. I get a lot of that.

Wow 122 bikes. :yikes:
This is why this site ROCKS..this just made my day thanks much appreciated and look forward to riding with you.
Lloyd

[lloydmoore1]

lloyd,
STRONGLY recommend this map:

Butler Map of "Southern Appalachia"
All the motorcycle roads...

https://www.butlermaps.com/motorcycle-road-maps/southern-appalachia-map-al-tn-nc-sc-ga/

I don't get sales commission, but it's a piece of gear I wouldn't want to be without if I'm riding there.
Cheers
Steve

Just got my Butler map in the mail. It's a sweet piece of knowledge. I will now take a hard look at their best routes, compare and make adjustments. Nothing better than staring at this map over a brew and getting to know the area.
It's waterproof too..never checked for the red filter lens with the flashlight but thankfully those days are done..ha
thanks again for the advice
Lloyd

[53driver]

Just got my Butler map in the mail. It's a sweet piece of knowledge. I will now take a hard look at their best routes, compare and make adjustments. Nothing better than staring at this map over a brew and getting to know the area.
It's waterproof too..never checked for the red filter lens with the flashlight but thankfully those days are done..ha
thanks again for the advice
Lloyd

I'm glad you like it.
Yes, a cup o' joe and map study - long standing traditions of motorcycle riding seemingly giving way to technology.
Not in my world. I like a hard copy in front of me.

Red lens flashlight???? Uh, yeah, I gave those up awhile back as well.
And these maps are water 'resistant', not water proof - please don't ask how I know this. Lol.

Cheers,
Steve

[lloydmoore1]

I'm looking for someone to chime in who is familiar with this area. Which route would be the better? I'm thinking the 340S because I plan on hopping on the BRP when I get close enough.
https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Bennington+Motor+Inn,+143+Main+St,+Bennington,+VT+ 05201,+USA/''/@40.4535383,-78.3092528,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m18!4m17!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e0966716f3ef 41:0xdcfce0f3e59955a3!2m2!1d-73.2038039!2d42.8806409!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0x79387709cc 37ba36!2m2!1d-78.8926716!2d38.0698799!2m2!1b1!2b1!3e0!5i1?hl=en

[lloydmoore1]

https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Afton+Overlook,+Afton,+VA+22920,+USA/'37.289422,-79.852882'/''/''/''/@36.4531032,-81.8017699,8.68z/data=!4m53!4m52!1m20!1m1!1s0x89b364bcd6967af3:0x9e 808de567b2ae35!2m2!1d-78.8578248!2d38.027887!3m4!1m2!1d-79.1485242!2d37.8524799!3s0x89b34703b90f733f:0x6d7 3cfb2c8dab899!3m4!1m2!1d-79.3197523!2d37.611764!3s0x89b32c521f7938af:0x1adb 83449fd4075c!3m4!1m2!1d-79.5052374!2d37.5246166!3s0x884cd6379ef3f68f:0x207 7e20cbd31dd7c!1m8!2m2!1d-79.852882!2d37.289422!3m4!1m2!1d-80.8831909!2d37.2930519!3s0x884e74b6fc8d0a6f:0x705 3a10af08fe775!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0xfaf0f5195fbf5cbc!2m2 !1d-81.517306!2d37.0452259!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0x8ccfe97dd58 d91af!2m2!1d-81.4997281!2d36.8444608!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0xaa3b3f46c3 5f2502!2m2!1d-83.05328!2d35.516748!2m2!1b1!2b1!3e0?hl=en

[ReserveBum]

I'm looking for someone to chime in who is familiar with this area. Which route would be the better? I'm thinking the 340S because I plan on hopping on the BRP when I get close enough.
https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Bennington+Motor+Inn,+143+Main+St,+Bennington,+VT+ 05201,+USA/''/@40.4535383,-78.3092528,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m18!4m17!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e0966716f3ef 41:0xdcfce0f3e59955a3!2m2!1d-73.2038039!2d42.8806409!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0x79387709cc 37ba36!2m2!1d-78.8926716!2d38.0698799!2m2!1b1!2b1!3e0!5i1?hl=en
I've done similar routes in the past and my preference is to get the hell out of the NYC, Phila, Dc area as quick as possible. I slab it to Virginia then backroads.
The backroads in our area are nice but once you get south of Dutchess County, those roads get crowded and busy. Just my thoughts FWIW

[lloydmoore1]

I've done similar routes in the past and my preference is to get the hell out of the NYC, Phila, Dc area as quick as possible. I slab it to Virginia then backroads.
The backroads in our area are nice but once you get south of Dutchess County, those roads get crowded and busy. Just my thoughts FWIW

thanks for the info. there will be 4 bikes and this will be Saturday. I will keep it in mind.

[P.Sutton]

How was your stay? I am headed to the dragon and surrounding area next week and was interested to hear what you liked best about your ride.

[lloydmoore1]

It was outstanding. We did the Tail of the dragon 3 times and tied in the 28, the Fontana Dam and the foothills parkway(mini Blue ridge parkway with spectacular views). all in one day. Then did the Cherohala Skyway another day. The best was spending time on The Blue Ridge Parkway..3 days on that and it was by far my favorite.
I plan on going back to just ride the Blue Ridge Parkway start to finish that in itself is a trip. Need more time but work keeps getting in the way..may have to give that up soon.
Good luck and Ride safe.

[P.Sutton]

That sounds great. I have the same checklist for my first day. Still deciding on where to go for day 2. I will not be able to hit BRP as I have only two days till I have to head home and I want to set aside enough time to see everything it has to offer.

I am stoked I decided not to attend mountainfest. After riding to Daytona and Ohio bike week I am "fested" out for this year.