Yea I have heard the same thing from others the southern part of the parkway is the best, which is actually the only parts I have ridden personally. I've ridden it from the south gate in Cherokee, NC up to Little Switzerland, NC which is about 150 miles are so. Do yourself a favor and STAY THE HELL AWAY FROM PIGEON FORGE & GATLINBURG!!!!!! Tourist trap at best, so much more of the mountains to see rather than wasting time there.
Grant