Blount County Offers Unique Motorcycle Rides

Wednesday June 23, 2010
US 129 Named Top 10 Road By RIDE TEXAS Magazine

MARYVILLE, Tenn.- RIDE TEXAS Magazine, a prestigious travel magazine with a circulation of more than 30,000, announced that US 129-Deal's Gap, Robbinsville, North Carolina to Maryville, Tenn., was named one of its "Top 10 Roads Outside Texas" in its reader's choice poll. More commonly known as "The Dragon," this route climbs through 318 "S" curves in 11 miles, with the majority of the ride in Blount County.
"Because of this curvy terrain, the Dragon has become known as one of the best motorcycle and sport car rides in the county," said Herb Handly, executive vice president of tourism for the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau (SMCVB). "We are excited that the readers of RIDE TEXAS have visited our area, enjoyed this challenging ride, and that they have given us this prestigious recognition."
Handly said that motorcycle travel has been a growing tourism trend for several years, and the
SMCVB has recognized that more people are riding in and around the area.
"Last year the visitors bureau developed a brochure that identifies all the world class rides that are within Blount County and the general area," said Handly. "The demand for this brochure was so great that we had to reorder a supply shortly after the first one came off the press. We continue to get feedback from our motorcycling visitors that this area offers some of the best rides in the nation."
Motorcycle trips in the Blount County area featured in the brochure include: the Foothills Parkway, Cades Cove, the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Townsend to Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg to Clingman's Dome to Cherokee, North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Cherohala Skyway
Cherohala Skyway is a two-hour ride "above the clouds." The 36 mile stretch climbs to 5,400 feet, and provides scenic views of the mountains between Robbinsville, North Carolina and Tellico Plains, Tenn. This route takes riders on a two-hour journey through both the Cherokee National Forest as well as the Nantahala National Forest.
The Dragon
The majority of riders in consider the Dragon as the number one road in America for motorcycle enthusiast. This adventure is an experienced riders dream with 318 curves in an 11-mile stretch. The ride takes approximately three hours, and riders can take the Dragon back to Townsend or proceed on to Robbinsville, North Carolina and ride the Cherohala Skyway, which will take approximately three hours one way.
Townsend to Cades Cove
The tranquil ride from Townsend to Cades Cove and around the 11-mile Cades Cove loop showcases the beauty of the valley, along with the history of Appalachia with its original settlement homes, churches, and cemeteries of this early community. The 20 mile per hour speed limit and many stopping points allows riders to take their time and enjoy the spectacular wildlife and wildflowers.
Foothills Parkway
Foothills Parkway offers an unforgettable ride with views in every direction. To the south riders can peer over Happy Valley into the Smokies and beyond. While the views to the north gaze over Maryville, Knoxville, and the great valley floor. Looking to the west riders will discover Thunderhead Mountain, which is considered the highest peak in the western half of the national park. There is also an opportunity to trek up to the famous Look Rock Tower, a 1.2 mile hike. This tower is free and offers a 360-degree panoramic view.
Townsend to Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge
During this 15 mile ride, beginning in Townsend, riders will observe the scenic village known as "The Peaceful Side" of the Smokies. The Townsend area allows you to experience many outdoor activities, unique riverside/mountain top lodging, craft shops, a heritage museum and numerous seasonal festivals. The short journey up Highway 73, also known as Little River Road, will take you to the exciting areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway is the most visited section of America's National Park System. This 469 mile journey through this parkway provides stunning long-range vistas and close up looks of the natural and cultural history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. As riders climb 6,000 feet and wind through the Balsam Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains there are plenty of places to enjoy the views.
Townsend to Clingman's Dome to Cherokee, North Carolina
This three hour journey will take you from Highway 73 in Townsend, Tenn., through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, into Gatlinburg, Tenn. Then, the ride goes to Clingman's Dome on US 441, with an elevation of 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the Smokies. The ride then continues on 441 South to Cherokee, North Carolina, homeland of the Cherokee Indians.
For more information about Blount County or motorcycle rides in the area, please contact the Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau at (865) 448-6134 or 1-800-525-6834 or visit www.smokymountains.org.

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