Roads to Explore

Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after being under construction for some thirty-four years. At the time it was North Carolina's most expensive highway carrying a price tag of $100,000,000. This roadway twists up and over 5,000 foot mountains for 17 miles in North Carolina and descends another 24 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala". The Skyway is becoming well known for its natural beauty and scenic overlooks with views that rival or surpass any from the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is usually a ten degree difference in temperatures from the lower elevations. In spring and fall you might want to bring along a jacket.

Links: Cherohala Skyway

Moonshiner28

Stretching from US 129 at the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Moonshiner 28 winds its way southeastward through Franklin and Highlands North Carolina before turning southward into Georgia and South Carolina ending at Walhalla. Once one of the major runs for moonshiners with revenuers hot on their bumper, the road today boasts some great twisties, wide sweepers and unsurpassed scenery. Mountain vistas, waterfalls and secluded lakes appear around nearly every corner.

Website: Moonshiner28

Foothills Parkway

The southern 17 mile section of the Foothills parkway has been open for more than 50 years and offers scenic views of the Tennessee Valley on one side and the Great Smoky Mountains on the other. In late 2018 tourists will be able to continue on this unique byway for another 16 miles to Wears Valley when the second section opens.

Website: Foothills Parkway TN

Blue Ridge Parkway

The BRP begins its 469 miles trek just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina. The Parkway provides spectacular mountain and valley vistas, quiet pastoral scenes, sparkling waterfalls and colorful flower and foliage displays as it extends through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina.

Website: Blue Ridge Parkway website

Smoky Mountain Loop

The Smoky Mountain Loop features five of the top touring roads in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina. The route begins with the exhilarating Tail of the Dragon, continues along the Foothills Parkway and Little River Road, then crosses US 441—the only highway through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Cherokee, NC 19 connects you to Moonshiner 28 (NC 28) before looping back to the Tail of the Dragon. This 143-mile loop highlights the park by both skirting its borders and crossing its scenic heart, making it an action-packed route filled with stunning views and popular attractions—a perfect day trip.

Website: Smoky Mountain Loop website

Devil’s Triangle

Devil’s Triangle is a 44-mile loop composed of TN 62, TN 116, and TN 330. Located in the mountains of the Cumberland Plateau just north of Oak Ridge, TN. Devil’s Triangle features some of the most unusual two-lane twisty roads in eastern Tennessee. The area has experienced cycles of boom and bust, tragic mining disasters, and also housed historic prisoners at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary.

The route takes you through bucolic rural Tennessee and historic tourist sites, linked by dragon-like twisties and gentle sweepers. Motor enthusiasts are drawn to Devil’s Triangle for its adrenaline-pumping curves, scenic views, and unique hazards, including gullies, steep drop-offs, and guardrails.

Website: Devil's Triagle Website

Six Gap North Georgia

Six Gap, located in North Georgia, is a figure-eight loop approximately 77 miles long, with the southern loop measuring 35 miles and the northern loop 38 miles. Named for the six iconic mountain passes—also known as “gaps”—this route offers plenty to experience and enjoy. Four of these gaps intersect with the Appalachian Trail, emphasizing how the mountainous terrain creates exceptional riding conditions.

Primarily situated near the popular towns of Blairsville, Dahlonega, Helen, and Suches, this tour is sure to impress anyone adventurous enough to tackle all six mountain gaps. Dahlonega, home to numerous rider-friendly businesses, is notable as the site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush. Suches, which sits at nearly 3,000 feet elevation, is called “The Valley Above the Clouds” for its stunning scenic views. Helen is a favorite tourist spot, known for its German-themed alpine village and for hosting the longest-running Oktoberfest event in the United States. Suches is also renowned for its strong riding culture and for Wolfpen Gap Road, famous for its winding turns and continuous natural beauty.

Website: Six Gap North Georgia

The Diamondback

The Diamondback is a famed 38-mile loop located near Little Switzerland and the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 50 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina. This thrilling, diamond-shaped route features NC 226A, US 221, Toms Creek Road, NC 80, and a scenic stretch along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The loop highlights numerous twisties, elevation changes, and scenic overlooks.

The ride begins in Little Switzerland, where NC 226A descends from 3,475 feet to 1,390 feet at US 221 over 11 action-packed miles. The first 5 miles are the steepest and tightest, with no guardrails—just the forest and dramatic drop-offs. While there are no tricky switchbacks, expect a series of tight curves.

Website: The Diamondback