Looking For Some "Hidden Treasures" & Route Advice in N.C. & TN.

[CJBurbank]

I'm starting the beginning stages of planning our trip from Massachusetts to The Dragon and wanted to get some ideas of places to see on the way down through N.C.? We will be riding the BRP all the way down, but I'm thinking that after we hit The Dragon, we may work our way back through N.C.  I was wondering if they're any great sites you recommend? I'm looking for anything from historical, to off the beaten path, to local towns, anything that's different than the typical tourist traps.

I'm also looking for some route advice near the Knoxville area and also heading back east through N.C.

Thanks,

Chris

[vulcanbill]

Hit as many of the roads that drop off the parkway as you can especially in NC.  It will dramatically increase the amount of time it takes you to "get anywhere" but it'll be a hoot.  Favorites of mine are 80, 226a, 151, 276 and 215.  Good luck and have fun and do the dragon on a Wed morning if you can.

[lolife]

If you're going to be in Knoxville, then you're within range of  The Devil's Triangle.  There's a prison on the Devil's Triangle called the Brushy Mountain St Penitentiary.  Its closed now but it was the longest active prison in the US & housed James Earl Ray.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushy_Mountain_State_Penitentiary  When we went through there weren't any tours but there was a guard at the fence that told us a lot about the prison.  He was either really bored or really eager to tell us some stories.  I hope they make it an historical landmark that you can tour.  I'd go back tomorrow.





Depending on how you go back from Knoxville to NC, you can also hit The Snake along the way.  These aren't hidden gems but they're great rides none the less.

If you can try to take 19E to Roan Mtn TN where the Appalachian Trail crosses.  Off of 19E you can take 143 down to 261 for some great riding.  

Here it is on google maps --   http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Roan+Mountain,+TN+37687&daddr=N+Carolina+261+S&hl=en&geocode=FYZPKAIdgLQb-ymv99qyJYVQiDEKbNh8OMGDkQ%3BFUaNJQIdMFsa-w&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=14&sll=35.996688,-82.162628&sspn=0.046665,0.106173&ie=UTF8&ll=36.142034,-82.082634&spn=0.186314,0.42469&z=12

Again, its not a hidden gem but if you're going to ride The Dragon, then The Cherohala Skyway is another great ride.  Its 50 miles long with no turn outs.  

[servicerifle]

CJBurbank
*
Offline Offline

Motorcycles: 2009 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
Location: Southeastern, MA
Posts: 180


Nope.

[CJBurbank]

CJBurbank
*
Offline Offline

Motorcycles: 2009 Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS
Location: Southeastern, MA
Posts: 180


Nope.

Seriously? You're not helping because how many posts I have or because I'm from Massachusetts? That's pretty pathetic that you would actually go through the exercise of making this point.  Then don't look at the post and move on if that's how you feel.

[CJBurbank]

Hit as many of the roads that drop off the parkway as you can especially in NC.  It will dramatically increase the amount of time it takes you to "get anywhere" but it'll be a hoot.  Favorites of mine are 80, 226a, 151, 276 and 215.  Good luck and have fun and do the dragon on a Wed morning if you can.

I'm fine with taking our time and riding. From what I've seen in my atlas of North Carolina, there seem to be a lot of great twisty roads. Thanks for the advice.

-Chris

[CJBurbank]

If you're going to be in Knoxville, then you're within range of  The Devil's Triangle.  There's a prison on the Devil's Triangle called the Brushy Mountain St Penitentiary.  Its closed now but it was the longest active prison in the US & housed James Earl Ray.   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brushy_Mountain_State_Penitentiary  When we went through there weren't any tours but there was a guard at the fence that told us a lot about the prison.  He was either really bored or really eager to tell us some stories.  I hope they make it an historical landmark that you can tour.  I'd go back tomorrow.





Depending on how you go back from Knoxville to NC, you can also hit The Snake along the way.  These aren't hidden gems but they're great rides none the less.

If you can try to take 19E to Roan Mtn TN where the Appalachian Trail crosses.  Off of 19E you can take 143 down to 261 for some great riding.  

Here it is on google maps --   http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Roan+Mountain,+TN+37687&daddr=N+Carolina+261+S&hl=en&geocode=FYZPKAIdgLQb-ymv99qyJYVQiDEKbNh8OMGDkQ%3BFUaNJQIdMFsa-w&mra=mift&mrsp=1&sz=14&sll=35.996688,-82.162628&sspn=0.046665,0.106173&ie=UTF8&ll=36.142034,-82.082634&spn=0.186314,0.42469&z=12

Again, its not a hidden gem but if you're going to ride The Dragon, then The Cherohala Skyway is another great ride.  Its 50 miles long with no turn outs.  

Exactly what I'm looking for!! I will put this on the list. Thanks for all the information.

[kyzrex]

You must first realize that there are few, if any, BAD roads that you will ride going through E. Tenn and N.C to reach your destination, so the actual route won't really matter that much.  Blue Ridge Parkway, The Snake (aka 421), Deal's Gap are all well know for a reason.  Then ask yourself what your real interests are...what is it you specifiaclly want to see?  Museums? Parks? Historical places? Resurants? etc.  Once you have decided that, you can then start to pinpoint stoping places.  Use the internet to do a search for those places along the way.  

Such books/web sites as 1000 Paces to See Before You Die, RoadFood, Ride-to-Eat, Off the Beaten Path will help you to find those places.

I reccommend a tour of the Biltmore Estate in Ashville and a stop at Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley for sure.

[CosmicCowboy]

Seconding Cherohalla Skyway. I thought it was much better than the Dragon.

[servicerifle]

Seriously? You're not helping because how many posts I have or because I'm from Massachusetts? That's pretty pathetic that you would actually go through the exercise of making this point.  Then don't look at the post and move on if that's how you feel.

Yes, that's right.  I don't give favorite roads to people that don't ride with me, and many Southerners are just tired of folks deciding that the South is such a nice place, they'll just move down.  Once there are enough of them, they start changing the laws to be just like where they came.  So, no, you're not welcome, and that's not just from me, but a whole host of other Southerners.  And if you don't like that, that's perfectly fine too, you can click that "ignore" button on the lower left of this post.

But ignoring me won't change the fact that you're not welcome.

[Scratch33]

Harsh, dude.

[CJBurbank]

That is some of the most asinine logic I've ever heard! Did you ever think about the fact that people who visit your state ACTUALLY CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR ECONOMY?!?!? Without tourists, the restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. wouldn't be able to survive. Secondly, I'm not moving down to your state, and as for laws being changed because us "northerners" moved down, then vote out the people who are doing it!!

Well thankfully, some of your fellow residents are kind enough to share their knowledge, which I'm appreciative of. So in the end, I guess I really don't need your input anyways. If it makes you feel any better, you're more than welcomed to visit this area.....I'd even buy you a beer.

You do know the war has been over for long time now right?

[RRdvark]

Loafers Glory.  Nothing special about it, just a small town with a diner.  Eat, buy a t-shirt, move along.

[gradus]

Loafers Glory.  Nothing special about it, just a small town with a diner.  Eat, buy a t-shirt, move along.

Perfect mid point for the Hwy 80 (north of 19E) and Double Island loop.  It's tough to find double island - but I assume a GPS would get you there. (I struggled with mapquest directions)

[gradus]

Yes, that's right.  I don't give favorite roads to people that don't ride with me, and many Southerners are just tired of folks deciding that the South is such a nice place, they'll just move down.  Once there are enough of them, they start changing the laws to be just like where they came.  So, no, you're not welcome, and that's not just from me, but a whole host of other Southerners.  And if you don't like that, that's perfectly fine too, you can click that "ignore" button on the lower left of this post.

But ignoring me won't change the fact that you're not welcome.

You're unlikely to run into this sentiment on your trip.  Kinda backwards thinking since most of the textile mills and furniture manufacturing has closed.  Tourist dollars are needed.  People keep coming back because a majority of the people you meet are very friendly.  

If I'm looking for twisties directly off of the parkway (assume the parkway is North-South)
215 - west side
276 - east side (run down to Looking Glass Falls - beautiful waterfall with no walk to get there)
80 -east side
226A - east side

Don't leave out the Cherohalla - I recommend running across starting in Robbinsville.  Turn around at the other side and run it again.  (the backside loop back to Deal's Gap kinda sucks compared to the other roads)  

[OSJ]

The few times Ive traveled down that way I was really impressed with how friendly everyone was.  Especially to motorcyclist, not just to a northerner.  

I am shocked by that post from that guy.  Not only for feeling that way towards a tourist thats going to spend money, but to a fellow motorcyclist as well.
 

You're unlikely to run into this sentiment on your trip.  Kinda backwards thinking since most of the textile mills and furniture manufacturing has closed.  Tourist dollars are needed.  People keep coming back because a majority of the people you meet are very friendly.  

If I'm looking for twisties directly off of the parkway (assume the parkway is North-South)
215 - west side
276 - east side (run down to Looking Glass Falls - beautiful waterfall with no walk to get there)
80 -east side
226A - east side

Don't leave out the Cherohalla - I recommend running across starting in Robbinsville.  Turn around at the other side and run it again.  (the backside loop back to Deal's Gap kinda sucks compared to the other roads)  

[vulcanbill]

The few times Ive traveled down that way I was really impressed with how friendly everyone was.  Especially to motorcyclist, not just to a northerner.  

I am shocked by that post from that guy.  Not only for feeling that way towards a tourist thats going to spend money, but to a fellow motorcyclist as well.
 

It's a harsh read but I can almost understand where he's coming from.  Maybe not the whole unwelcome thing but seeing what has happened to that area over the years, it must be very frustrating for the locals who call that their back yard.  8 years ago when we went down to that area, it was just like anyplace else.  421 was just about empty even on the weekend because there's little reason to be there.  We had a blast and saw few bikes.  The dragon was just a cool road.  It seems like every year, there is more and more commercialization and it really takes away the draw.  2 of the last 3 times down there, we stopped at the store, had a drink or sammich and left because the traffic was just too frightening to contemplate riding it at would have ultimately been parade speed anyway.  The one time we did was on a Wednesday and it was nirvana.  Catch 22.  The web has brought a lot of attention to the area and I'm sure there is much money being dumped into the local economy because of it.  But for every 100 (random arbitrary number) people that go through there with absolutely zero issues, there's one chump that draws the attention that nobody wants.  I can see that not being cool if you live down there.

I'm still riding down there cuz I like it.  Don't taze me bro.

[OSJ]

Well this forum is called sport TOURING right?  Isnt that complaint a little against the whole idea of getting on your motorcycle and god forbid...TOUR on it?  Last time I checked this wasnt called sport only in your state, county, city, town, neighborhood touring??
 
I do understand why some people might not be willing to share info on roads, even though they are public roads, for ALL Americans to use.   They dont want their own little slice of heaven clogged with thousands of bikers riding to it each season.   However remember who promotes the dragon and other motorcycling destinations, the people that PROFIT from visitors!
 
He may not like that , but  look at the map on his sign pic,  He traveled to more states the CJburbank has, and omg...did he get approval from the locals before he rode thru those areas??  Little hypocritical telling someone their not welcome in "his" state but he seems to think its okay traveling in other states?
 
I on the other hand love sharing that type of info with people that may come to New England.  Ive gone as far as spending hrs putting together routes in street & trips or mapsouce for people.

Bill, Ive been reading your posts for many years, even on the old ST board, I in no way think you would share that opinion of that guy.

It's a harsh read but I can almost understand where he's coming from.  Maybe not the whole unwelcome thing but seeing what has happened to that area over the years, it must be very frustrating for the locals who call that their back yard.  8 years ago when we went down to that area, it was just like anyplace else.  421 was just about empty even on the weekend because there's little reason to be there.  We had a blast and saw few bikes.  The dragon was just a cool road.  It seems like every year, there is more and more commercialization and it really takes away the draw.  2 of the last 3 times down there, we stopped at the store, had a drink or sammich and left because the traffic was just too frightening to contemplate riding it at would have ultimately been parade speed anyway.  The one time we did was on a Wednesday and it was nirvana.  Catch 22.  The web has brought a lot of attention to the area and I'm sure there is much money being dumped into the local economy because of it.  But for every 100 (random arbitrary number) people that go through there with absolutely zero issues, there's one chump that draws the attention that nobody wants.  I can see that not being cool if you live down there.

I'm still riding down there cuz I like it.  Don't taze me bro.

[vulcanbill]

Bill, Ive been reading your posts for many years, even on the old ST board, I in no way think you would share that opinion of that guy.

I said almost.  

[servicerifle]

He may not like that , but  look at the map on his sign pic,  He traveled to more states the CJburbank has, and omg...did he get approval from the locals before he rode thru those areas??  Little hypocritical telling someone their not welcome in "his" state but he seems to think its okay traveling in other states?

That's right I've taken several tours extending beyond my home geographic area of the US. Each time I have taken the time to get to know someone from there and ride along with them, rather than as them to post their favorites on the internet. That's called investing your time with the locals. Also, when I am done, I take my happy ass back home, I don't move to that area just because its so much nicer than my own, then try to change the laws to resemble my former state of residence.

As you are meandering down the BRP, just South of Fancy Gap, watch for a small gas station on the side of the road ( southern side, left as you travel South).  That place is a good example of which I speak. Looks like a good rider hangout, and it is, but I spoke to the owner earlier this year. I thought it odd that he felt the need to carry an 8" fixed blade knife on this belt in such a beautiful and peaceful place such as the BRP. I asked him about the place, noting that it had changed in the last few years. As soon as he opened his mouth I knew. Turns out he is from NJ or something, has been there two years.  I talked about this and that in the area, he said, "oh I don't know about anything locally.". Hmm. Thanks for coming to set up this shop, just for the money. I decided then and there he'd seen the last of my money and hoped the same would be decided by other locals.  

He is just an example. While yes there are southerners with 8" knives, its just inappropriate for the host at his location. The bigger issue is his lack of involvement in the community, on its terms. That's is my issue in a nutshell. Unlike black, American indian, Hispanic, and other sub-divisions of the American culture, the Appalachian culture is geographical rather than racial or ethnic. As such it is far easier to be lost or watered down. The entire area is now full of the same type of person, transplants from another area that don't integrate into the society, but rather try to change it. See Asheville, Lake Lure, "tellequah" (a fake town with a made to sound local name)...I can list several more. You can't list a single community in MA where a group of southerners or Appalachians have moved in and changed your laws to suit them. And its not for lack of money, not all of us are poor meth heads. We just don't want to be there. Apparently you don't either, but you have no respect for the locals who are already there.


The moral of the story:  you are welcome to come tour, but when that's done, please go home. And as you haven't even even integrated into the STN community, much less with a real person in the area to be you host, blatantly asking for favorite roads is rude here too. IMHO of course.