General Comments on Riding in the Fontana Dam, NC area

It's really difficult to find any "bad" roads for motorcycle riding in this area.

This event will be unlike most others you have probably attended. There will not be any "organized" group rides per se. Everyone will be free to chart their own path and organize rides as they see fit with new friends they meet at the Rally.

Below are some of my favorites. I've ridden all of these rides recently. Feel free to plot your own course, but I think you are sure to enjoy each of these rides.

The "Dragon" gets lots of law enforcement attention and is very busy. It's worth doing, but be prepared for traffic and insane riders.

Be aware that the speed limit on the Blue Ridge Parkway is 45 mph and strictly enforced. It would not be good if any of the Rally participants received a "performance award" from the friendly LEOs who patrol this road.

Otherwise, the mainly rural routes detailed below are generally free of heavy traffic, but watch for slow moving agricultural equipment and especially bicycles on these routes.

Randakk 2007 Rally Area Map

 

Randakk's Rides: Cherohala Skyway

This spectacular 36 mile (one-way) parkway begins West of Robbinsville, NC and travels over the crest of the Smokies (5400+ feet elevation). The turnaround point is Tellico Plains, TN. My favorite!

Randakk's Rides: Deal's Gap

Legendary ride with 318 turns in 11 miles of scenic and hyper-twisty US Route 129. Exit left from the parking lot of the Fontana Village Resort and travel approximately 9 miles on Route 28 to Deals Gap. Prepare for crowds, law enforcement activity and poor behavior. Ride sensibly!

Randakk's Rides: Foothills Parkway Scenic Highway

Just past "the Dragon," turn right onto the Foothills Scenic Parkway. This is a much less frenetic, but gorgeous ride.

Randakk's Rides: Little River Road (Route 73)

This 34 mile road connects Townsend, TN with Gatlinburg, TN. It has been listed as one of the 10 most scenic roads in America!.

Randakk's Rides: Short Loop to Robbinsville, NC

Very engaging loop of approximately 55 miles. Exit the Fontana Village Resort parking left to Deals Gap. Travel 9 miles on NC-28 to Deal's Gap. Turn left on US-129 to Robbinsville. In Robbinsville, turn left on NC-143. Travel 16 miles (over the crest) and back to NC-28. Turn left and travel 12 miles back to Fontana Village Resort. This loop ride will take you through some of the prettiest terrain the area has to offer!

Randakk's Rides: Long Loop to Nantahala Gorge

Same as above but you can nearly double the mileage by traveling past Robbinsville to Topton, then turn left through the Nantahala Gorge on US-19/74. Past the Gorge, return by turning left onto NC 28. The Gorge is especially scenic but be careful as it will be clogged with rafters, rafting buses and pedestrians.

Randakk's Rides: Giant Loop to Gatlinburg

If you have lots of time...a trip to "Myrtle Beach in the Mountains" is a good way to kill an entire day of great riding.

Randakk's Rides: Parkway Tour

It's a cruise along the Blue Ridge Parkway! Need I say more? The southernmost entry is just outside Cherokee, NC (about 45 miles from Fontana Village Resort).

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