Best Tennessee Motorcycle Roads

You probably know Tennessee as the home of country music and Elvis. Music City and Graceland. The reigning bachelorette party capital of the world.

Granted, Nashville and Memphis demand much of the state’s tourist attention, but those on two wheels recognize the state as a special place for motorcyclists. 

Hilly forests, abundant rivers and streams, and rugged Appalachian routes abound, Eastern Tennessee ranks as among the most rewarding motorcycle meccas in America. The Smoky Mountains are absolutely teeming with unique and challenging rides, often honored with their own unique and typically ominous moniker.

The area is the home to such rides as the “Tail of the Dragon,” the “Snake,” and the “Devil’s Triangle.” Those terrifying names are deserved; Tennessee’s most (in)famous motorcycle rides are not for the faint of heart nor those lacking courage or skill.

But for those who have what it takes, Tennessee will reward them with some of the most memorable riding to be found on planet Earth. 

Deals Gap aka The Tail of the Dragon

The Tail of the Dragon is considered by many motorcyclists as the ultimate road in the United States, packing 318 corners into an 11-mile section of US 129. Bordered on both sides by national park-land, there are no crossroads or driveways to worry about.

Famed for its history as a moonshine run where hot-rodded cars formerly evaded the law, today the Tail of the Dragon is all about pure adrenaline, rugged terrain, and spectacular views – that is if you dare to take your eyes off the road. 

On the north end, just short of Cheoah Dam, you’ll find the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. Anything you need to celebrate the experience of the ride can be found there, along with plenty of other motorcyclists happy to share in the revelry. 

Skyway to the Dragon

TN 360, known as the Skyway to the Dragon, is a 24-mile connection to the Tail of the Dragon. This serves a perfect preamble, an exciting warm-up with a number of entertaining sweepers that’ll get you ready to take on the aforementioned challenge.

Cherohala Skyway

The Cherohala Skyway is a near 50-mile National Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Pains, TN to Robbinsville, NC.

Rising up above a mile in altitude, the Cherohala Skyway winds its way through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. 

It offers panoramic views and tight corners, including some tricky decreasing radii turns with a (strongly) suggested speed of 25 mph. 

The Snake 421

This roller coaster of a motorcycle ride has numbers on its side. 489 corners, three mountains, one valley, all in 37 miles.

This is a true test of ability and bravery, challenging riders with serious twisties and steep drop-offs, demanding the full extent of one’s attention and ability.

And as with the Tail of the Dragon, the Snake 421 serves as its own tourist attraction, complete with the Shady Valley Country Store (the “Home of the Snake”) where riders congregate, trade notes, and purchase memorabilia to commemorate the accomplishment of the ride. 

The Devil’s Triangle

The Devil’s Triangle is yet another gift to riders from Appalachia that allows motorcyclists to measure their skills.

Located on the Cumberland Plateau just north of Oak Ridge, the Devil’s Triangle is a 44-mile loop that runs from TN 116 to TN 62 to TN 330.

With steep climbs and drops, severe corners, and fast sweepers, the Devil’s Triangle is home to some of the more unusual curves to be found on a two-lane highway.

Adding to its general spookiness factor is the presence of the infamous Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary along with the area’s long and checkered history of mining disasters.