Travel to Tennessee?

[mlinkibikr]

I have a good buddy who is moving to Tennessee and I want to start planning a good motorcycle trip out there. He will be close to Knoxville.

I need help with "good motorcycle road" options and wondered if anybody has experience to share in their travels out there. For example - the Natchez Trace Parkway? I know it's historic and I've heard that is is slow but what else? Is it something I would want to include all or a part of in my trip over there? I'm not averse to jumping on the interstate to get across the boring bits ... hopefully avoiding I-10 like the plague though ...

I'll open it up to options - I will be leaving from Houston and let's assume that it will be a spring / summer warm weather ride. Let's also assume that my overall travel budget is between 8 to 10 days, round trip, including visit time.

Thanks!
Dave.

[Big Bandit]

I have a brother that lives near Knoxville and I have been planning to ride out there to visit him this summer. He lives in Greeneville, near the NC border. I am also interested in this information. Don't forget that the Honda Hoot is in Knoxville every summer and this trip could coincide with the Hoot.

Maybe we could ride out/back together? I currently have a window of middle of June through middle of Aug for the trip. I want to ride Deal's Gap while I am in the neighborhood.

[john3500]

I was there just a couple of months ago. I found that the loop starting at Robinsville going SW on 143 then 165 then 360 then 411(very short) then 72, then 129(deals gap), then Robinsville. Dont miss the side trip of 143 to 28 to Deals Gap from Robbinsville. Most memorable were the missed turn on 360 at the bridge ( I was traveling S) and went straight at the bridge and continued following the pavement(avoiding the gravel roads) for about 8 miles until I found two old guys sitting beside the road on top of a hill with long beards who knew that i was lost before I got off the bike. We had fun about all the bikes that ended up at their doorstep. It is mistake worth doing again. The narrow up and down road was a delight. When going around the 28 loop stop to see the dam. It is impressive and not well advertised. Rode the Blue Ridge and found it a lot of fun as there was no traffic or police. The part south of Asheville and to the North for a ways is not to miss. There was a serious trap on the Skyway at the border of NC and TN. 360 was one of the most picturesque that I have run. The most memorable was a end of the day (just past twilight) run E from Deals Gap to Robbinsville on 129 with a very large full moon in front just above the hills along the river and glass smooth small lakes in the various valleys reflecting the tall pine trees on the lake edges. It wil not be hard to find a good ride in that area. Find a good map. Alot of NC maps do not show all the roads. I had the best luck with a TN map. Also, if you are Cherokee you will discover why the white man stole all the home land. The Cumberland Gap area as a whole has a rich history from the Revolutionary War on. Read up on Kings mountain battle and other events. A significant part of the western settlement of the US came through the Cumberland Gap and moved West, even to Texas. Regards, John

[mlinkibikr]

Thanks John - I'll be sure to highlight those roads on my map!

Dave.

[sherob]

Natchez Trace is slow... it's a Federal park... don't speed ;-) After dark, the critters come out... deer, racoons, critters :trust: You have exits every so often to hit gas stations and places to eat... after a few hours it kinda all looks the same (to me anyway).

If I was you I'd take 59 north to I-20E... then take it all the way out to Knoxsville (I-20 turns into I-59). Once there you'll know how much time you have to spend with your friends and local fun rides... you'll know how much time you can plan on your return route with the fun rides in it. The reason I would do it this way is you are not pushing it to get there with deadlines. Thats just me ;-)

[Big Bandit]

I have ridden the entire Natchez Trace. I intended to do it in two days and stop and see some of the roadside features, you know take my time and enjoy it. However, it was the middle of March and temps were in the 40's and it was drizzling/raining on and off. I quit stopping and looking when the rain started, shortly after I got on the Trace, and just kept rding. It is beautiful. It is slow. I would agree that it all starts to look the same after a while.

I have heard that traffic tickets are outrageously expensive, because It is a national park. I only saw one LEO, probably five minutes after I got on the Trace. However, it was the off season and the weather was lousy. There was almost no traffic and hence no LEO's.

After my experience, I would classify the Natchez Trace as a destination, not as a way to get somewhere.

[TexasShadow]

If y'all don't mind, I'd like to tag onto this thread:
I'm going to TN in spring, but not as far as Knoxville. In fact, trying to keep it a one-day ride to and from the DFW area. Which places my destination within Nashville area to ~100 miles east of Nashville.

Thus I too am looking for some riding routes in that area AND a rustic cabin* to rent for a few days (see thread in 'Camping/Lodging'). The cabin is getting hard to find.........

I'd like to do the Smoky Mnt area but I have to be frugal on time and expenses. So I'm limited to a day's ride from here (DFW).

If anyone can suggest riding routes (for when I'm there) and/or places to stay in that area, I'd be mighty appreciative.

* It's a rendezvous with a 'date'. You get the picture.......

[bedlam]

East of Nashville??? Now I'm confuzed...but I can still help:

Try Big South Fork National Forest

linky:

http://www.nps.gov/biso/

And here's an accomadation option:

http://www.charitcreek.com/rates_2007.html

I haven't been to this particular hostel/lodge, so can't really comment on quality.

The whole area is really pretty. Specifically Fall Creek Falls...I'm pretty sure there's some cabin-age to be had around. There's lots of hiking and even some climbing that can be done.

Jill

[Big Bandit]

The Natchez Trace starts (or ends) just south of Nashville.

[bedlam]

A-HA, this is what I was really looking for:

http://tennessee.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/

More accessable for what you're looking for, I think.

[john3500]

West of Nashville 424 just above I40 is a real old trail/road and very curvy. Watch for police, hidden driveways, and fast sport cars outside their lanes. Regards, John

[TexasShadow]

East of Nashville??? Now I'm confuzed.. I had that all twisted around in the other thread (for cabins). I need a few days off :yawn:

http://tennessee.gov/environment/parks/FallCreekFalls/

More accessible for what you're looking for, I think. I checked that out earlier. I like the park, but the cabins are too modern (I want to get away from the TV, VCR, phone, etc) and expensive.

Now if I could find a more 'rustic' cabin nearby, that'd be great.

[TexasShadow]

West of Nashville 424 just above I40 is a real old trail/road and very curvy. Watch for police, hidden driveways, and fast sport cars outside their lanes. Regards, John I might be interested in this road. Is it near 52?
Not excited about the fast sports cars, though.......

[john3500]

[QUOTE=TexasShadow]I might be interested in this road. Is it near 52?

The 52 i found is NE of Nashville. Look west of Nashville about 80 to 100 miles near I40.
424 is East of Jackson, just North of I40 and South of Huntingdon. It passes through Yuma and Clarksburg. It is 10 to 20 miles East of Jackson. I got to it as I crossed(going East) the Miss. river at Dyersburg and went as straight east, through Milan, as I could to meet I40. 424 appears to be a very old trail that bacame a paved road road that is still in use. On the East end it dumps into 114. An aside, on the west side of the river I discovered a long stretch of straight road you can safely test the top end of your bike. If this interests you let me know. Regards, John

[1rocket69]

When are you heading out? Little late catching this thread, i grew up in Asheville and lived there untill this past April. Between Asheville and Knoxville have some of the best MC roads in the country. If you haven't left yet and need some info let me know.

Here's one of my Fav. Hwy 178

http://zx-10r-forum.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=362&c=4&cutoffdate=all

And 276

http://zx-10r-forum.com/gallery/showimage.php?i=290&c=4&cutoffdate=all

A GREAT route is HWY 276 from Canton to Brevard then follow it down Ceasers Head into SC, Then get on N river Rd follow it to take a right on 288 go to the end, then you can jump over on 178 follow it up to Rosman and 64 then it's only a mile over to 215, that will link you back where you started on 276.
Great 250+miles, longest straight is about 1 mile 1/2

There is a great Motorcycle campground on Hwy 276 in Cruso it's only like 3 or4 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Here's there link

http://www.blueridgemotorcyclecamp.com/


:thumbd: :angryfire I freaking miss the great roads back home, Sucks having to ride 50-75 miles to get to good roads

[mlinkibikr]

I don't have a date yet - looking like early summer though. Although my buddy says to wait for the fall colors - I'm not sure I want to wait that long for a good road trip. And the fall color season is also the lumbering Winnebago season so I think I can give it a miss!

Thanks for the posts of the roads in the area. I've been researching good roads and hilighting the map so I can hopefully string them all together.

Dave.

[1rocket69]

Fall is a very pretty time to ride but it has problems depending on what road you choose. The Blue Ridge Parkway would be off limits for me at that time of year. SO MANY leaf lookers that are staring at trees rather then the road, parking in corners with 3 ft of RV still in the road and everybody out taking pictures:doh:
Also after the leaves start falling it's becomes a bit risky in the morning and if on shaded road a bit longer, wet/damp road and leaves===pucker facter++.

Take your time, pick the less traveled roads and you can still have a great time, but it will require prior planning, Motel rooms and campgrounds fill up fast.
Let me know if you want some road info.

[TexasShadow]

I might be interested in this road. Is it near 52?

The 52 i found is NE of Nashville. Look west of Nashville about 80 to 100 miles near I40.
424 is East of Jackson, just North of I40 and South of Huntingdon. It passes through Yuma and Clarksburg. It is 10 to 20 miles East of Jackson. I got to it as I crossed(going East) the Miss. river at Dyersburg and went as straight east, through Milan, as I could to meet I40. 424 appears to be a very old trail that bacame a paved road road that is still in use. On the East end it dumps into 114. I'll be in the Cookeville/Livingston area, ~100 miles E of Nashville, ~30 N of I-40. Familiar with that area?

Also looking for a campsite in the area outside of Memphis for a quick overnight stay.

[bedlam]

I'll be in the Cookeville/Livingston area, ~100 miles E of Nashville, ~30 N of I-40. Familiar with that area?

Also looking for a campsite in the area outside of Memphis for a quick overnight stay.


Fall Creek Falls SP, though I haven't been there in several years, was a great place...really pretty. Frankly, it's a nice area, especially as you go a bit more south toward Chattanooga. Hard to go wrong, really! I envy you!!

As for camping outside of Memphis...NOT RECOMMENDED! Rough areas abound, pretty much anywhere around "the loop" and I would very much be concerned for personal safety. Especially if you desire to stay near the interstate. Just not a good idea. My thought woud be that you just keep on bookin' it until you get a little closer to Jackson, then spring for a cheap motel room...something with a lock on the door.

I hate to be an alarmist, but having been mugged in Memphis once, I tend to gas up 50 miles away and just keep my visor down as I sail through. There is just nothing I would trust campsite-wise anywhere near the interstate.

Just heeellllping.....

[TexasShadow]

<groan>
I was hoping to keep this trip as cheap as possible, but I certainly don't want to jeopardize my safety. Nor do I wish to make the 830 mile haul in one day. So I suppose I should consider searching for a cheap room, then, aye?

I had considered Falls Creek St Park, but found some nice rustic cabins at Standing Stone SP ;) I'll be spending a few days in that area. Looks like some nice riding around there, too. (judging from Google map/hybrid)

[cowboyman]

Howdy. I was considering riding out to the Honda Hoot this year in Knoxville and was wondering if anyone else is going that might want to hook up and ride together. I live near Ft. Worth Texas. That would be my longest ride so far so it would be very interesting for me. Have a good day.

[ckhkjh]

Dave-
Since you are coming out of Houston and your comment about I-10 implies to me you are leaning towards a southerly route of some sort I would offer up the following FWIW. I was in the Port Neches area about a month ago and from there I was headed to Natchez, MS to ride the Trace. I was in no particular hurry as I had plenty of time so I decided to take back roads across Louisiana. I took LA 12/190 to Kinder and then 165 to Alexandria and then 28/84 to Natchez. Long story short, it took a lot of time. The speed limit is 55 most of the way, it is heavily patrolled by LA State Police and there was construction along part of the way. The ride was rather mundane (granted it was LA and I wasnt expecting a whole lot anyway) but I dont think I would do that again. I had never ridden in LA and I just wanted to see what it was like. Now I know. Been there, done that. My suggestion would be is to calculate a route that is the quickest way to get to TN from where you are. That is where your most fun is going to be. If you really wanted to ride the Natchez Trace you might want to consider putting that on the back end of your trip and ride that if it works out and you have time. Again, your most fun is going to be in TN.

Now for the main thing I wanted to convey. Last fall I rode to the BRP. I rode from Dallas to Nashville my first day out. The following route was laid out for me by Phil Derryberry of Nashville. It is backroads from Nashville to Waynesville, NC. Granted, you are not going to NC. But if any of these roads would work into your route to Knoxville I highly recommend them. This route will take you through the Cherahola Skyway which if I had to choose between it and the Natchez Trace and I only had time for one of them and it fit into my plans I would choose the Skyway. Good luck with your trip planning.

Take I40 toward Knoxville to exit 258.
Take 141 through Gordonsville to 96. (you'll come up on Center Hill Dam).
Hang a right on 96 to US70 to Smithville.
Take 56 to 70s at McMinnville then head for 30. (or take I24 east to exit 111/hwy 55 then up to McMinnville to 30).
30 is one of the best roads in Tennessee. Follow 30 all the way to Athens, Tennessee.
Out of Athens take 39 which will take you to 68 just north of Tellico Plains. Tellico Plains is the beginning of the Skyway. From that end of the Skyway (165/143 to 28 to 19 to Cherokee) it's about 150 miles to where NC 276 crosses the BRP

[mlinkibikr]

Ckhkjh -

Many thanks for your insight and benefit of your personal experience. I was wondering what the secondary roads thru Louisiana were like and your description isn't really what I was looking forward to - low speed limits and lots of road construction! Yuck.

I may just head north to I20 and head east across there. Some of the feedback from my buddy tells me that wasting time and rubber anywhere other than the mountains around his place is foolish.

I appreciate the road info in Tennessee and I'll plot it up on my map and see how I can fit it in - especially 30.

Thanks again,

Dave.