HeReaux
12-21-2006, 09:31 PM
My comp has a wicked case of 'da clap or something,so i'll just park this info here,so i can re install windows.. Some route info i have collected for the VA,WVA,TN GA area..
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there is Rt 16 out of Marion, Va toward Tazewell, VA! Use google maps or goggle earth to check it out. More freakin' curves than you can swing a cat at. In MANY places it's narrow, steep, and dangerous too. More "fear factor" than "reality" TV.
Rt 91 from Glade Springs, Va to Saltville, then take either 91 north, or 42 east along the scenic North Fork of the Holston River to reach Rt 16 if you are coming from the other direction. Head north or south for great curvy roads.
How about Rt 58 from Abingdon, VA (off I-81 north of Bristol, VA) to Damascus?? Not a great first 15 miles or so but when you get to Damascus, wow!! Most excellent mountain biking there, along with the Appalachian Trail that literally runs down main street, along with the Virgina Creeper Bicycle Trail nearby, as well as fantastic motorcycle roads in nearly every direction.
Rt 58 from Damascus to Volney, VA is 38 miles(!!!!!!!) of FANTASTIC road and you are just getting started! Take the roads around Mt Rogers (not quite the Smokys but the highest point in VA) while in the area. Grayson Highlands State Park is off Rt 58 near Volney.
Rt 16 thru Sugar Grove and/or Rt 21 from Independence, VA toward Wytheville are great. ALL of these roads mentioned previously lead thru National Forest and most are bounded by trout streams.
Rt 52 over Big Walker Mtn and East River Mtn and into Bluefield, WV. WHOA!
Rt 219 and/or Rt 92, both north of I-64 and begining in Greenbrier Co. WV at Lewisburg or historic White Sulphur Springs, WV (the place our gov't leaders were going to hide out in case of an atomic bomb attack. you can now take a tour there and I don't believe you even need to be a guest of the hotel... not sure.) Both lead toward Snowshoe Resort in Pocahontas County WV. Be sure to visit the Trout Hatcheries on your way to the cool little town of Marlington, WV, which is before you get to the road to Snowshoe. Continue north on either route and traverse Cheat Mtn. Cheat Mtn is a blast too!
How about riding to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV on Rt 92? Or Cass Scenic Railroad nearby as well? It's an operating history museum that features actual working Shay, Climax, and Heisler direct geared logging steam engines. Take the ride up the mountains that have switchbacks (with up to 11% grades) to Bald Knob or the old logging town of Spruce. Cass is a "Tim Taylor" "manly" kind of place. Let the cooled down cinders from a coal-fired engine fall back on your face as you ride in an open car right behind one of the Shay engines. Many of our early radial engine warplanes had props that were made from the spruce trees from this area.
Rt 150, the Scenic Hwy, across from the Cranberry Glades visitors center (near the boardwalk that leads thru the Cranberry Glades bogs complete with the carnivorous Pitcher and Sundew Plants) in the Monongahelia National Forest in Greenbrier Co. I used to trout fish/backpack in the Backcountry and Wilderness area there. Need to go back. It's the only place I've seen a momma black bear with 2 cubs in the wild.
How about Rt 33 east of Elkins, WV, to Seneca Rocks? This is one place that our Special Forces have visited to hone their rock climbing skills. Black Water Falls and Canaan Valley Resort (again skiing) State Parks are nearby. There is a good reason why the D.C./Northern VA/Maryland/et al, locations use this area as their playground.
Rt 60 from Lewisburg, WV to Charleston, WV. Rt 60 is a FANTASTIC road! Be sure to go to the New River Gorge National Park via RT 19 south if you take this route. Go on Bridge Day and watch the BASE jumpers do their thing. Maybe you've seen one of the history channel programs featuring Bridge Day? Remember the GMC Sonoma that was bungied off a bridge??? That was the New River Gorge Bridge in that commercial. And don't forget the Class I through Class VI rapids on the Gauley River and New River when they let out water from the dams. Take the one-way trip down the old road into the New River Gorge while there also. It's a treat. So is visiting the historic towns nearby.
Have I mentioned the Blue Ridge Parkway from Afton Mtn near Charlottsville, VA to Cherokee, NC? Too many great roads to list but I will mention Rt 8 near the town of Floyd, VA, to Rt 58. Tuggles Gap on Rt 8 is as technical as Rt 129...just not nearly as long. Then take 58 north over Lover's Leap Mtn (lots of sweeping curves you can see through plus some major twisties) to the sleepy town of Meadows of Dan. You will be about 1 mile south of Mabry's Mill which is supposedly the most photographed spot on the BRP. Squirrel Spur Highway at Meadows of Dan is a fantastic road as well as the road that leads down to Versuvius, VA and nearby Steeles Tavern (just off I-81 and I-64) from the BRP (near Montibello, VA, Zachory Taylor's homeplace. and don't forget Monticello, the house that Thomas Jefferson designed and built for himself and his family, which is near Charlottsville, VA, and is close to milepost 0 of the BRP and just north of Afton Mtn)
Boone, NC. Love this place too. Be sure to check out the original Mast General Store in nearby Valle Crucis, NC. From their website..... "Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, you'll discover spectacular foliage, rustic countryside and a place Charles Kuralt calls, "... a destination." That place is the Mast General Store in the rural historic district of Valle Crucis. Since 1883, we've been outfitting the Appalachians with traditional mercantile goods...." etc., etc.. I hate that the lady no longer operates the Oakwood Inn in Boone. That was a really cool, circa 1950s motel that had REAL knotty pine paneling and some wild reddish tile work in the bathrooms! You parked right outside your room and entered your room directly from your parking space. It had a nice overhang where you could park your bike out of the weather too. Very similar in construction to the Resort Motel at the CRoT.
...AND why not take South Shady Ave heading south out of downtown Damascus, VA, toward Backbone Rock and through yet MORE National Forest to Shady Valley, TN? The "wannabe" Deals Gap of eastern TN. Rt 421 is just as challenging as Rt 129 but without the tractor trailers and a lot of the "vibe" of the CRoT. However, the good folks at the Country Store are trying very hard and are just as friendly but there's a lack of motel space nearby.
the better roads 'in my opinion' are a little farther south. from franklin, take 64 east, past all the waterfalls that you must stop and see, to highlands. drop south there on 28, then right on warwoman road to clayton georgia. then 76 east. in that area are many great roads--ga 60, ga 180, richard russell scenic hwy, and more, also from highlands--continue east on 64 to cashiers and go either north or south on 107 or on eat to rosman, taking 178 south or 215 north. or on east to brevard taking 276 north or south. all withing a days driving of the gap (350 m ile day). check out www.ncroads.com and clink on Map of God's country. it truly is!
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The following route is designed for intermediate riders on larger dual sports. There are no water crossings, there is some pavement including a couple stretches of awesome twisties. The intermediate rating is due to quite a few steep hair pin curves on gravel requiring you to use first gear, rear brake, clutch, and throttle all at the same time.NO STREET TIRE'S..
began this route at Tapoco Lodge, home of the annual Triumph Raid. The Raid brings out quit a few Tigers, and we feel this route would be perfect. Plan on leaving Tapoco around 9:30am. This will bring you conveniently into Robbinsville around lunch time.
Leave Tapoco Lodge heading south on US129. Follow US129 approximately 8 miles. You will see a Santeetlah Baptist Church on your left and a sign on your right indicating Joyce Kilmer National Forest. Take this paved right following Old US129 along the Cheoah River for approximately 1 mile. Take the first right and cross a one lane bridge (Joyce Kilmer Road).
Stay on this paved road which follows the shores of Lake Santeetlah for approximately 7 miles. You will pass thru Horse Cove campground and come to a stop sign. At the stop take a left. After about 3 miles, this paved road will come to another stop sign at an intersection with the Cherohala Skyway. Take a left following the paved Santeetlah Road for approximately 1.5 miles.
Watch for the street sign Old Santeetlah Road on your right. Turn right and follow this gravel road approximately 1 mile until it ends at the paved West Buffalo Road. Take a right crossing a bridge over West Buffalo Creek. Stay on this paved road following West Buffalo Creek for approximately 4 miles.
Watch for a gravel road to your left (Hard Slate Road). Take a left on this gravel road for approximately 2 miles until the road ends at the intersection with a paved road (Dick Branch). Take a left on Dick Branch Road and travel for approximately 1 mile.
Take the first right on paved Snowbird Road. Follow this paved road for approximately 4 miles. The pavement crosses a bridge and then turns into gravel. Stay straight, following this gravel road (SR1115) winding up the Snowbird Mountains. You will see another gravel road to your left titled "Masters Mission", do not take this road but this is a good stop for pictures and a break on the wooden bridge over Little Snowbird Creek. Continue on this gravel road where you will ride thru an open valley, known as "Dentons".
Turn left and cross the wooden bridge at the Cole Denton Road sign. You will notice a change in the road conditions as you get further out from civilization. Follow this gravel road for approximately 6 miles. Little Snowbird Creek is on your right and offers a cooling breeze at these higher elevations (approaching 3000'). Continue straight at the first intersection (at the "Idlewood" sign). Continue another ½ mile and take a left at Porterfield Gap road (unmarked). This road climbs steeply for the next ½ mile to Porterfield Gap. Road conditions should not present a problem for average or better riders, but there are some switchbacks and ruts. Even though this road is rather desolate, be aware that you might meet oncoming traffic. We like to stay to the right in blind corners.
Road conditions improve after Potterfield Gap. Continue on for the next 10 miles on this gravel road. This gravel road will end at Beaver Creek Road, west of Andrews NC. Take a left on paved Beaver Creek Road for approximately 2 miles. Take a left on paved road Stewart Road (SR1389). Follow this paved road approximately 1 mile and take a left at paved Tatham Gap Road. Follow this paved road ½ mile and take a right onto gravel Tatham Gap Road (the "Dual Sport Dragon"). Follow this road 4.4 miles to Tatham Gap. At Tatham Gap you can take a right (do an up and back) to Joanna Bald which offers fantastic views of Andrews and the valley below.
Tatham Gap Road from the gap to Robbinsville was closed as of July 2003, but you can bypass the roadblock and continue into Robbinsville. There is one section of road for about 100 feet where the road bank has collapsed and is very precipitous. This should not present a problem, simply slow down and stay to the left. The slide area is well marked.
Tatham Gap Road turns into pavement (Long Creek Road SR1110). Continue on this paved road for approximately 2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign and continue on into Robbinsville for lunch and gas.
Afternoon Ride:
Take US129 south from Robbinsville and turn left on US19/74. This road descends into the Nantahala Gorge, the popular white water rafting venue. After passing the Wayah Road intersection (rafting put-in), continue on US19/74 for approximately 1 mile. Watch for the checkered bike crossing zone and take a right on Winding Stairs Road (this road is hard to see, be sure to slow down at the first sign of the marked crossing).
You will cross two single lane bridges over the Nantahala River. At the second bridge you will see the rafters floating by. Winding Stairs Road is a steep, winding, gravel road which climbs out of the gorge. It has many switchbacks and some of the steepest dropoffs we have ever seen. This is no place to go off the road. Be aware that you may meet oncoming traffic, even though you might not expect it.
Climing out of the gorge you come to Queens Creek Lake on your right. Continue on the gravel road (SR1412) along the lake. This gravel road turns into pavement. Follow pavement for several miles and take a left at paved Briartown Church Road. Be aware that road conditions worsen on this paved road with loose gravel. At the stop sign, take a left on Otter Creek Road (SR1365).
This paved road turns into gravel as it climbs to Tellico Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses. From the gap, continue on this gravel road (now Tellico Road) descending towards the Little Tennessee River. Be aware that the downhill section has some very steep, gravel switchbacks that require slow speeds and controlled braking.
As Tellico Road levels out, you will pass thru Tellico Trout Farm. After the trout farm, you will cross a bridge. Stay left and continue on Tellico Road for the next few miles and the road will turn to pavement. You will have an option of taking a left on Needmore Road, which is several miles of gravel along the west side of the Little Tennessee River leading back to US19/74.
OR, continue on Tellico Road and cross the Little Tennessee River to Hwy28. Take a left on Hwy28 which will take you thru some of the best paved twisties in the area. Hwy28 will also take you back to US19/74.
Regardless of which option you choose, take a left on US19/74, and then a right on Hwy28 which will take you along the twisty "Fontana Dragon" and into Fontana Village.
At Fontana Village, you have another option. For those who haven"t had enough gravel, take a left at Fontana Road (at the gas station). Take a right on Welch Road (just past the general store on right) and follow it thru the village to where it becomes SR1246. This road eventually turns into gravel and turns into SR1247 and leads you back to Tapoco Lodge at US129. Most of this route is gravel.
For those who have had enough gravel, continue on Hwy28 to US129 at Deals Gap. Take a left on US129 to return to Tapoco Lodge.
This route is approximately 150 miles, and is a good day trip for average or better riders.
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Stewart Cabin / Wagon Train Road
Enter this Forest Service gravel road (FR81) at Santeetlah Gap near the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina. This 12 mile trek meanders along the Big Santeetlah Creek for most of the way and ends at Stratton Meadows on the Cherohala Skyway near the Tennessee border. Along the way there are some great trout fishing spots for you to test your skills.
There are some remote camp sites and picnic areas. Several years ago, we met our good friend Pete who had just arrived from Oregon on his KLR and was camping on "Big Creek". He bought property in Graham County and now resides here full time - and we bought his KLR.
There are several side roads along Stewart Cabin Road which dead end and provide lots of exploring. The road to Wolf Laurel is a beautiful climb. From the parking area at the end you can take a short hike (several miles) to Stratton Bald. This is one of the more popular camping sites for hikers because of the spectacular views.
There is even the rustic Swan Cabin (and we mean rustic) on Wolf Laurel that can be rented from the Forest Service for a small fee. Or just bring a tent and spend a few days in this wilderness area.
This road is not for unlicensed off-road vehicles (see below for ORV area). This road is closed early January thru late March from Sand Creek to the Cherohala.
North River Road / Bald River Falls Continuing on the gravel road (FR81) passing under the Cherohala Skyway at 4300 foot elevation, you enter Tennesse on North River Road (FR217). The road takes some sharp cutbacks as if descends rather steeply towards the Tellico River. At mile one there is a road off to the left that leads up to Whigg Meadow. This road becomes very rough and is not recommended. After several miles on North River Road you begin to encounter camp sites along the North River which begins as a small branch and grows as you descend. FR217 intersects the paved road FR210 at the Tellico River. This road is known as River Road. The total distance for the Cherohala to River Road is 12 miles.
Take a left on FR210 (River Road) which follows the Tellico River. There is a small hunting/fishing camp complete with rustic motel at Spivey Cove. Believe us when we say rustic - this is way out in the middle of nowhere and not for the squeamish. If you continue on this road for another mile or two, you will arrive at the State Line camping area and the "Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehichole Area". The ORV area starts at the state line and has elevations ranging from 2500' to 4600'. The roads are numbered and signed at intersections, and they are rated easy, moderate, or difficult for vehicles. This is a great place to bring your ATV, jeep, or dirt bike. Get a copy of the Nantahala National Forest's "Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area" map at the Massey Branch Ranger station, just outside of Robbinsville on 143.
Make a U-turn and head back down River Road following the Tellico River. You will soon enter the Bald River Gorge Wilderness area. There is camping here and one of the highest, easily accessible waterfalls you can imagine. You can get a great view of the falls without even getting off of your cycle.
A few more miles down River Road and you will intersect the Cherohala Skyway (165) again just a few miles east of Tellico Plains.
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CADES COVE:There are three ways out of Cades Cove. The usual exit is to make the entire loop and return to Little River Road which connects Townsend and Gatlinburg.
There is a one-way short-cut about a third of the way around which leads out to Townsend. Rich Mountain Road has about 5 miles of gravel and 7 miles of twisting paved road. We found the first part of this route with lots of new gravel making for tricky riding. It is not very scenic (except for two overlooks of Cades Cove) or exciting, but this route does save about ten miles of bumper to bumper traffic when the crowds are present. You can take most of the loop and then cut across on either of the two connector roads to take this exit. It is well marked and will be on your right. This road is not for beginning riders. This road is closed during the winter months from November 16 to March 15.
PARSON'S BRANCH ROAD IS CLOSED AFTER HEAVY FLOODING IN MAY 2003 .... tenatively scheduled to be repaired and reopened by spring of 2007.
The third way out is a one-way gravel road which leads to Highway 129 right in the middle of the Dragon. Parsons Branch Road is 8 miles of primitive road that is a must for dual sport riders. This road leaves Cades Cove at the visitor center about half way around the loop. Watch for the Parsons Branch/Abrams Falls sign. After about a mile you will turn right onto the primitive road. It is well marked.
There are 19 creek fords on this road. They are all concreted and easy to cross, but some are nearly a foot deep and might require extreme caution in bad weather. The Park Service closes the gate in winter (Nov-Apr), at night, and in extreme weather, but there might be a time when a storm rolls in just as you begin the one-hour journey. Camping is allowed in some places, but a permit is required from the Ranger Station. Check before taking this road. The road is uncrowded, scenic, exciting, and leads to the Dragon. What else could you want? Parsons Branch Road is not for the inexperienced rider. You can take most of the Cades Cove loop and then return to Parsons Branch via one of the crossover roads.
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there is Rt 16 out of Marion, Va toward Tazewell, VA! Use google maps or goggle earth to check it out. More freakin' curves than you can swing a cat at. In MANY places it's narrow, steep, and dangerous too. More "fear factor" than "reality" TV.
Rt 91 from Glade Springs, Va to Saltville, then take either 91 north, or 42 east along the scenic North Fork of the Holston River to reach Rt 16 if you are coming from the other direction. Head north or south for great curvy roads.
How about Rt 58 from Abingdon, VA (off I-81 north of Bristol, VA) to Damascus?? Not a great first 15 miles or so but when you get to Damascus, wow!! Most excellent mountain biking there, along with the Appalachian Trail that literally runs down main street, along with the Virgina Creeper Bicycle Trail nearby, as well as fantastic motorcycle roads in nearly every direction.
Rt 58 from Damascus to Volney, VA is 38 miles(!!!!!!!) of FANTASTIC road and you are just getting started! Take the roads around Mt Rogers (not quite the Smokys but the highest point in VA) while in the area. Grayson Highlands State Park is off Rt 58 near Volney.
Rt 16 thru Sugar Grove and/or Rt 21 from Independence, VA toward Wytheville are great. ALL of these roads mentioned previously lead thru National Forest and most are bounded by trout streams.
Rt 52 over Big Walker Mtn and East River Mtn and into Bluefield, WV. WHOA!
Rt 219 and/or Rt 92, both north of I-64 and begining in Greenbrier Co. WV at Lewisburg or historic White Sulphur Springs, WV (the place our gov't leaders were going to hide out in case of an atomic bomb attack. you can now take a tour there and I don't believe you even need to be a guest of the hotel... not sure.) Both lead toward Snowshoe Resort in Pocahontas County WV. Be sure to visit the Trout Hatcheries on your way to the cool little town of Marlington, WV, which is before you get to the road to Snowshoe. Continue north on either route and traverse Cheat Mtn. Cheat Mtn is a blast too!
How about riding to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Green Bank, WV on Rt 92? Or Cass Scenic Railroad nearby as well? It's an operating history museum that features actual working Shay, Climax, and Heisler direct geared logging steam engines. Take the ride up the mountains that have switchbacks (with up to 11% grades) to Bald Knob or the old logging town of Spruce. Cass is a "Tim Taylor" "manly" kind of place. Let the cooled down cinders from a coal-fired engine fall back on your face as you ride in an open car right behind one of the Shay engines. Many of our early radial engine warplanes had props that were made from the spruce trees from this area.
Rt 150, the Scenic Hwy, across from the Cranberry Glades visitors center (near the boardwalk that leads thru the Cranberry Glades bogs complete with the carnivorous Pitcher and Sundew Plants) in the Monongahelia National Forest in Greenbrier Co. I used to trout fish/backpack in the Backcountry and Wilderness area there. Need to go back. It's the only place I've seen a momma black bear with 2 cubs in the wild.
How about Rt 33 east of Elkins, WV, to Seneca Rocks? This is one place that our Special Forces have visited to hone their rock climbing skills. Black Water Falls and Canaan Valley Resort (again skiing) State Parks are nearby. There is a good reason why the D.C./Northern VA/Maryland/et al, locations use this area as their playground.
Rt 60 from Lewisburg, WV to Charleston, WV. Rt 60 is a FANTASTIC road! Be sure to go to the New River Gorge National Park via RT 19 south if you take this route. Go on Bridge Day and watch the BASE jumpers do their thing. Maybe you've seen one of the history channel programs featuring Bridge Day? Remember the GMC Sonoma that was bungied off a bridge??? That was the New River Gorge Bridge in that commercial. And don't forget the Class I through Class VI rapids on the Gauley River and New River when they let out water from the dams. Take the one-way trip down the old road into the New River Gorge while there also. It's a treat. So is visiting the historic towns nearby.
Have I mentioned the Blue Ridge Parkway from Afton Mtn near Charlottsville, VA to Cherokee, NC? Too many great roads to list but I will mention Rt 8 near the town of Floyd, VA, to Rt 58. Tuggles Gap on Rt 8 is as technical as Rt 129...just not nearly as long. Then take 58 north over Lover's Leap Mtn (lots of sweeping curves you can see through plus some major twisties) to the sleepy town of Meadows of Dan. You will be about 1 mile south of Mabry's Mill which is supposedly the most photographed spot on the BRP. Squirrel Spur Highway at Meadows of Dan is a fantastic road as well as the road that leads down to Versuvius, VA and nearby Steeles Tavern (just off I-81 and I-64) from the BRP (near Montibello, VA, Zachory Taylor's homeplace. and don't forget Monticello, the house that Thomas Jefferson designed and built for himself and his family, which is near Charlottsville, VA, and is close to milepost 0 of the BRP and just north of Afton Mtn)
Boone, NC. Love this place too. Be sure to check out the original Mast General Store in nearby Valle Crucis, NC. From their website..... "Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, you'll discover spectacular foliage, rustic countryside and a place Charles Kuralt calls, "... a destination." That place is the Mast General Store in the rural historic district of Valle Crucis. Since 1883, we've been outfitting the Appalachians with traditional mercantile goods...." etc., etc.. I hate that the lady no longer operates the Oakwood Inn in Boone. That was a really cool, circa 1950s motel that had REAL knotty pine paneling and some wild reddish tile work in the bathrooms! You parked right outside your room and entered your room directly from your parking space. It had a nice overhang where you could park your bike out of the weather too. Very similar in construction to the Resort Motel at the CRoT.
...AND why not take South Shady Ave heading south out of downtown Damascus, VA, toward Backbone Rock and through yet MORE National Forest to Shady Valley, TN? The "wannabe" Deals Gap of eastern TN. Rt 421 is just as challenging as Rt 129 but without the tractor trailers and a lot of the "vibe" of the CRoT. However, the good folks at the Country Store are trying very hard and are just as friendly but there's a lack of motel space nearby.
the better roads 'in my opinion' are a little farther south. from franklin, take 64 east, past all the waterfalls that you must stop and see, to highlands. drop south there on 28, then right on warwoman road to clayton georgia. then 76 east. in that area are many great roads--ga 60, ga 180, richard russell scenic hwy, and more, also from highlands--continue east on 64 to cashiers and go either north or south on 107 or on eat to rosman, taking 178 south or 215 north. or on east to brevard taking 276 north or south. all withing a days driving of the gap (350 m ile day). check out www.ncroads.com and clink on Map of God's country. it truly is!
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The following route is designed for intermediate riders on larger dual sports. There are no water crossings, there is some pavement including a couple stretches of awesome twisties. The intermediate rating is due to quite a few steep hair pin curves on gravel requiring you to use first gear, rear brake, clutch, and throttle all at the same time.NO STREET TIRE'S..
began this route at Tapoco Lodge, home of the annual Triumph Raid. The Raid brings out quit a few Tigers, and we feel this route would be perfect. Plan on leaving Tapoco around 9:30am. This will bring you conveniently into Robbinsville around lunch time.
Leave Tapoco Lodge heading south on US129. Follow US129 approximately 8 miles. You will see a Santeetlah Baptist Church on your left and a sign on your right indicating Joyce Kilmer National Forest. Take this paved right following Old US129 along the Cheoah River for approximately 1 mile. Take the first right and cross a one lane bridge (Joyce Kilmer Road).
Stay on this paved road which follows the shores of Lake Santeetlah for approximately 7 miles. You will pass thru Horse Cove campground and come to a stop sign. At the stop take a left. After about 3 miles, this paved road will come to another stop sign at an intersection with the Cherohala Skyway. Take a left following the paved Santeetlah Road for approximately 1.5 miles.
Watch for the street sign Old Santeetlah Road on your right. Turn right and follow this gravel road approximately 1 mile until it ends at the paved West Buffalo Road. Take a right crossing a bridge over West Buffalo Creek. Stay on this paved road following West Buffalo Creek for approximately 4 miles.
Watch for a gravel road to your left (Hard Slate Road). Take a left on this gravel road for approximately 2 miles until the road ends at the intersection with a paved road (Dick Branch). Take a left on Dick Branch Road and travel for approximately 1 mile.
Take the first right on paved Snowbird Road. Follow this paved road for approximately 4 miles. The pavement crosses a bridge and then turns into gravel. Stay straight, following this gravel road (SR1115) winding up the Snowbird Mountains. You will see another gravel road to your left titled "Masters Mission", do not take this road but this is a good stop for pictures and a break on the wooden bridge over Little Snowbird Creek. Continue on this gravel road where you will ride thru an open valley, known as "Dentons".
Turn left and cross the wooden bridge at the Cole Denton Road sign. You will notice a change in the road conditions as you get further out from civilization. Follow this gravel road for approximately 6 miles. Little Snowbird Creek is on your right and offers a cooling breeze at these higher elevations (approaching 3000'). Continue straight at the first intersection (at the "Idlewood" sign). Continue another ½ mile and take a left at Porterfield Gap road (unmarked). This road climbs steeply for the next ½ mile to Porterfield Gap. Road conditions should not present a problem for average or better riders, but there are some switchbacks and ruts. Even though this road is rather desolate, be aware that you might meet oncoming traffic. We like to stay to the right in blind corners.
Road conditions improve after Potterfield Gap. Continue on for the next 10 miles on this gravel road. This gravel road will end at Beaver Creek Road, west of Andrews NC. Take a left on paved Beaver Creek Road for approximately 2 miles. Take a left on paved road Stewart Road (SR1389). Follow this paved road approximately 1 mile and take a left at paved Tatham Gap Road. Follow this paved road ½ mile and take a right onto gravel Tatham Gap Road (the "Dual Sport Dragon"). Follow this road 4.4 miles to Tatham Gap. At Tatham Gap you can take a right (do an up and back) to Joanna Bald which offers fantastic views of Andrews and the valley below.
Tatham Gap Road from the gap to Robbinsville was closed as of July 2003, but you can bypass the roadblock and continue into Robbinsville. There is one section of road for about 100 feet where the road bank has collapsed and is very precipitous. This should not present a problem, simply slow down and stay to the left. The slide area is well marked.
Tatham Gap Road turns into pavement (Long Creek Road SR1110). Continue on this paved road for approximately 2 miles until you come to a stop sign. Take a right at the stop sign and continue on into Robbinsville for lunch and gas.
Afternoon Ride:
Take US129 south from Robbinsville and turn left on US19/74. This road descends into the Nantahala Gorge, the popular white water rafting venue. After passing the Wayah Road intersection (rafting put-in), continue on US19/74 for approximately 1 mile. Watch for the checkered bike crossing zone and take a right on Winding Stairs Road (this road is hard to see, be sure to slow down at the first sign of the marked crossing).
You will cross two single lane bridges over the Nantahala River. At the second bridge you will see the rafters floating by. Winding Stairs Road is a steep, winding, gravel road which climbs out of the gorge. It has many switchbacks and some of the steepest dropoffs we have ever seen. This is no place to go off the road. Be aware that you may meet oncoming traffic, even though you might not expect it.
Climing out of the gorge you come to Queens Creek Lake on your right. Continue on the gravel road (SR1412) along the lake. This gravel road turns into pavement. Follow pavement for several miles and take a left at paved Briartown Church Road. Be aware that road conditions worsen on this paved road with loose gravel. At the stop sign, take a left on Otter Creek Road (SR1365).
This paved road turns into gravel as it climbs to Tellico Gap where the Appalachian Trail crosses. From the gap, continue on this gravel road (now Tellico Road) descending towards the Little Tennessee River. Be aware that the downhill section has some very steep, gravel switchbacks that require slow speeds and controlled braking.
As Tellico Road levels out, you will pass thru Tellico Trout Farm. After the trout farm, you will cross a bridge. Stay left and continue on Tellico Road for the next few miles and the road will turn to pavement. You will have an option of taking a left on Needmore Road, which is several miles of gravel along the west side of the Little Tennessee River leading back to US19/74.
OR, continue on Tellico Road and cross the Little Tennessee River to Hwy28. Take a left on Hwy28 which will take you thru some of the best paved twisties in the area. Hwy28 will also take you back to US19/74.
Regardless of which option you choose, take a left on US19/74, and then a right on Hwy28 which will take you along the twisty "Fontana Dragon" and into Fontana Village.
At Fontana Village, you have another option. For those who haven"t had enough gravel, take a left at Fontana Road (at the gas station). Take a right on Welch Road (just past the general store on right) and follow it thru the village to where it becomes SR1246. This road eventually turns into gravel and turns into SR1247 and leads you back to Tapoco Lodge at US129. Most of this route is gravel.
For those who have had enough gravel, continue on Hwy28 to US129 at Deals Gap. Take a left on US129 to return to Tapoco Lodge.
This route is approximately 150 miles, and is a good day trip for average or better riders.
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Stewart Cabin / Wagon Train Road
Enter this Forest Service gravel road (FR81) at Santeetlah Gap near the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina. This 12 mile trek meanders along the Big Santeetlah Creek for most of the way and ends at Stratton Meadows on the Cherohala Skyway near the Tennessee border. Along the way there are some great trout fishing spots for you to test your skills.
There are some remote camp sites and picnic areas. Several years ago, we met our good friend Pete who had just arrived from Oregon on his KLR and was camping on "Big Creek". He bought property in Graham County and now resides here full time - and we bought his KLR.
There are several side roads along Stewart Cabin Road which dead end and provide lots of exploring. The road to Wolf Laurel is a beautiful climb. From the parking area at the end you can take a short hike (several miles) to Stratton Bald. This is one of the more popular camping sites for hikers because of the spectacular views.
There is even the rustic Swan Cabin (and we mean rustic) on Wolf Laurel that can be rented from the Forest Service for a small fee. Or just bring a tent and spend a few days in this wilderness area.
This road is not for unlicensed off-road vehicles (see below for ORV area). This road is closed early January thru late March from Sand Creek to the Cherohala.
North River Road / Bald River Falls Continuing on the gravel road (FR81) passing under the Cherohala Skyway at 4300 foot elevation, you enter Tennesse on North River Road (FR217). The road takes some sharp cutbacks as if descends rather steeply towards the Tellico River. At mile one there is a road off to the left that leads up to Whigg Meadow. This road becomes very rough and is not recommended. After several miles on North River Road you begin to encounter camp sites along the North River which begins as a small branch and grows as you descend. FR217 intersects the paved road FR210 at the Tellico River. This road is known as River Road. The total distance for the Cherohala to River Road is 12 miles.
Take a left on FR210 (River Road) which follows the Tellico River. There is a small hunting/fishing camp complete with rustic motel at Spivey Cove. Believe us when we say rustic - this is way out in the middle of nowhere and not for the squeamish. If you continue on this road for another mile or two, you will arrive at the State Line camping area and the "Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehichole Area". The ORV area starts at the state line and has elevations ranging from 2500' to 4600'. The roads are numbered and signed at intersections, and they are rated easy, moderate, or difficult for vehicles. This is a great place to bring your ATV, jeep, or dirt bike. Get a copy of the Nantahala National Forest's "Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area" map at the Massey Branch Ranger station, just outside of Robbinsville on 143.
Make a U-turn and head back down River Road following the Tellico River. You will soon enter the Bald River Gorge Wilderness area. There is camping here and one of the highest, easily accessible waterfalls you can imagine. You can get a great view of the falls without even getting off of your cycle.
A few more miles down River Road and you will intersect the Cherohala Skyway (165) again just a few miles east of Tellico Plains.
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CADES COVE:There are three ways out of Cades Cove. The usual exit is to make the entire loop and return to Little River Road which connects Townsend and Gatlinburg.
There is a one-way short-cut about a third of the way around which leads out to Townsend. Rich Mountain Road has about 5 miles of gravel and 7 miles of twisting paved road. We found the first part of this route with lots of new gravel making for tricky riding. It is not very scenic (except for two overlooks of Cades Cove) or exciting, but this route does save about ten miles of bumper to bumper traffic when the crowds are present. You can take most of the loop and then cut across on either of the two connector roads to take this exit. It is well marked and will be on your right. This road is not for beginning riders. This road is closed during the winter months from November 16 to March 15.
PARSON'S BRANCH ROAD IS CLOSED AFTER HEAVY FLOODING IN MAY 2003 .... tenatively scheduled to be repaired and reopened by spring of 2007.
The third way out is a one-way gravel road which leads to Highway 129 right in the middle of the Dragon. Parsons Branch Road is 8 miles of primitive road that is a must for dual sport riders. This road leaves Cades Cove at the visitor center about half way around the loop. Watch for the Parsons Branch/Abrams Falls sign. After about a mile you will turn right onto the primitive road. It is well marked.
There are 19 creek fords on this road. They are all concreted and easy to cross, but some are nearly a foot deep and might require extreme caution in bad weather. The Park Service closes the gate in winter (Nov-Apr), at night, and in extreme weather, but there might be a time when a storm rolls in just as you begin the one-hour journey. Camping is allowed in some places, but a permit is required from the Ranger Station. Check before taking this road. The road is uncrowded, scenic, exciting, and leads to the Dragon. What else could you want? Parsons Branch Road is not for the inexperienced rider. You can take most of the Cades Cove loop and then return to Parsons Branch via one of the crossover roads.