The 8 Top Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee

Tennessee boasts an unmatched natural landscape dotted with culturally rich cities and towns. From the mountains of East Tennessee, to the hills near Nashville, to the vast plains of West Tennessee, we have it all here. It's why when people talk about the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee, they're also talking about the best rides in the world.

1. The Tail of the Dragon

11 miles. 318 hairpin turns. With almost 30 turns per mile, this is one of the most famous and challenging motorcycle rides in Tennessee. It might be the most accurately named, too. The beauty of Great Smoky Mountain National Park combined with the challenge of the ride makes this a must for the most serious riders. Whether you choose to start the ride at Deal's Gap or Fugitive Bridge by the Cheoah Dam, your ride will soon take you through twisting forest roads.

There are occasional events and rallies on the road too, so check before you go to make sure the traffic isn't too intense. Most riders long for spring to hit the road again in earnest, and the Tail of the Dragon is high on the list that time of year. Many major events take place in April and May, so if you were looking for a quieter time to go, that first warm day in March might be your best bet.

2. The Best of the Snake

If you have the time, you can tackle the entire "Snake." It's not the most famous of motorcycle rides in Tennessee, but soon might be. The "Snake" is another of Tennessee's more dramatically named rides, but for all the right reasons. The ride twists and turns along 489 curves over the course of the full 37 miles through the Cherokee National Forest. As if the winding roads weren't enough, the Snake boasts sharp elevation drops as you ride across 3 mountains. If you want to experience the best of the route, the most famous section includes Highway 421 and 34 in Northeast Tennessee.

3. Cherohala Skyway

Want to experience the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests in one ride? That's what the Cherohala Skyway has on offer, making it one of the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee. Like the Tail of the Dragon, it begins in North Carolina but Cherohala Skyway is considerably longer, cutting through a mountainous, more relaxing scene. The kaleidoscopic burst of colors makes fall one of the best seasons to tackle this ride through incredible forests. If you really want to elevate the ride, you can find hiking or camping along the Tellico River.

4. The Newfound Gap Road

Highway US 441 cuts through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Motorcycle roads often pay attention more to elevation than curves, but this road climbs approximately 3,000 feet from the beginning point to the Newfound Gap.

5. The Devil's Triangle

The Devil's Triangle is one of the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee because of its challenging ride and haunting history. The triangle begins north of Oakridge, TN, and cuts through the Cumberland Plateau. This 44-mile loop uses Highway TN 116, TN 62 and TN 330 and possesses some switchbacks that many believe are more challenging than the Dragon. If you want a safer go, it's generally easier to go clockwise when you're taking the Devil's Triangle.

As for the haunting history, riders can stop at the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary or Fraterville Mine. The mine was the site of a tragic explosion in the early 1900s and the surrounding area also was the backdrop of the Coal Creek War.

6. The Natchez Trace Parkway

Not all motorcycle rides in Tennessee call for hair-raising turns. The Natchez Trace is a peaceful 444-mile drive that starts from historic Natchez in Mississippi and links all the way to modern Nashville. Besides the gorgeous wilderness and incredible swamps of the deep south, you can also drive by the internationally famous Natchez mounds built by Native Americans in the 1400s, stop at historic towns and visit lovely waterfalls.

7. The Foothills Parkway

This 31-mile long road is maintained by the National Park Service and is Tennessee's oldest unfinished highway project. Enter in Walland on US 321 to start the trek in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. There are plenty of overlooks and views on both sides. This parkway is great, in part, because commercial vehicles like large trucks are banned from using the road.

8. The Blue Ridge Parkway

Spanning all the way up to Biltmore Forest, North Carolina, this 80-mile road is another world-famous trek, filled with mountains, forests, twists, turns, tunnels and vistas. The parkway also extends up to Rockfish Gap, Virginia, for those who need a bit more of a trip. Like the Foothills Parkway, this route is closed to commercial travel, making it a stress-free experience. Along the way, you can tour the Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt II. Sometimes dubbed "America's Favorite Drive," what this road is most famous for is its foliage; definitely visit in the fall!

Stay Safe On All Motorcycle Roads in Tennessee

The diverse environments create opportunities for riders of all levels to get out there and experience a great ride. Ranging in difficulty from white-knuckle-creating, switchback-laden roads to peaceful, long drives, every motorcyclist can find their perfect ride in this state. But if anything goes wrong, especially if there's an accident, contact Steelhorse Law Group for a firm that knows how to fight for riders across Tennessee.