71, 441 out of gatlinburg

[jeffm]

Any info on this road is needed . I am thinking about taking this road down to maggie valley . Would this be a good idea for a flat lander from illinois with no mountain riding experience ? One guy coming with me thinks this would be a good ride if we take our time . It looks like fun .

[nomadtom69]

When you say 71 is that I71 from where you live?
Then you would have to take I75 us 441 has a detour in Knoxville Not to bad has one or two circle curves where you run over where you have just been. If that bothers you I71 to I75 S to I640 e to I40 E and come off at Maggie Valley Exit all Super Slab

[jeffm]

We are staying sunday night in Knoxville . Thought about coming down to Gatlinburg . 441 looks like it goes right through the middle of smokey mountains national park . I guess it would the road between Gatlinburg & Cherokee . Hope that makes sense .

[oldbikers]

Jeffm you are correct and it is a nice ride if you are going to Gatlinburg on Monday the 13 from Knoxville the little group of 5 or 6 of us might see you there we will be leaving Lenoir City after breakfast Monday we will be taken 321 to 441 then to the Blue Ridge parkway to 19 to Maggie Valley.

[nomadtom69]

The only problem with 441 you have to go through the tourist side of the Smokeys if you come down toward Maryville and take us321 into Townsend and then tn73 around little river it comes out on the other side of Gatlinburg and back on us441 after all the tourist traps and red lights not a bad ride just take your time from the Wye in Townsend to Gatlinburg it is great scenary It is part of the ride we will be on it on the Dragon ride. There are several small motels in Townsend area also where you could stay the nite before hitting the Mountain. If you have any questions just pm me and I will try to answer I live in the area around Maryville.

[glwilson]

I would let the locals speak to those roads in detail, but from what I can see from the mapping, it looks like quite a nice, twisty, hilly ride. You'll be switch-backing up to a mountain top at one point -- which for me would be a fantastic ride.

[jeffm]

Our route is in the early stages right now . Looking at being in bardstown area sat afternoon , the knoxvile area sunday & then a leisurely trip into maggie valley monday early afternoon . Thanks for the info .

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by nomadtom69

The only problem with 441 you have to go through the tourist side of the Smokeys if you come down toward Maryville and take us321 into Townsend and then tn73 around little river it comes out on the other side of Gatlinburg and back on us441 after all the tourist traps and red lights not a bad ride just take your time from the Wye in Townsend to Gatlinburg it is great scenary It is part of the ride we will be on it on the Dragon ride. There are several small motels in Townsend area also where you could stay the nite before hitting the Mountain. If you have any questions just pm me and I will try to answer I live in the area around Maryville.

+1 - the best way without a doubt.

[oldbikers]

Originally Posted by usranger74

+1 - the best way without a doubt.

The only problem with that is ranger you have lived in that area and Tom you still do but some of us only get there once in a while and enjoy shopping in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and some of the people that are coming have never been there and may like to see it sure there is a lot of traffic but hell I am not in a hurry.

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by oldbikers

The only problem with that is ranger you have lived in that area and Tom you still do but some of us only get there once in a while and enjoy shopping in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and some of the people that are coming have never been there and may like to see it sure there is a lot of traffic but hell I am not in a hurry.

You are right Jim - I was address what I believe is the most scenic way. If shopping is in the cards - you will enjoy PF and Gatlinburg (I hope)

But, for those taking the route out lined by Tom, when you get to the Y (inside the Park) take a right and go to Cades Cover and ride the loop road. Then back to the Y and on to Gatlinburg. This suggestion will take you about 1 hr to 1.5 hrs w/o stops. But, you may want to stop and enjoy the views and history.

[jeffm]

[color=yellow:kicb7w10]But, for those taking the route out lined by Tom, when you get to the Y (inside the Park) take a right and go to Cades Cover and ride the loop road. Then back to the Y and on to Gatlinburg. This suggestion will take you about 1 hr to 1.5 hrs w/o stops. But, you may want to stop and enjoy the views and history. [/color:kicb7w10]

Great info . Not really a shopper but you never know the others might wan to look around . Tips like cades cover might fit our group better . Never riden in the mountains & looking at the topographic maps makes me think this could be very challenging . Not a brave person to begin with , let alone having two of us & our clothes on the bike might make it tough .

[MAS Tequila]

Originally Posted by jeffm

[color=yellow:048ryemx]But, for those taking the route out lined by Tom, when you get to the Y (inside the Park) take a right and go to Cades Cover and ride the loop road. Then back to the Y and on to Gatlinburg. This suggestion will take you about 1 hr to 1.5 hrs w/o stops. But, you may want to stop and enjoy the views and history. [/color:048ryemx]

Great info . Not really a shopper but you never know the others might wan to look around . Tips like cades cover might fit our group better . Never riden in the mountains & looking at the topographic maps makes me think this could be very challenging . Not a brave person to begin with , let alone having two of us & our clothes on the bike might make it tough .

It will only be tough if you try to ride too fast. Slow and easy will make it very enjoyable.

Don't try to keep up with anyone or anything. Ride at your own pace.

MT

[oldbikers]

Cades cove is a nice one way road that makes a circle in the park with lots of wildlife it is a nice ride. We may ride that to it depends on what the other folks want to do they will be 6 bikes and a car with us.

[usranger74]

Originally Posted by jeffm

[color=yellow:nfx1hl7h]But, for those taking the route out lined by Tom, when you get to the Y (inside the Park) take a right and go to Cades Cover and ride the loop road. Then back to the Y and on to Gatlinburg. This suggestion will take you about 1 hr to 1.5 hrs w/o stops. But, you may want to stop and enjoy the views and history. [/color:nfx1hl7h]

Great info . Not really a shopper but you never know the others might wan to look around . Tips like cades cover might fit our group better . Never riden in the mountains & looking at the topographic maps makes me think this could be very challenging . Not a brave person to begin with , let alone having two of us & our clothes on the bike might make it tough .

This map may help.

http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/map....ational%2 0Park

[AlabamaNomadRider]

In Cades Cove you can see a lot of deer and turkey. It is a little early to see any Black Bears. June and July seem to be best for seeing the bears.

If you have never seen Gatlinburg it is well worth seeing. Takes a little bit to get through town but a lot of sights to see. Getting warm and there will be a lot of girls trying to show off their bodies. You have to be careful or you will run over someone.