Mountain Biking, Motorcycling & ATV Adventures
Recent trail developments in the Cherokee National Forest have made East Tennessee one of the hottest mountain biking, motorcycling, and off-road destinations in the Southeast.
Mountain Biking Motorcycle AdventuresATVs & Off-Road Tellico Ranger Station
For MOUNTAIN BIKERS, the Clemmer/Clear Creek Loop in the nearby Chilhowee Mountain Recreation Area is ideal. Described by one off-road magazine as the "Best Mountain Bike Rides of the Southeast," the Clemmer is located near the Ocoee River in nearby Polk County. This trail offers "easy to moderate climbs and smooth, well-constructed singletrack." The scenic views abound on this trail; you'll pass Lake Ocoee, broad overlooks and a large waterfall. Don't forget to stop by the Ocoee River on your way out to check out the whitewater hotdogs. Camping is available at the Chilhowee Campground for $12 a night."
For More Information, Contact the Ocoee Whitewater Center at 423-338-5201.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK, VOL 4 by Jim Parham details 35 rides that can be found in the Cherokee National Forest area, as well as in the Big South Fork Recreation Area, Panther Creek State Park, and the town of Norris watershed. In this widely varying terrain, routes range from four to 22 miles, from flat to steep and technical. Each route description includes a detailed map, directions to the starting point, mileage, estimated riding time, trail highlights, and elevation profile. And like all the volumes in the Off The Beaten Track series, this book includes guidelines for riding in the National Forest, lodging and camping information, and area resources for cyclists, including local bike shops.
For MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS, nothing beats the thrill of conquering the Tail of the Dragon. Considered the road with the "best curves in the US" by Sync Magazine, the Dragon's Tail essentially combines the beauty and treachery of both Deal's Gap in North Carolina and the Cherohala Skyway in both Tennessee and NC.
Starting in Tellico Plains, many bikers take the scenic Cherohala Skyway (Hwy 165/143) to Robbinsville, NC. From there, they head north along Hwy 129 through the area known as Deals Gap and Tapoco, wind around lots of curves and make a left on Hwy 72. From there, they get on Hwy 411 south and take a left on Hwy 360 back to Tellico. You can also take a little extra time to explore the "Mini-Dragon" on the Hwy 28 loop from Tapoco back to Robbinsville. Click on map below to enlarge.
These beautiful scenic mountain roads may take you a day or two to cover, but it's well worth the ride. Don't be in a hurry, however. Those curves take their daily toll on mortocyclists, averaging one death per year and multiple accidents. Park Rangers urge folks to watch the road, then pull over to a rest stop for the scenery.
Great stops along the way include Bald River Falls and Indian Boudary Lake (TN), and the Joyce Kilmer Forest and Santeetlah Lake (NC).
The Cherohala Skyway in Tennessee.
The Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina.
ATV-ERS & BACK-ROAD ENTHUSIASTS can check find the best trails for riding by contacting the Tellico Ranger Station for a map and list of off-road trails. Also check out the many off-road excursions starting from the Cherohala Skyway.