RIDE

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Ride and See

We'll plan to do several medium-length day rides, interspersed with plenty of fun stops to hike, look at beautiful views, and gift shop.

Fun In Gatlinburg

We'll spend the evenings in Gatlinburg having dinner and enjoying the touristy city.

Holiday Weekend

So, it might be crowded because of the long weekend. Just be ready for delays and long waits at restaurants. Maybe.

BEARSKIN LODGE

Where Steve and Sherry are booked. Stay here, or pick your own!

RIDE SCHEDULE

This whole thing is subject to change. Weather, traffic, sleeping in, or whatever. The schedule is rough and speculative. Just go with it.

Sunday, September 3

Just Get there!

2PM   Leave from The Orchard

• Blue Ridge
• Murphy
• Andrews
• Nantahala Gorge
• Cherokee
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park

5:30PM   Arrive in Gatlinburg

Dinner in Gatlinburg

This ride takes a little over 3 hours. Since we're leaving so late, our goal is just to get to Gatlinburg before too late. There is a longer option, below.

A very scenic route would take us through Tellico Plains, along the beautiful Cherohala Skyway, and through Robbinsville. I would love to do this route, but it would add around 90 minutes to our ride, putting us into Gatlinburg a little later, but not after dark!

NICE DINNER SPOTS!

These are some of my favorite restaurants in Gatlinburg. All are walking distance from our hotel.

LOCO BURRO
A great Mexican restaurant with rooftop seating and a great view!

THE PEDDLER
Off the strip, and great steaks. Extensive salad bar!

CHEROKEE GRILL
On the strip, great environment, great steaks

SMITH & SON
Great burgers, ribs, and shrimp

NEW: JASON ALDEAN
There is already one of these in Nashville. I've never tried it, but hear it is good.

NEW: CUMBERLAND JACK'S
Sister restaurant of my absolute favorite breakfast place, Crockett's

Monday, September 4

Ride the big circle

10AM   Leave from Bearskin Lodge

• Pigeon Forge
• Foothills Parkway
• Tail of the Dragon
• Deal's Gap
• Fontana Dam
• Bryson City
• Cherokee/Oconoluftee
• Newfound Gap/Clingman's Dome

5PM   Return to Gatlinburg

This actual ride is just over 4 hours long, but I've allowed lots of extra time for lunch and other stops here and there.

Depending on how late it is, we could explore some of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the back end of this ride day if you like. A walk through the settler village at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center, a short hike to Laurel Falls, or a sunset view from Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the park. All of these are great excursions.

Tuesday, September 5

Take the Long Way Home

10AM   Leave from Bearskin Lodge

• Cherokee
• Moonshiner 28
• Franklin
• Cullasaja Falls
• Dry Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls
• Highlands (late lunch?)
• Warwoman Road
• Clayton
• Hiawassee
• Blairsville
• Blue Ridge

5PM   Arrive at Home!

This will be about a 4.5-hour ride, but broken up with some great stops! We'll stop for the three waterfalls between Franklin and Highlands.