RIDE

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS

Ride and See

We'll plan to do several medium-length day rides, (3-4 hours each) interspersed with plenty of fun stops to hike, look at beautiful views, and shop for souveneirs.

Fun In Gatlinburg

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

Gatlinburg.com

Holiday Weekend

So, it might be crowded because of the long weekend. Just be ready for delays and long waits at restaurants. Maybe. (it was absolutely no problem in 2023!)

JUST DO IT

Let me know if you'd like to go with us. If you have questions, I'll try to answer.

Steve Dusek 706-669-7814

email me here:

email Steve

BEARSKIN LODGE

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

Bearskin Website

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 1

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.

Sunday Longer Option:

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! The group picks the route today!

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 PARK GRILL
Great steaks, huge salad bar, walk from the hotel!

CHEROKEE GRILL
On the strip, great environment, great steaks

SMITH & SON
Great burgers, ribs, and shrimp

JASON ALDEAN
Good food. Upstairs bar with live music. Fun.

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

Monday, September 2

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.

Monday Longer Option:

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. **NOTE: Parking Pass now Required in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tuesday, September 3

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.