Southeast Swing: Robbinsville, NC - Waynesboro, TN

Robbinsville, NC -  Waynesboro, TN

360 miles

Started the day with another magnificent ride on the Cherohala Skyway....skies were clear with temps in the mid 30's by the time I reached the 5,400' summit near the Tennessee / North Carolina line. Much cooler than the tropical temps in South Florida just last week! Toward the end of the Cherohala, I opted to take a small winding road to see Bald River Falls which is a 100 foot waterfall nestled deep in the Cherokee National Forest. To my surprise this diversion ended up being one of the prettiest drives of the trip....you just never know what you will find on the road less traveled! 

I used Butler's Southern Appalachia map to find the best roads when planning the remainder of this leg through Tennessee and I was surely not disappointed! One of the highlights was the gorgeous Ocoee River area, which is popular for whitewater rafting and for hosting whitewater slalom events during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Great camping, hiking and mountain biking in this area as well....a true outdoor paradise! 

Just outside of Chattanooga, I continued my way through the winding roads of the Sequatchie Valley to the lovely hamlet of South Pittsburg, home of the National Cornbread Festival being held this weekend. Who would have thought? 

No trip through this region would be complete without a stop at one of the many famed whiskey distilleries that operate in this area. I took a few minutes to check out the Jack Daniels Distillery and visitor center in historic Lynchburg. It is the oldest registered distillery in the US dating back to 1866! Really interesting facilities and grounds.....much to be learned about the history of Old No. 7 and how it's made! 

Finished my day with a great ride through the rolling countryside to Waynesboro....my first beautiful sunset on a nice evening in the saddle! 

Cherohala magic! 

50 miles of motorcycling bliss

A river runs through it

Gorgeous Bald River

Bald River Falls

Here's to the road less traveled! 

A relaxing stretch of the Ocoee River 

Say hello to Mr Daniel

Sweet setup at Jack's joint

Southeast Swing: Helen, GA - Robbinsville, NC

Helen,  GA -  Robbinsville, NC

280 miles

Every once in a while you have a day that exceeds your every expectation...this was one of those days!

Departed Helen for the remaining portion of the Six Gap ride and enjoyed it so much that I double backed and rode several sections I rode yesterday.....the mountains of northern Georgia could not have been more inviting!

Crossed into North Carolina and meandered through the beautiful Nantahala National Forest enroute to Robbinsville. This area has well maintained, wide open roads and offers an abundance of things to see. A truly beautiful part of the country....

Started the afternoon with the Cherohala Skyway....this is one of the best rides I have been on anywhere. I really enjoyed the smooth flow of the sweepers and the absolutely gorgeous views. Saw just a handful of people on this leg....had the entire place to myself!

Following the Cherohala, I continued North to Tennessee on scenic US 360 then picked up US 129 back South to the Tail of the Dragon. It literally started to rain as I got to the northern start of the Dragon which added a whole new dimension to my ride here compared to last year! The Dragon is relatively short at just 11 miles but it really keeps you busy with switchbacks, hairpins, off-camber turns, decreasing radius turns and the like. Throw some moisture on the pavement and you'll get to ratchet the intensity up a few notches......quite a challenge but super fun! No better way to end a memorable day of riding....... 

Post card view of Nantahala National Forest

The Cherohala never fail to impress

Oh the grandeur of it all

A few of the Dragon's 318 curves

A wet Dragon is even more treacherous 

North Carolina line near Deal's Gap

All hail to the fire breather

Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort 

Tree of Shame - Remnants of Dragon victims since the 80's

Motorcycles rule the roost here