7 Epic Motorcycle Routes Near Nashville
Here at Nashville Motos, we love riding motos as much as we love selling them. Tennesee is home to some of the best riding in the country and we want to make sure you’re able to take advantage of it. This is a list of some of our favorite local rides for you to take advantage of.
With rivers, lakes, forests, hills and some great food, you’re going to need to keep an eye on the fuel guage and keep the rubber side down. Need a bike? We got you >>
1. The Tail of the Dragon (Deal’s Gap)
This epic 11 mile ride goes along the great Smoky Mountains national Park. The tail of the dragon is located in a rural area near the South Carolina/Tennessee border. On the north end of the route you have Tallahassee. There are beautiful views of forest soaked mountains running along awesome curves. This all-time ride brings in writers from everywhere in the world. The Blue Ridge Mountains are on the east and the great smoky mountains are on the west, offering road altitudes over 5000 feet with 16 amazing mountain peaks nearby.
2. Natchez Trace Parkway
Do you have what it takes for this 430 mile motorcycle ride? Starting in Mississippi in the north, all the way down south to Tennessee, the Natchez trace Parkway is an unreal motorcycle road. Stretches of curvy roads soaked with trees, the US Department of transportation has name this and all American Road. Try to catch it in the spring when the trees are budding. The Natchez Trace Parkway follows a very historic path, almost 8,000 years old. This route was taken by armies, conquistadors, Native Americans, boatmen and early settlers. You will also find the highest point of Mississippi here.
3. The Best of the Snake / The Snake 421
The Snake is another name for a long series of rides in Tennesee. Arguably the best and most famous section is Highway 421 and 34, located in the north east part of Tennessee. There are 489 curves over the 37 miles span with lots of great elevation changes. The snake twists and turns through three different mountains in the Cherokee national forest. Less busy than the tail of the dragon, the snake might be one of the best rides in Tennessee.
4. Cumberland Plateau Tour
The upper Cumberland plateau tour is a fairly new motorcycle destination. There’s been a lot more traffic since people have learned about this amazing ride. This plateau spans from northern Alabama through Tennessee and all the way to Kentucky. With an average elevation of 1400 feet it stands tall over its surroundings. The sandstone plateau is full of ravines, caves and waterfalls, an amazing sight to see on a bike. The winding roads here are perfect for a motorcycle ride.
5. Cherohala Skyway
Start at Tellico Plains and get on Highway 165, then take a right on to Cherohala Skyway. You’ll head up into the beautiful mountains on your way to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Gas up your bike and get some good food in the Tellico Plains.
6. Nashville to Ashland City
Starting at Eaton’s Creek all the way to Ashland City, you’ll find amazing twisty roads and some beautiful farmland. This route is close to town, only 23 miles out.
7. The Tennesee Baby Dragon / Highway 232
Highway 232 is sometimes called the Baby Dragon since it is so curvy. The Baby Dragon has long, flowing sweepers and is definitely a good warm-up for the real deal. Starting in Dover Tennessee, 80 miles north west of Nashville, you’ll head west on US 79 for about 8 miles, that’s where the fun starts. Get on Highway 232 heading south and follow this for about 12 miles until you hit route 147.
