Motorcycling Guide to Tennessee

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Geography of Tennessee

Tennessee is geographically and culturally divided into three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

• East Tennessee is mountainous, featuring the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ridge and Valley Region, and Cumberland Plateau. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the state’s most scenic and twisty roads.
• Middle Tennessee includes rolling hills, karst landscapes, and farmland, with the Highland Rim surrounding the Central Basin (Nashville Basin).
• West Tennessee is dominated by the Gulf Coastal Plains, with flat terrain transitioning to wetlands and oxbow lakes near the Mississippi River.

Top Routes and Destinations in Tennessee

• Tail of the Dragon: 318 curves in 11 miles, a legendary test of riding skill.
• Cherohala Skyway: A scenic route through Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests with high-elevation views.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Endless curvy roads and breathtaking vistas, including US 441/Newfound Gap.
• SR 32: A lesser-known but challenging road with rapid-fire curves.
• Johnson City & the Southern Dozen: Includes "The Snake" (US 421), a 40-mile stretch with nearly 500 curves.
• Roan Mountain: Dual Tennessee/North Carolina roads offering stunning climbs.
• Nashville Urban Explorer: A route designed for exploring Nashville’s music scene by motorcycle.
• Natchez Trace Parkway: A long-distance tour through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, rich in history and scenery.
• Great River Road (US 51): Follows the Mississippi River, with opportunities to explore wetlands and wildlife refuges.

ADV Motorcycle Routes in Tennessee

• Southeast BDR Trail: A popular off-road route through eastern mountains, extending to the Gulf Coast.
• Cherokee National Forest: Offers forest roads and trails near Tellico Plains.
• Buffalo Mountain ATV Trail: Accessible via the U.S. Forest Service.
• Great Smoky Mountains: Numerous gravel roads and guided tour options.
• Windrock Park: The largest private ATV riding area in the U.S., with 300 miles of trails over 73,000 acres.
• LBL 200: A two-day ADV event in the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area.

Tips for Motorcycling in Tennessee

• Best Times to Ride: Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) for mild weather and lower traffic. Fall offers stunning foliage but higher traffic.
• Summer Riding: Hot, humid, and crowded, but manageable with preparation.
• Weather: Unpredictable, especially in the mountains (fog, rain) and valleys (flash flooding). Gear up appropriately.
• Regional Challenges:
  • East Tennessee: Tight, blind curves and steep grades.
  • Middle Tennessee: Farm equipment on narrow gravel roads.
  • West Tennessee: Wet conditions and strong winds on flat farmland.
• Wildlife: Deer, turkey, and bears may appear on roads, especially in rural areas.
• Laws:
  • Helmets are mandatory for riders and passengers.
  • Open-faced helmets require a windshield or goggles.
  • Lane splitting is prohibited.
  • Strict traffic law enforcement; avoid speeding.

Major Tennessee Motorcycle Events

• June Bug Boogie (summer/fall)
• Exposition of Elegance Classic Car and Motorcycle Show (summer)
• Buffalo River Biker Rally (early fall)
• Smoky Mountain Bike Week (fall)
• LBL 200 (fall)

Off-Bike Activities in Tennessee

• Dollywood
• Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge
• Clingmans Dome
• Cades Cove
• Fall Creek Falls
• Graceland
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• Sun Studio
• Beale Street
• Tennessee State Museum
• Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
• Belle Meade Historic Site
• National Civil Rights Museum
• Shiloh National Military Park
• Stones River National Battlefield
• Raccoon Mountain Caverns
• Bass Pro Shops Pyramid
• Tennessee Aquarium