Day 5 Stecoah the Blue Ridge Parkway Gatlinburg
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 12-02-2021
Route Summary
Day 5 of our 6 day vacation in Tennessee and North Carolina. America is pre-eminently a country to explore on a motorcycle. There are many travel organizations that offer organized tours, but the charm is also to map out routes and drive on your own.
Good motorbike rental companies can be found throughout the country and the bikes are often of the latest model and well maintained.
We drive on the beautiful roads in the states of Nashville and North Carolina and this area is characterized by the beautiful idyllic landscape with provincial two-lane roads that wind through the landscape with many curves, you can visit beautiful towns, villages and places of interest.
Be careful though, because the roads are sometimes of very poor quality and hardly or not lit up in the dark.
For each route there is a more detailed description in the review.
The route is suitable for TomTom, Garmin, Harley-Davidson BoomBox 2 (2019 model) and MyRoute-app Navigation.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
7h 52m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
456.36 km
Countries
Pounding Mill Overlook of the Smoky Mountains (RP10)
RouteXpert Review
Day 5 today we drive from Stecoah to Gaitlinburg via part of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a very long route of about 452 kilometers, the first 50 kilometers we therefore also drive via the highway, it is less interesting to drive but we can hurry the first part and still enjoy the beautiful panoramas en route. At RP5 we leave the highway and here also starts the beautiful Cherokee Indian Reservation, where Cherokee Indians have lived for centuries, the 56,000 hectare reserve is still linked to ancient customs, culture, history and traditions. For the enthusiasts there are also museums etc. to visit, plan an extra day for that because the area is large and there is much to see and do.
At RP6 we stop to take a photo of the Soco Falls waterfalls, a beautiful double waterfall near the Blue Ridge Parkway between Cherokee and Maggie Valley. A five-minute walk from the parking lot leads to a viewing platform. To the left of the viewing platform a steep path descends to the top of the smaller fall and further down to the creek under the waterfalls. This path is not maintained and is very slippery. It is not recommended to follow this path further. Do not enter the creek above the falls. Tragically, several people were killed at the waterfalls of North Carolina.
RP7 starts The Blue Ridge Parkway, a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, known for its picturesque beauty. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest linear park in America, is 759 km long and runs through 29 counties of Virginia and North Carolina. It connects Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It runs along the back of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an important mountain range that is part of the Appalachian Mountains.
The entire Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful route that you can drive in 3 to 4 days, I also wrote a review of which I placed the link at the bottom of this review.
We will only drive part of it, but there are points where we can stop to enjoy the beautiful panoramas, these points are marked with a route point;
RP8 Richland Balsam Overlook, also the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway at an altitude of 1845m (6053ft).
RP9 Herrin Knob Overlook at 1679m (5510ft). Although misspelled, Herrin Knob was named after James Herren who owned land and operated a sawmill here.
RP10 Pounding Mill Overlook at 1433m (4700ft). More than a century ago, mountain people would have built a hammer-type mill to grind corn. These mills were powered by water and built along streams such as Pounding Mill Branch.
RP11 Pisgah Inn Overlook, here we stop a little longer to have lunch in the restaurant with a great view and good dishes.
After lunch we drive further and at RP12 we leave the Blue Ridge Highway to refuel.
At RP14, here you have two options;
1) Continue straight on the Blue Ridge Highway to the summit of Mount Mitchell (RP15), the highest point (2037m - 6684ft) east of Mississippi. This point is easily reached via a beautiful winding road from the Parkway. This is about 85 km up and down and takes about 2 hours, so if you want to save time you can go for option 2.
2) Turn left and continue to Hot Springs (RP18).
Hot Springs with its 567 inhabitants is perhaps best known for its hot mineral springs, but you can certainly find many other things to do! This village in Madison County is just 40 minutes north of Asheville at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail (right through the center) and the French Broad River. Hot Springs is surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest and is a retreat for those looking for outdoor adventure, healing and relaxation, or a quiet romantic getaway. So a nice village to stop for a while.
We continue the journey through the Pisgah National Forest to our final destination Gatlinburg, a bustling city with a lot of history and where there is a lot to do.
Despite a small piece of highway, this route is certainly worth 5 *****. The roads on the Blue Ridge Parkway are a dream for every motorcyclist and the panoramas along the way are breathtaking.
For those who have more time, a longer visit to the Cherokee Indian Reservation is recommended.
Soco Falls (RP6)
Hot Springs NC (RP18)
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Nearby routes
North Carolina
About this region
North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the 50 United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and Tennessee to the west. Raleigh is the state's capital and Charlotte is its largest city. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated population of 2,569,213 in 2018, is the most-populous metropolitan area in North Carolina, the 23rd-most populous in the United States, and the largest banking center in the nation after New York City. The Raleigh-Durham-Cary combined statistical area is the second-largest metropolitan area in the state, with an estimated population of 2,079,687 in 2019, and is home to the largest research park in the United States, Research Triangle Park.
Earliest discoveries of human occupation in North Carolina date back to 10,000 years ago, found at the Hardaway Site. North Carolina was inhabited by Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan speaking tribes of Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans. North Carolina was established as a royal colony in 1729 and was one of the Thirteen Colonies. North Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England who first formed the English colony, Carolus being Latin for "Charles". The Halifax Resolves resolution adopted by North Carolina on April 12, 1776, was the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies during the American Revolution.On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States constitution. In the run-up to the American Civil War, North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, becoming the tenth of eleven states to join the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, the state was restored to the Union on July 4, 1868. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina's Outer Banks. North Carolina uses the slogan "First in Flight" on state license plates to commemorate this achievement, alongside a newer alternative design bearing the slogan "First in Freedom" in reference to the Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves.
North Carolina is defined by a wide range of elevations and landscapes. From west to east, North Carolina's elevation descends from the Appalachian Mountains to the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain. North Carolina's Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 m) is the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone; however, the western, mountainous part of the state has a subtropical highland climate.
Read more on Wikipedia
Earliest discoveries of human occupation in North Carolina date back to 10,000 years ago, found at the Hardaway Site. North Carolina was inhabited by Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan speaking tribes of Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans. North Carolina was established as a royal colony in 1729 and was one of the Thirteen Colonies. North Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England who first formed the English colony, Carolus being Latin for "Charles". The Halifax Resolves resolution adopted by North Carolina on April 12, 1776, was the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies during the American Revolution.On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States constitution. In the run-up to the American Civil War, North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, becoming the tenth of eleven states to join the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, the state was restored to the Union on July 4, 1868. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina's Outer Banks. North Carolina uses the slogan "First in Flight" on state license plates to commemorate this achievement, alongside a newer alternative design bearing the slogan "First in Freedom" in reference to the Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves.
North Carolina is defined by a wide range of elevations and landscapes. From west to east, North Carolina's elevation descends from the Appalachian Mountains to the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain. North Carolina's Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 m) is the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone; however, the western, mountainous part of the state has a subtropical highland climate.
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Amount of RX reviews (North Carolina)
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Amount of visitors (North Carolina)
605
Amount of downloads (North Carolina)
Route Collections in this region
The Original Southern Dozen Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee Virginia and North Carolina
The Southern Dozen; hit the throttle and hold on tight!
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
View Route Collection
13 Routes
2657 km
50h 5m
The 10 most downloaded routes in the USA from RouteXpert Hans van de Ven
Hello and welcome to this collection of the Top 10 MyRoute app downloaded routes in USA.
There will be a great new event to be announced soon, where all these routes can be driven.
Download them all now and place them in a new "Top 10" folder, so that you always have them at hand.
If you are going to drive one of these routes in the meantime, track them with the MRA Mobile App or with MRA Navigation. Take some photos (moments) along the way as these will come in handy.
Create a travelogue of your Top 10 driven routes and add the recorded track to it.
There will also be some great prizes on offer, so keep an eye on the MRA-RouteXperts page and your mail.
The 10 routes are:
1. D13 Estes Park Denver
2. D03 Chadron Custer
3. D01 Pigeon Forge round trip through the Smokey Mountains
4. D08 Kalispell Sandpoint
5. D10 Colville Wenatchee
6. D09 Sandpoint Colville
7. D04 Custer Wall
8. D11 Wenatchee Seattle
9. D08 Cody Yellowstone NP
10.R13 San Francisco Monterey
There will be a great new event to be announced soon, where all these routes can be driven.
Download them all now and place them in a new "Top 10" folder, so that you always have them at hand.
If you are going to drive one of these routes in the meantime, track them with the MRA Mobile App or with MRA Navigation. Take some photos (moments) along the way as these will come in handy.
Create a travelogue of your Top 10 driven routes and add the recorded track to it.
There will also be some great prizes on offer, so keep an eye on the MRA-RouteXperts page and your mail.
The 10 routes are:
1. D13 Estes Park Denver
2. D03 Chadron Custer
3. D01 Pigeon Forge round trip through the Smokey Mountains
4. D08 Kalispell Sandpoint
5. D10 Colville Wenatchee
6. D09 Sandpoint Colville
7. D04 Custer Wall
8. D11 Wenatchee Seattle
9. D08 Cody Yellowstone NP
10.R13 San Francisco Monterey
View Route Collection
10 Routes
2439.8 km
58h 27m