The 10 Top Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee + Maps

Oct 16, 2024

Did you know Tennessee has over 200,000 miles of public roads? That’s a lot of options for motorcycle rides! Whether you're looking to explore the countryside or take a ride up a mountain, there’s a route that’s just right for you. Some rides are perfect for a quick afternoon trip, while others let you make a whole day of it with stops along the way. In this blog, we’ll cover the top 10 motorcycle rides in Tennessee, sharing maps, starting points, and mileage for each one.

1. Highway 25W to Clinton and Lake City

Start: Clinton, TN

End: Lake City, TN

Approximate Miles: 9 miles

This ride starts in Clinton and heads north along Highway 25W to Lake City. Though it’s a short ride, it’s a favorite among local riders because it passes by Norris Dam, built in the 1930s as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority project. Many riders like to take a break here to check out the dam and learn a bit about its history.

2. Back Roads Crossing Two of East Tennessee’s Lakes

Start: Lenoir City, TN

End: Vonore, TN to Lenoir City (Loop)

Approximate Miles: 44 miles

This ride takes you through some of Tennessee's less-traveled back roads, starting in Lenoir City, riding toward Vonore, and ending back in Lenoir City. The route crosses both Fort Loudoun Lake and Tellico Lake, offering some great views of the water as you ride. One reason riders enjoy this route is the variety – you'll experience quiet, open roads and a few crossings over the lakes that give a unique feel to the trip.

Along the way, you’ll pass through small towns like Greenback, where you can make a quick stop for a bite to eat or just to stretch out. Fort Loudoun State Historic Park is also nearby, a site worth visiting for those interested in history. The roads are generally smooth and have enough curves to keep things interesting, but nothing too difficult, making it a good choice for riders of all skill levels.

3. Fall Creek Falls Loop

Start: Pikeville, TN

End: Pikeville, TN

Approximate Miles: 72 miles

The Fall Creek Falls Loop is a great ride for anyone looking to explore one of Tennessee’s most well-known state parks. This route starts and ends in Pikeville, creating a loop that circles through Fall Creek Falls State Park. The park is famous for its waterfalls, including the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern United States.

The ride itself covers about 72 miles and offers a mix of straight sections and easy curves, making it a smooth and enjoyable ride for everyone, no matter your experience level! As you go through the park, you’ll come up on several overlooks where you can pull over and take in the views or even go for a short hike. This, specifically, is one of the reasons riders love this loop – it’s not just about the road, but the fun things you can do along the way.

4. Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg to Cades Cove

Start: Gatlinburg, TN

End: Cades Cove, TN

Approximate Miles: 65 miles round trip

This ride through the Great Smoky Mountains is a favorite for many Tennessee riders. Starting in Gatlinburg, you’ll take Little River Road toward Cades Cove. The route is about 32 miles one way, offering views of streams, forests, and plenty of spots to stop and take it all in. It’s a ride that gives you a real feel for the Smokies without being too difficult.

Along the way, you can pull over to visit places like Laurel Falls or enjoy a break at one of the many roadside areas. Once you reach Cades Cove, you'll find a valley with a lot of history. This area was once home to early settlers in the 1800s, and you can still see some of their old cabins, churches, and even a working grist mill.

The loop through Cades Cove is an 11-mile, one-way road, giving you a slow-paced ride with plenty to see. After exploring the cove, you can head back to Gatlinburg the same way, making it a round trip of about 65 miles.

5. The Snake (Highway 421)

Start: Mountain City, TN

End: Bristol, TN

Approximate Miles: 33 miles

The Snake on Highway 421 is a ride many consider a rite of passage for Tennessee motorcyclists. Spanning close to 33 miles from Mountain City to Bristol, this route packs in 489 curves, offering both a challenge and an adventure. Riders usually venture on the Snake for the sharp turns, switchbacks, and elevation changes that make for an unforgettable experience.

Starting in Mountain City, the road goes into the Cherokee National Forest, where you’ll be surrounded by thick woods and a good look at the mountains. As you ride, make sure to stop at the Shady Valley Country Store, which some would consider a landmark for bikers. You can refuel and take a minute to see if anyone else has experienced or is currently riding the very same route you are–there’s usually always one!

Further along the route, you’ll come up on Backbone Rock, a quick detour worth taking. Known as the "shortest tunnel in the world," this rock formation has a narrow tunnel carved through it and makes for a great photo stop. Once the ride nears its end in Bristol, the road opens up to reveal unbelievable views of valleys and streams.

Want a Local to Show You the Best Roads in Tennessee?

Tennessee has some of the most well-known motorcycle routes in the country, from The Snake to the Smokies, but knowing which routes to combine and when to ride them takes local knowledge. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours led by riders who know these roads and can take you through the best stretches without spending the trip second-guessing every turn. If you're visiting and want to see more of Tennessee than you could plan on your own, a guided tour is a great way to make it happen.

6. Ocoee Scenic Byway (Highway 64)

Start: Ocoee, TN

End: Copperhill, TN

Approximate Miles: 40 miles

The Ocoee Scenic Byway is a ride worth taking if you want to see some of the best spots in the Cherokee National Forest. This route offers a bit of everything—great views, some history, and a smooth ride through the forest. Starting in Ocoee, this 40-mile route follows Highway 64 alongside the river, known for its strong rapids and rocky banks. One of the first sights you’ll pass is the Ocoee Dam, and a little farther down, you’ll find the Ocoee Whitewater Center, where the 1996 Olympic events were held.

7. Sequatchie Valley Scenic Drive

Start: Dunlap, TN

End: Sequatchie, TN

Approximate Miles: 26 miles

This motorcycle route through Sequatchie Valley gives you a chance to see a different side of Tennessee. Starting in Dunlap, the 26-mile route heads south through the valley with mountains lining both sides. The road is mostly flat, which makes for an easy and relaxed ride that’s best for beginners or those of you who don’t want to overdo it. 

As you ride through the valley, you’ll pass by small farms and open fields that give you a glimpse into the area’s agricultural roots. It’s not unusual to spot roadside stands selling fresh produce, especially during the growing season. If you’re up for a stop, Sequatchie Cove Farm is a great choice! They’re known for their cheeses and meats, so if you get hungry along the way, you’ll know where to go. 

8. Hwy 33 to Cherokee Dam and Panther Creek State Park

Start: Knoxville, TN

End: Panther Creek State Park, TN

Approximate Miles: 58 miles

Starting in Knoxville, you’ll head north on Hwy 33. One of the highlights of this route is Cherokee Dam. It’s a nice spot to take a quick break and check out the views over Cherokee Lake. The dam has a bit of history, too—it’s part of the Tennessee Valley Authority projects from the 1940s.

After the stop at the dam, you’ll continue toward Panther Creek State Park. This stretch of road has a mix of open sections and a few easy curves, making it a relaxing ride. Once you get to the park, you’ve got plenty of options: walk around, find a picnic spot, or just enjoy the view of the lake from one of the overlooks.

Riders like this route because it’s not too demanding, and it offers some great places to stop and take in the scenery. It’s perfect for when you want a solid ride with a few good breaks along the way.

9. The Blue Ridge Parkway

Start: Cherokee, NC

End: Mountain City 

Approximate Miles (TN portion): About 71 miles

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of those rides that you just have to experience. While the full parkway stretches from North Carolina to Virginia, Tennessee riders usually join in from Cherokee, NC, which isn’t too far from the state line. From there, you’ve got roughly 71 miles of road ahead, with plenty of places to pull over and take in the sights.

This is a route that you can decide when and where to stop. While our map stops at Mountain City, you can continue the journey to Virginia! 

10. Cades Cove Run

Start: Gatlinburg, TN

End: Cades Cove, TN (Loop)

Approximate Miles: 65 miles (round trip, including small loop)

The Cades Cove Run is a favorite for riders looking to enjoy a scenic and laid-back ride through the Great Smoky Mountains. Starting in Gatlinburg, you’ll head into the national park on Little River Road. Once you reach Cades Cove, you’ll enter the 11-mile one-way loop road. This area is known for its preserved cabins, churches, and other structures from the 1800s, giving you a feel for what life was like for early settlers in the Smokies. It’s also common to spot some wildlife, like deer, turkeys, and sometimes even a black bear, in the fields.

The loop itself is best enjoyed at a slower pace. There are pull-offs where you can park and explore or just take in the views of the mountains surrounding the cove. When you’ve finished the loop, you can head back to Gatlinburg the same way, wrapping up the day with about 65 miles of riding.

Experience the Best Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee with Riders Share

Tennessee has some of the best motorcycle roads, and there’s no better way to explore them than with a bike from Riders Share. Our motorcycle rentals in Tennessee give you the freedom to pick the right ride for any adventure, whether it's cruising through the Blue Ridge Parkway or taking on the curves of The Snake. If you’re in need of motorcycle rentals in Nashville, we’ve got you covered there too. Find your perfect ride and start your next journey on the open roads of Tennessee. Book your rental today!