Motorcycle Trails

Tennessee’s Long & Winding Roads hugging Nine Lakes and Two Appalachian Ranges- Smokies and Cumberlands
Smokies

 Ride the 9 Lakes Roads: East Tennessee’s Ultimate Motorcycle Trail Adventures

Welcome to the 9 Lakes Region, East Tennessee’s destination for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking both exhilarating rides and breathtaking landscapes. While iconic routes like the Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon draw riders from around the world, the region boasts a collection of lesser-known yet equally captivating roads that locals cherish. These “Long and Winding” curated rides offer a blend of urban charm and rural tranquility, weaving through diverse terrains that showcase the rich heritage and natural beauty of East Tennessee.

Embarking on these journeys, riders can traverse four National Parks, experience the serenity of a Scenic and Wild River, and explore the only National Forest in Tennessee. Along the way, numerous stops beckon for a photo op, a delicious meal, or a taste of local distilleries. For those seeking relaxation, marinas offer a perfect setting to unwind, share stories, and enjoy a picturesque sunset. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely scenic cruise or a challenging trail filled with twists and turns, adventure awaits in the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee.
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Hungry History Buff

Travel through time from a British Utopian Village to the Atomic Age. The ride is easy and the stops are plentiful. Each point along the trail depicts a moment in time where the landscape played a vital role in defining the culture of the region and shaping the history of the United States   131 miles/3 hours drive time

Blazing a Trail

The rolling farmlands and open roads of the valley make for a geographically interesting ride as you travel the road running parallel to the mountain ridges, clearly showing the necessity for a “gap” to get to the other side of the mountain. 126 miles/3 hours drive time

Mountain Survivor

The rolling farmlands and open roads of the valley make for a geographically interesting ride as you travel the road running parallel to the mountain ridges, clearly showing the necessity for a “gap” to get to the other side of the mountain. 126 miles/3 hours drive time

Still Water to White Water

Hugging the lake shoreline, this charming ride offers a nice balance of fairly easy to navigate mountain roads following the orginal Cherokee Warrior’s Path, across the Clinch Mountain, the Dixie Highway of the Civil War period and the Thunder Road of moonshine lore. 120 miles/3.5 hours drive time

Urban to Wilderness

Since the 1780s, Knoxville has served as a hub for East Tennessee and the nation. Consequently it is rich in both history and natural beauty. While there are many scenic routes in the Knoxville area, this route focuses on the downtown. 20 miles/1 hour drive time

Want a guide to any of these trails? Ask for the guide here.