7 Best Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee 2026: Twisty & Scenic Roads
Looking for the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee in 2025–2026? From the world-famous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and the Natchez Trace Parkway to hidden gems like Tennessee’s Baby Dragon (TN-232) and the Devil’s Triangle, Tennessee delivers America’s twistiest roads and stunning Smoky Mountain scenery.
Below are the top 7 best Tennessee motorcycle rides — complete with free Google Maps routes, distances, insider tips, and the latest 2025–2026 pavement updates. Whether you’re searching for curvy roads near Nashville, Knoxville, or Chattanooga, these are the must-ride routes every motorcyclist needs on their bucket list.
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MOTORCYCLE RIDES NEAR ME IN TENNESSEE
Home to some of the most famous motorcycle roads in the country, TN offers variety from the white-knuckled ‘Dragon’ to the more relaxed and scenic Natchez Trace Parkway. Consequently, there are plenty of excellent motorcycle rides to be found in this great state. So, this list will definitively answer your question – “What are the best motorcycle rides near me in Tennessee (TN)?”
TIPS FOR TENNESSEE MOTORCYCLE RIDES
If you’re searching for the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee, this state offers incredible riding almost year-round. However, summers can get hot and humid, while winters bring occasional frost, especially in the higher elevations of the Smokies.
For this reason, the best time to ride most Tennessee motorcycle roads is spring and fall when humidity drops and wildflowers or fall colors are vibrant.
IS THERE A HELMET LAW IN TENNESSEE?
While you’re riding these TN motorcycle trips, be aware of the state’s motorcycle helmet law. According to TN law, an approved safety helmet is required to be worn by motorcyclists. Also, the motorcyclist also must wear eye protection
unless his/her motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
Read more:
tntrafficsafety.org
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1. Deals Gap (Tail of the Dragon): Tennessee’s Most Famous Twisty Motorcycle Road
- START/END: Robinsville, NC to Tabcat Creek Bridge
- ROUTE: US-129 / 115
- DISTANCE: 11 miles
- RIDE TIME: 30 mins
- BEST TIME: Apr-Oct (mild temps)
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap remains America’s most famous motorcycle ride — packing 318 curves into just 11 intense miles on the TN/NC border. In fact, this stretch of U.S. 129 is a beautiful piece of road, perfectly engineered in banking, immaculately paved, and combining a pleasing rhythm of tight turns – the appeal of this adventure is actually just riding it. Additionally, the motorcycle ride on Deals Gap has zero intersections or driveways.
However, its popularity means heavy traffic on weekends. For the best runs in 2025–2026, plan to ride the Tail of the Dragon weekday mornings or late afternoons. Moreover, recent repaves have made it smoother than ever. Still, this
curvy Tennessee motorcycle road is truly like no other — the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is a definite “bucket list” ride for any accomplished motorcyclist.
(photo: neilpeart.net)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
2. Cherohala Skyway: Best Scenic Sky-High Motorcycle Ride in Tennessee
- START/END: Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, NC
- ROUTE: TN-165
- DISTANCE: 24 miles (TN side)
- RIDE TIME: 30 mins
- BEST TIME: May-Oct
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
“A drive among the clouds”, the Cherohala Skyway is one of the best Tennessee motorcycle rides
. The Cherohala Skyway is a motorcyclist’s dream route that reaches elevations of over 5400 feet high. It climbs from Tellico Plains to over 5,400 feet across 43 miles of pristine mountain highway.
While the Tail of the Dragon gets most of the praise for its legendary curves, many will testify the Cherohala Skyway is more enjoyable. The curves open up and relax a bit more, yet they keep coming one after another with the added dimension of long winding climbs and descents.
Because traffic stays light year-round, it’s perfect for motorcyclists who love curves and also get the benefit of the Cherohala’s extraordinary mountainside forest scenery. In 2025, pavement remains excellent with fresh striping. May–October is a great time to ride for those planning this Tennessee motorcycle trip, because of the regions clear skies and fall colors. Stop at Bald River Falls or the many pull-offs for photos — this is Tennessee motorcycling at its finest.
Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link
3. Foothills Parkway: Tennessee’s Best Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Cruise
- START/END: US-129 to Wears Valley
- ROUTE: Foothills Pkwy
- DISTANCE: 32 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1 hour
- BEST TIME: Sept-Nov (fall colors)
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Foothills Parkway offers one of Tennessee’s most serene motorcycle experiences. It features 32 miles (new sections fully open in 2025) of billboard-free, commercial-free riding along the Great Smoky Mountains edge.
While the southern sections deliver gentle sweepers and panoramic vistas, the newer northern “Missing Link” adds more technical curves. Consequently, you get Dragon-level views without the crowds. Ride early morning for fog-free overlooks and zero traffic. The Foothills Parkway is a perfect motorcycle ride for all skill levels craving peaceful Smoky Mountain scenery.
(photo: Patrick Hale)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
4. Natchez Trace Parkway: Most Relaxing Motorcycle Ride in Tennessee
- START/END: Nashville to AL border
- ROUTE: Natchez Trace Pkwy
- DISTANCE: 100 miles (TN side)
- RIDE TIME: 2 hours
- BEST TIME: Sept-Nov (vibrant foliage)
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers the best relaxing motorcycle ride in Tennessee — especially if you’re near Nashville. This 100-mile Tennessee section of the historic 444-mile parkway bans commercial trucks, billboards, and stoplights entirely. Consequently, this all-American road offers plenty of scenic nature views while you traverse the hills by motorcycle.
In particular, gentle rolling hills and 50 mph limits make it ideal for cruisers and beginners. Moreover, 2025 resurfacing has made it a smooth Tennessee motorcycle ride. Additionally, plan a ride in the spring or fall for perfect weather and vibrant colors. If you’re looking for stress-free miles just west of Nashville, the
Natchez Trace Parkway
is the perfect ride for you. Just cruise among the beautiful scenery and historic sites and enjoy one of the best Tennessee motorcycle roads!
(photo: natcheztracetravel.com)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
EXPLORE MORE >>
5. Newfound Gap Road: Most Scenic Motorcycle Road in Tennessee
- START/END: Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC
- ROUTE: US-441
- DISTANCE: 36 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1 hour
- BEST TIME: Apr-Oct
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
Newfound Gap Road (US-441) delivers one of the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting in Gatlinburg (just 45 minutes from Knoxville), this 33-mile round-trip climb takes you to 5,046 feet with a full corkscrew and flawless switchbacks.
The ride to the North Carolina border is about 17 miles, then about 19 miles if you’re riding down to Cherokee, NC on the other side of the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
.
However, it’s best to select your road trip here wisely, as tourist traffic peaks in summer and also for the fall foliage season. Therefore, ride it early or on weekdays in 2025–2026 for a more enjoyable experience by motorcycle. Additionally, Pack a jacket — it’s always cooler at the top. This is the ultimate “
motorcycle rides near me” answer for anyone staying in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
Click here for the Google maps motorcycle route link
6. Tennessee Route 232: Tennessee’s Baby Dragon Motorcycle Ride
- START/END: Dover to Stewart
- ROUTE: TN-232
- DISTANCE: 14 miles
- RIDE TIME: 30 mins
- BEST TIME: Mar-Nov
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
Tennessee Route 232, known as the Baby Dragon, gives riders one of the best motorcycle rides in Tennessee when the real Dragon is too crowded. Just 20 minutes from Crossville (90 minutes east of Nashville), this 10-mile stretch serves up flowing sweepers and elevation changes with almost zero traffic.
In fact, many locals prefer Tennessee’s Baby Dragon to the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap on busy days. Additionally, 2025 pavement is excellent, making for a generally smooth motorcycle ride. For the best experience, ride it multiple times as a warm-up. Indeed, this motorcycle ride is so fun, you’ll probably want to turn around and ride it again! This twisty road is perfect for Middle and East Tennessee riders searching “
curvy motorcycle rides near me.”
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
7. Devil’s Triangle: Most Twisty Challenging Motorcycle Route in Tennessee
- START/END: Oliver Springs
- ROUTE: TN-62, TN-116, TN-330
- DISTANCE: 44 miles
- RIDE TIME: 1 hour
- BEST TIME: Apr-Oct
- GOOGLE MAPS: Ride link
- GPX FILE (PATREON MEMBERS): Download
The Devil’s Triangle is Tennessee’s raw, unforgiving answer to the Dragon — and many locals say it’s the best motorcycle road in Tennessee for pure technical challenge. This 70-mile loop northwest of Knoxville (near Oak Ridge and Wartburg) showcases tight hairpins and steep drop-offs. In fact, the tight twisting curves on the Devil’s Triangle motorcycle ride are as good as the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, but there are even more challenges here. Because of the deep rock-strewn gullies just off the pavement, ragged, rusty steel guard rails, steep drop offs and rock cliffs — all leave no room for error for motorcyclists.
Also, because of gravel patches in certain sections, it demands full attention for riders. However, recent 2025 repairs have improved the worst sections. Ride mid-week and stay off it in the rain. In conclusion, the Devil’s Triangle is best for advanced riders. But if you can conquer the Triangle, you’ll no doubt see you’ve truly earned Tennessee bragging rights!
(photo: devilstriangletn.com)
Click here for the
Google maps motorcycle route link
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Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local TN Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in Tennessee!
The world famous Dragon at Deals Gap (sometimes called Tail of the Dragon) motorcycle route begins at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort in North Carolina, and winds across the Tennessee state line. It is 11 miles in length.
Try to go the speed you are comfortable with before entering a tight curve. Avoid using your front brake while in the turn. Mountainside twisties often change in elevation, so if you’re not familiar with the road, go slower upon entry. If you think you’re losing the curve, don’t focus on what you’re afraid you’ll hit, such as a guardrail or oncoming vehicles. Keep your head turned in the direction you want to be. Don’t give up on the curve!
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WHERE CAN I FIND SCENIC MOTORCYCLE ROUTES NEAR ME AROUND TENNESSEE?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the place to find the best motorcycle roads and rides near Tennessee and the Southeast United States. Discover more great motorcycle roads in the Southeast with our detailed route descriptions and Google Maps links!
