A Sunday Loop: GA, TN, & NC

[nga]

So, I decided to head out on a ride Sunday. The weather was cloudy with a slight chance of rain, so I was off. I planned to leave Ellijay, GA via Hwy 282 West to Chatsworth, GA, and take Hwy 411 north into Tennessee to just north of Vonroe. I turned right on Hwy 72 and rode this higway until it ended at U.S. 129. I took a right (south) on 129, all the way to the Foothills Parkway. I got on the Foothills, which is just like the Blue Ridge Parkway, but shorter, and took this road to Townsend, TN. Once in Townsend, I fueled up, and headed into Cades Cove. As I made my way around the Cades Cove Loop Road, the traffic was slow, but the views were excellent. I got a few shots of some turkeys and of course, the mountains. Toward the back end of the loop road, I got on Forge Creek Road, and made my way to Parson Branch Road - an eight mile one way gravel road, which takes you to U.S. 129 (The Dragon).

Here are the shots so far: I left Chatsworth, GA about 1 p.m.











This is on Hwy 72 in Tennessee:





The intersection with 129:





A dam, just before the Foothills Parkway:














The Foothills Parkway - about 18 miles I think - and it's great:























The Cades Cove approach road:











In Cades Cove:























Here's where it gets better!














Parson Branch was in relatively good shape. I had the TCS turned off. There were a few spots where fresh gravel was placed and it was soft, but otherwise really good:


























At Deal's Gap, it was real quite. I guess the season's not really started yet.





So from Deal's Gap, I took Hwy 28 - probably my favorite road - to Hwy 74 through the Nantahala Gorge to Andrews, NC; Murphy, NC. I got on Spur 60 to Mineral Bluff, GA, turned left on GA 60 to Hwy 515 South, through Blue Ridge, GA, and back to Ellijay, GA.

Here are the finishing pics:


On Hwy 28:





























In the Nantahala Gorge:




















I got home about nine. I would have made it a bit earlier, but I stopped to get some Mexican take out. Hope you enjoy this little ride.

 

[Salmon Sam]

Great trip and pics, NGA. Will be doing that in a couple of weeks. Coming down from the Great Northwest for a bit of business in NC and then a bit of fun. Did it last year. Love Parsons Branch Road. Going to rent through GSMotorent in Townsend, TN. Last year I took the ST and my buddy took the GS. Since I now own an ST, I am going to let him ride it and I will take the GS. Should be an interesting comparison.
Those some of the best motorcycling roads around! You are lucky to live so close.

 

[TNWalker]

Nice Report! Those are some the most scenic and fun roads there are to ride on anywhere. Lucky to have them all relativly nearby.


::022:: ::26::

 

[eemsreno]

Great pictures
I need to make a trip out your way.
I just need to make a trip any way.

 

[TommyBwell]

Nicely done. Great pics. Great ride.

 

[spklbuk]

Sweet ride on a sweet machine! Thanks for taking us along. ::022::

 

[super ten]

I've made that circle before myself. Nga; I'm at hill city just south of ya. Let me know next time if ya want. Good pics

 

[trikepilot]

Gorgeous country! Lived there in Asheville for 10+ years through 2006. If all goes well, I'll be back there in January for 2.5 years of grad school and plenty more riding. We'll have to hook up for some rides!

 

[BaldKnob]

Very nice, NGA. I rode Parson's last year for the 1st time and feel it is worth the drive into the Cove to get to it. All the water crossings, the packed gravel and rainforest like cover for the entire length of road. As a bonus, you exit onto the Gap! Check out Old Santeellah Rd/North River Rd next time you ride the Cherohala Skyway. Most of this improved gravel road is tame and so easy a caveman can do it but the climb from NC into TN is a mile of incline with lots of loose gravel and washboard clay underneath. Enjoy!

 

[clint64]

Great loop. I agree with you on Hwy 28 south from the dragon. Love that road.