A motorcycle ride through the scenic Ocoee River Gorge in northeast Georgia takes you on a winding road with views of the lakes and the rushing river which cascades into it.
A series of dams control the flow on the river. During the daytime the dams increase the water released and the river rises allowing rafters and kayakers time to enjoy the whitewater rapids. When the floodgates open the boaters will ride along on the wave of water that pours down the canyon.
One of the best places to see this dramatic event is from a footbridge spanning the river above the Ocoee Whitewater Center where Olympic competitions were once held. we stopped one morning on our motorcycle travels to watch.
You’ll find the Ocoee River Gorge and the Whitewater Center on America Rides Maps –
2019 brings big changes to America Rides Maps motorcycle maps of the southern Appalachians – more area, more detail, and new maps!
The desire to expand the areas covered by America Rides Maps into the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia required a lot more work than expected. Since the maps connect and overlap, existing maps needed to be updated. I took this opportunity to include the most current data available and employ new skills learned since the last updates improving the detail and readability of what we currently had.
When I began there were 13 pocket maps available. Now there are 16 motorcycle ride maps which cover the great motorcycle roads found in the southeast mountains. 5 existing maps were reworked and three new ones introduced. In addition, one of the two large format maps was completely overhauled in the process.
The first step was updating the 3 maps which cover Virginia – Map #1, Map #2, and Map #3. For each of these maps we spent weeks on the road riding the old routes and scouting new ones, updating the information from direct experience and observation, visiting the sights, staying in the hotels and lodges, exploring and recording the new roads.
Map #1 – Great Rides Near the Start of the Blue Ridge Parkway This map was expanded to cover a larger area including more of the border with West Virginia. The previous map cut off before it reached Marlinton, WV, it now extends further west. It also extends further south clipping more of Lynchburg. The old map did a good job covering the main roads, the new map focuses on including more of the smaller side roads which stem from them, we found a lot worth adding.
Map #2 The Roads Of Roanoke and Beyond Map #2 got a significant shift to the west. The previous version covered more area east of Roanoke but there were few good roads there. The good riding is west of Roanoke so the focus shifted. Map #2 now extends well across the Virginia border into West Virginia adding a lot of new roads in a really beautiful riding area. We have some new favorite rides and places to visit and stay thanks to these explorations.
Map #3 North Carolina / Virginia Border Rides Map #3 was quite a challenge. It was expanded to cover more area both in Virginia and North Carolina. It was enlarged to include Pilot Mountain State Park & Hanging Rock State Park, a large section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and get in the full run of VA 16 – “The Back of the Dragon”. This is one of our favorite areas to ride in and it is better represented and easier to understand than it was on the previous two overlapping maps.
Once the Virginia maps were ready we moved on to the new West Virginia maps which overlap and connect to them on the border. Exploring West Virginia was a lot of work with a lot of rewards. I’ve not found such a variety of roads anywhere in the US. This first taste of it has us yearning to expand our coverage.
Map #10 West Virginia Border Rides – New River Area This new map covers the New River Gorge area and extends east to Snowshoe, West Virginia. The city of Beckley anchors the bottom left corner of the area shown. While compared to other maps there are not a lot of paved roads in large sections, more than 50 roads are featured and described and they are great rides. There are some outstanding scenic areas, lots of historic sights, and a handful of great little backroads for the adventurous rider to explore.
Map #11 West Virginia Border Rides – Coal Country The highlight of this map is the region southwest of Beckley, West Virginia, where you find yourself riding in historic coal country. Numerous roads extend back through the mountains to reach the mines, a few of which are right on the roadway. It also covers the New River area south of Beckley and the scenic roads which wind along broad rivers through historic towns. It picks up VA 16 at the Tazwell end of The Back of the Dragon which continues as a great curvy ride into the city. More than 100 roads are highlighted and described.
Next, it was time to update one of the big maps. Too much has changed over the last few years, the update was needed. The new maps looked so good I wanted to apply the new techniques so I rebuilt 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smokies from scratch.
Premium Map 100 Great Motorcycle Rides in the Smoky Mountains is my best work and best selling map. It was last updated in 2017. Nothing is as comprehensive or as detailed as this motorcycle ride map of the areas surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park but I knew I could do it better and I did. I had to add the new “missing link” section fo the Tennessee Foothills Scenic Parkway which was still in limbo at the last printing. Several motorcycle friendly locations on the previous version had gone out of business and there were new ones to be added. I wanted to push the limits and expand the map to include some really great roads not covered on any other map. Mission accomplished.
With the big map done, I used the data to expand another one of the pocket maps –
Map #8 – The Best Motorcycle Rides Near Smoky Park – NORTH Once again I pushed to expand the map and add more roads. I also updated the points of interest and added a lot of new ones, several more waterfalls, motorcycle friendly stops, it’s a significant upgrade to this map of the area north of the park.
Finally, my attentions turn to the mountains of Northeast Georgia –
Map OR4 – The Best UNPAVED Roads in Northeast Georgia With 3 maps of the unpaved roads in the Smoky Mountains already completed, I set my sights on Northeast Georgia more than a year ago. Frustrated with the limitations of Forest Service maps of this rich off pavement riding area I knew I could do better. It took way too long to poke my wheels down every back road and trail I could find then sort them out, many adventures ensued. You won’t find a better dual sport map of this wonderful area.
Map #9 – The Best Rides in the North Georgia Mountains As I’d already built the base maps for the unpaved roads in NE Georgia, and discovered new stuff while exploring, it made sense to update the paved roads map as well. Expanded, more points of interest, more motorcycle friendly locations, etc. It really turned out nice.
I finished it all up as the winter weather arrived here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With short days and freezing weather upon us I will now return to working on the digital versions of the maps and laying out the new explorations for the spring. It was a busy year. I hope the next one brings more road time. Don’t we all.
The road narrows to cut through this historic farm in Dial, Georgia.
Roadside Farm in Dial, GA
Hearing a car approaching I’d stepped to the grass to let it pass. Though I’d been through several times before, something today made me appreciate this spot along the Toccoa River where the road narrowed to thread through the old wooden buildings of the homestead. The approaching car slowed then stopped, the window down.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” came a voice from the driver.
Roadside Farm in Dial, GA
“I used to manage this farm” the woman in the car said to me. Her broad smile conveyed her pride.
Roadside Farm in Dial, GA
“Yes, it is beautiful, I just had to stop and take a few shots” I said, resisting the urge to snap a candid photo of her. It just didn’t seem polite.
She nodded acceptingly then added – “Watch out, there’s some crazy folks on this road”.
I smiled and added “I’m probably one of them”.
Roadside Farm in Dial, GA
She laughed then continued on her way.
One of the most enjoyable things about cruising the backroads on your motorcycle are the wonderful sights and beautiful views you come across. The hundreds of roads that weave through the southern Blue Ridge Mountains hold many secrets. There are little spots here and there that touch us in special ways, appeal to things deep within us, reward us with emotions of appreciation and admiration. Don’t let them all pass by, savor the good ones.
We produce detailed maps of the best roads to enjoy on your motorcycle travels in the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Get the maps at America Rides Maps.com
Source: America Rides Maps Blog
I am beginning to think Georgia does not want to be mapped. For more than a year now I have been trying to complete the most comprehensive and detailed map of the northeast corner of Georgia’s unpaved roads and trails. Things could have gone better at times.
I’ve made tremendous progress, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s been a costly process. It takes about 2 hours for me to get to heart of the map(s) from my home in western NC. I’ve both stayed locally in GA and strategically commuted to knock out sections of it. I’m so bored with the ride down and worse yet, the ride back. I think this will be the 5th rear tire on this project. I’ve had GPS fails requiring replacement and re-riding of the areas, lost a 1 month old iPhone with all my notes and photos, replaced brake pads, sprockets, chain, and had to expand my carrying capacity for all the tools and spare parts I’m coming to need. Today was yet another costly learning experience. I made a judgement error.
I’d just replaced my rear tire on the trail bike, a BMW G650 XChallenge with another aggressive off-road tire. It was exactly what I wanted for the job. A week or so after the hurricane followed by a week long rainy spell I expected sloppy and muddy conditions at best. I dropped my rear tire pressure from 29 PSI to 20 PSI, checked the front was holding steady at 16 PSI, I’d had good performance with these settings many times prior. I was ready.
I needed an epic day to complete the map, essentially edge-to-edge across both sides of the map. Most of it was expected to be easy forest roads, though I had some difficult parts on the list. I set out early, as soon as there was enough light to see for the long drone south on the highways.
This new tire felt odd, but that’s not unusual with these knobby tires. Each feels different. They take a bit to scrub in and square off on the road before things settle down to a predictable performance. I reached my 120 mile tank range and stopped for gas.My rear tire overheated from the long run on the highways.
The tire was coming apart, melting. It was so hot I could smell it. Half the center knobs were gone, others peeling away from the carcass in shreds. While I’d had no issues running other brands of tires at off-road pressures this one did not tolerate it at all.
I stopped, called home to let my wife know to watch my progress on her tracker program as limped home. I aired the tire up and hit the highway with fingers crossed her help would not be needed. I kept to just below the speed limits and made stops to let the tire cool down periodically.
I made it home with not much of that tire left. Sadly I pulled the wheel and headed for the dealer to get the tire replaced. Another day lost, another adventure added to the list.
Tire at the end of the ride
Perhaps it is “the hand of providence” telling me to take my time, look harder, there’s more to be found, don’t rush too early for the finish line. I do keep finding new roads, new trails, places I’d missed earlier or discovered through research.
Wayne Busch – America Rides Maps
Wayne Busch searches out the most entertaining roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains then records them on a series of maps which span the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are more great motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains than anywhere else. I highlight the best roads then show you the best ways to connect them together into rides. More than a decade of searching has discovered more than 1000 good roads to enjoy. We continue to search so you may enjoy.
It didn’t take long once the approach road was paved for this Georgia scenic attraction in Hiawassee to get noticed.
Bell Mountain is a rocky outcropping overlooking Lake Chatuge in Hiawasse, Georgia. I’ve read that it is the scars and remnants of a somewhat sketchy and ultimately failed mining effort in 1963.
It’s reported a local resident bought Bell Mountain to protect it from further abuse then gave it to the town when he died. The town turned a local eyesore into an attraction.
As to the graffiti at Bell Mountain – I think it’s just a fad that caught on. Most anything that can be tagged with spray paint has been marked. The rocks, the stairs, the walkways, tree stumps….
Some find this painting an insult. I find it unique and quirky. The views from the boardwalks at the top of the stairs are grand, it’s worth the effort to go up.
It takes less than 10 minutes to ride from US 76 in Hiawassee to the top of the mountain. Shake Rag Road starts off curvy then gets very steep, narrow, and tight. Only one car can pass at a time in places, be alert.
Bell Mountain is a nice place to take a break on a ride passing through Hiawassee. The views that overlook the town, Lake Chatuge, and the surrounding mountains are some of the best you’ll find in Georgia.
Wayne Busch – America Rides Maps
Wayne Busch searches out the most entertaining roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains then records them on a series of maps which span the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There are more great motorcycle roads in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains than anywhere else. I highlight the best roads then show you the best ways to connect them together into rides. More than a decade of searching has discovered more than 1000 good roads to enjoy. We continue to search so you may enjoy.
If you’re looking for that epic ride this is one of the best ever!
Enjoy an overlook in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
When you link these mountain roads together you’ll spend almost all your time on 2 lane roads, most of it National Parks or on scenic parkways, and you’ll experience some of the best motorcycle rides in the USA.
The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the highest ridge lines of the Blue Ridge Mountains through Virginia and North Carolina. It ends at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 47 Miles
The most visited National Park in the nation, ride across on US 441 passing from North Carolina into Tennessee at the crest, then turn west on Little River Road. Follow through to the Foothills Parkway.
Foothills Parkway – 17 Miles
Continue west on the scenic Foothills Parkway to reach US 129
The Dragon – 15 Miles
The Cherohala Skyway in TN
Turn south on US 129 to enter the Dragon. Pass through and back into North Carolina. Continue south to Robbinsville, NC to head west again on the Cherohala Skyway.
The Cherohala Skyway – 52 Miles
Climb back up into the mountains and return to Tennessee near the mid-point of the ride. Turn south on 68 when you reach Tellico Palins, TN and follow this wonderful road into Georgia.
GA 60 – 23 Miles
Work your way east on GA 60 to Blue Ridge, GA, then continue on one of Georgia’s best motorcycle roads.
The Gauntlet – 133 Miles
The Gauntlet ride in GA
Wrap it all up with a loop around the Gauntlet. You may continue on GA 60 or veer north on Skeenah Gap Road to start the loop.
Of course, this is just an overview. It’s a great introduction to riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains, still it only scratches the surface. It’s pretty straightforward to navigate, but you’ll want to do some planning. There are many variations and additions to make it even better.
You’ll find this region covered in detail with America Rides Maps. In addition to these well known roads, almost 500 more are highlighted on a series of easy-to-read durable maps that will fit in your pocket with the info you depend on like out-of-the-way gas stations, mileage, and how to best link them all together.
The are more great motorcycle rides in the Blue Ridge Mountains than anywhere else. Any one of America Rides Motorcycle pocket ride maps is a vacation adventure in itself. With the full set you’ll have the freedom to point your wheels in any direction and know you’re on the best rides. Take a look here and see how easy it is – http://shop.americaridesmaps.com/Full-Southeast-Package-All-9-Maps-SE9.htm
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Wayne Busch
– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
100 Great Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rides Map – both folded (road use) and unfolded (wall display) versions. Waterproof and durable. Red Roads are best, Blue Roads are best connectors.
100 Great Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rides is the “grown up” version of our most popular 12 Classic Deals Gap Motorcycle Rides pocket map. This new larger and more detailed map adds in all the great roads that are not featured on the smaller map, more than 100 of them.
Size comparison – pocket maps vs. new map unfolded. More detail, easy to read, tons more roads!
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4.5 x 8 inches folded
ABOUT:
Discalimer –
There are way more then 100 great motorcycle rides on this map
Most of these roads are peripheral to the actual geologic formation of the Smoky Mountains
This new larger format map (24×36 inches) combines at least 3 pocket maps (#6, #7, #8) and sections of 2 more (#5, #9) into one larger map that encircles and includes all the best motorcycle rides surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This map stretches from Tellico Plains, TN in the west to include the Cherohala Skyway, The Dragon, and connecting roads, to beyond Asheville, NC in the east. It dips into Georgia and South Carolina, and reaches as far north as Knoxville, TN. Within these borders lie some of the best motorcycle roads in the nation.
For the first time visitor – all the great motorcycle roads are at your disposal.
For the return visitor – expand on what you’ve already discovered
I’ve had no time to get them out to sellers so these are the few places they are available and in limited supply at that. Once I return from my motorcycle trip I’ll get more out to the other vendors.
America Rides Maps “#9 – The Best Rides in the North Georgia Mountains” motorcycle ride map has just been revised and updated for 2012. This pocket map identifies the best biker roads in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia and good secondary roads to connect them all together.
Other Motorcycle Ride Maps –
Blue Ridge Parkway
This Georgia motorcycle ride map is the 9th map in a series that covers the best motorcycle rides in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Maps 1-6 of the series detail the Blue Ridge Parkway end-to-end. Maps 7 & 8 focus on the south and north sides of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and both include The Dragon at Deals Gap (Tail of the Dragon) and the Cherohala Skyway. Maps overlap and connect for easy navigation.
Scope – Area Covered on the Georgia Motorcycle Ride Map –
The Best Rides in the North Georgia Mountains starts north of Jasper, Dahlonega, and Taccoa and extends across the border into North Carolina as far north as Murphy, NC. On the west edge, it’s bounded by 5 / 515 / 76 and the towns of East Ellijay, GA, McCayesville, GA, and Copperhill, TN. The East side of the map traces US 441 north through Tallulah Falls, Clayton and Dillsboro just clipping a tiny piece of South Carolina.
Georgia motorcycle rides map – Best roads are shown in red, good ways to connect them and other suggested roads shown in blue.
More than 60 roads are highlighted for Georgia motorcycle touring riders. Best Motorcycle Rides are shown in Red. Good Connecting Roads are shown in Blue. Roads are selected based on the challenge of the ride, low traffic flow, scenic views and attractions, and have to stand out from surrounding roads to be considered. Emphasis is on finding the ways to stay off the 4-lane and major roads and connect the best rides together with the best ways to reach them.
So Whats NEW?
The original map had about 25 roads, this one has expanded to more than 60 nice motorcycle rides.
Road segment mileage is now shown to help you find the turns onto these hidden gems.
More out-of-the-way gas stations have been added, additional motorcycle friendly places and service providers have been added.
Georgia Motorcycle Rides Map – The reverse side of the map gives descriptions of the highlighted roads to help you find which ones you want to ride most
Why are these maps IDEAL for MOTORCYCLE TOURING?
They focus on the best Georgia Motorcycle Rides and make them easy to find
These maps are done from the seat of a motorcycle – every road is ridden and experienced on 2 wheels.
Designed for function – 11 inches x 17 inches means they fit in your pocket so they are always right there for you to use, not stowed in a pack or saddlebag. Easy to fold, even with gloves on. High contrast, easy to read.
At $5.99 for the water and tear-resistant version, it’s THE BEST VALUE out there. No other maps are this comprehensive, this detailed, and this cheap.
– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
Fun motorcycle rides in Georgia GA 348 – a couple of the riders who tagged along on the Fun Ride out of The Lodge at Copperhead
A couple photos from the last “fun ride” out of The Lodge at Copperhead in Blairsville. The Lodge at Copperhead is the southern gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the fantastic riding begins at their doorstep.
Fun Motorcycle Rides in Georgia – getting ready to head out with half a dozen bikes to ride the back roads of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains
Fun Motorcycle Rides in Georgia – Get a free map of The Gauntlet at the Biker Barn on US 129 near Blairsville.
Get your free map at the Biker Barn and get the most out of your ride!
“Fun Rides” are free, just a chance to get out with others and ride some of the best roads in the area. No guides, no rules, they happen on the fly and are usually full of adventures. I always try to throw in a few roads you might never see otherwise.
Fun Motorcycle Rides in Georgia – Helen, Georgia, a German Alps themed town, is a popular stop for both bikers and the masses of other tourists
Fun Motorcycle Rides in Georgia – The Lodge at Copperhead
Next fun ride will be in Maggie Valley or Asheville, NC – I’m making arrangements now. Sign up for the short monthly newsletter if you want to know about the next opportunity. Use this link to sign up now – http://americaridesmaps.com/signupform.html
– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
A Holiday Motel in Maggie Valley hosted the ride and fed us well!
13 bikes left with me, 2 returned. Here’s what happened on our motorcycle “fun ride” –
I came in Friday night to share my Secret Roads with the riders in Maggie Valley. With 200 great motorcycle rides on my map of the Great Motorcycle Rides of the Smoky Mountains, I helped them plan their rides for Saturday.
I then invited them to come on a “Fun Ride” in the morning.
The riders from the A Holiday Motel stop for a group shot on The Rattler Motorcycle route.
So what’s a “Fun Ride”? Quite simply, I’m going out for a ride. You are welcome to tag along. No strings, no hassles, no fees, no one is responsible for you. It’s an opportunity to hook up with a “local” who knows the roads and will likely take you places you’d otherwise never see.
Some of the group on NC 209 a.k.a. The Rattler.
A “Fun Ride” invites adventure. The route is decided on the fly. Nothing’s been scouted, no arrangements for meals, stops, etc. The group of riders I met at the A Holiday Motel in Maggie Valley this weekend wanted to ride to Hot Springs, NC and experience parts of “The Rattler” motorcycle ride. I got them on the best sections, and a whole lot more.
Such a great day to be out riding. Follow the leader!
Adventure? Yesterday I chose one photo stop in a “parking lot” that was more like a minefield, but everyone survived without dropping their bikes. We stopped for lunch at a place I’d never been when we were hungry and it was pretty darned good. Some got chased by a dog. Each break spot serendipitously had something memorable about it (a parrot riding a motorcycle?). The weather was sweet, the roads clean, and I know there are other stories to be told.
Polly wants a diaper? Poor mans bike alarm? Touch my bike and you'll lose a finger! I wonder what this riders leathers look like! Seen at a stop on our ride through Hot Springs, NC.
The group paired down as the day wore on. Some needed to be back earlier and followed the quick route home. No big deal, nobody is counting heads at the rest stops or will come back looking for you at the end of the day. We lost one rider when he wore out a tire, and another tagged along with him to insure he made it for repairs. Some followed along only as part of another ride they’d planned for the day. No rules, no hassles, ride your own ride.
So how good were those roads? This tire tells the tale! Our only mechanical issue of the day and I knew where to get it fixed. Thanks to MR Motorcycle in Asheville for getting him back on the road.
I returned to the A Holiday Motel with two bikes at the end of the day. Others had peeled off at the Leather Shack, the gas stations, or went up for a quick ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway as we came into town. Those two, both women on their own bikes, had really enjoyed the day and had fun. I know I did. At the superb BBQ dinner provided by the A Holiday Motel that night, everyone was very happy after a nice day riding motorcycles through the Smoky Mountains.
Making our way back on the best section of NC 63. It was a great day of riding. This road was tame after what we'd been through earlier.
The next “Fun Ride” will be based out of The Lodge at Copperhead in Blairsville, Ga. on Saturday, May 19. On Friday evening, I’ll do a short “Secret Roads” presentation and share what I know in hopes you’ll find some great new rides to add to your collection. Afterwards, I’ll be out on the porch, most likely in the vicinity of the very nice bar at the Lodge. Come see me if you’re interested. Kickstands up at 09:30 on Saturday.
The Lodge at Copperhead near Blairsville, GA sits on the Gauntlet Motorcycle Ride
I’m going out for a ride on Saturday, May 19. Maybe, you’d like to tag along. Bring a full tank and an empty bladder.
– Wayne Busch lives in Waynesville, NC, where he produces the most detailed and comprehensive and up-to-date motorcycle pocket maps of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to help you get the most of your vacation experience. See them here – AmericaRidesMaps.com
Posted by Wayne Busch, America Rides Maps
The desire to expand the areas covered by 
When I began there were 13 pocket maps available. Now there are 
Premium Map 
