Overall Route Rating
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3.38 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.38
8 Reviews

I-40 Through Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests

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By Bwana (5 McR Points) on Oct 29, 2014

Rider Reviews

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NoVAVol
July 7, 2015
We crossed this stretch of interstate 40 on July…
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Sprintrider03
61 McR Points
May 4, 2020
One of the few Interstates I care to ride. It…
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Written Directions

This route is a seriously fun, high speed, twisty run on Route 40 along the Pigeon River with the north point being at the edge of Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee, and the south point being at the edge of the Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. While it is a section of interstate and typically not thought of as fun on a bike, this section is beautiful and best experienced with a bit of extra throttle. Your ride can either run north or south; both are excellent. The north point starts at the intersection of the Foothills Parkway (also an amazing ride) and R40 in Tennessee. The south point is the intersection of R40 and R276 (Jonathan Creek Rd) in North Carolina.

Scenery

This route runs through the Appalachian Mountains just to the east of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is four-lane divided highway following the Pigeon River through a pass in the mountains. Along the way you will see lakes, rivers, creeks, boulders, and deep forest. During October, the fall colors are outstanding.

Drive Enjoyment

The quality of the tarmac is perfect. This is a high-speed highway after all. There are lots of bridges along the way, all well maintained. Even though this route is through the Appalachian Mountains, it is primarily flat as it runs along the Pigeon River and you are surrounded by mountains. It is a curvy ride, really run at some speed.

Tourism Opportunities

You are riding through National Forests. Please expect no amenities at all during the ride. It is a good idea to gas-up before you start. There are two highway rest stops going north (one is a replica of Dolly Parton's childhood cabin) and one rest stop going south. At the north end in Hardford, TN are two gas stations. The BP to the west has good fries. The south end of the ride is in the middle of nowhere, but R276 quickly leads to Maggie Valley, NC, where you'll find touristy hotels, motels, and restaurants. Also in the same direction is Waynesville, NC, home of BearWaters Brewing, Headwaters Brewing, and Frog Level Brewing. Several bike shops are close by: Steve's Cycle Center and E-Z Rider Cycles further down the road.
 

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NoVAVol
July 7, 2015
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
We crossed this stretch of interstate 40 on July 6 2015. The road is full of sweeping high-speed turns however there is construction along much of the road and large trucks are limited to the right lane only in most places. That means riders will experience Jersey walls along the left side and a virtual wall of semi trucks from time to time on the right. Due to the construction there are a few potholes or seams in the asphalt, however in general we rolled through at 60 to 70 mph using this stretch of interstate 40 to get us from Maggie Valley North Carolina over to the foothills Parkway and TN 32 in Cosby Tennessee.

This segment is not a bad connector road but it certainly was not the highlight of our day which included US129- Dragon, Hellbender (aka Moonshiner 28), and 2 different segments of the Foothills Parkway...
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3 riders found this road review useful
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Sprintrider03
May 4, 2020
61 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
One of the few Interstates I care to ride. It follows the river so it's nice and curvy, beautiful area.
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1 riders found this road review useful
Steve Anderjack
May 6, 2019
54 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Currently under construction due to rock slides from the heavy rain in April. LOTS of traffic and trucks running the interstate. Road is in good shape with plenty of curves and elevation changes.
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1 riders found this road review useful