Overall Route Rating
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4.08 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.08
53 Reviews

Great Smoky US441

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Mark B. (262 McR Points) on Jan 20, 2019

Rider Reviews

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Marshman
28 McR Points
May 4, 2019
This road is beautiful but I've ridden it three…
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Akumu
3916 McR Points
November 23, 2019
Chances are good that if you've been down TN/NC…
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Written Directions

US441 from Cherokee NC to Gatlinburg TN is the only major road through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Scenery

GSMNP is the most visited national park in the world. With significant altitude changes as you ride through Newfound Gap you have several scenic pullouts that afford long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The brief side trip to Clingman's Dome puts you at the highest point in Tennessee. On a clear day looking east you can see more than a dozen distinct mountain ridges.

Drive Enjoyment

Well maintained and most of it was resurfaced in 2018. Frequent pullouts reduce the traffic backups that can occur during peak tourist season. A few switchbacks as you cross the gap, but the national park speed limit makes them easy to negotiate. On the Tennessee side is a full corkscrew where you ride under the road you were just on. Do watch your speed, a violation is a federal offense. Park rangers and forest service personnel are everywhere.

Tourism Opportunities

In Cherokee and Gatlinburg are all the amenities a person could ask for. Inside the national park are restroom facilities, but no retail stores. At the beginning and end of this 42 mile ride are well stocked visitors centers were you can purchase GSMP gear and mementos.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

GSMNP, by federal law, is not allowed to charge an entrance fee. The elevation change means the top is noticeable colder than the start and finish areas. As the name implies, the mountains can fill with fog (Great Smoky) without warning. There is a large herd of Elk in the park that sometimes cause elk jams.
 

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Dudewatson
November 18, 2020
89 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Great road!!! Watch for elk near the Cherokee end! I have ridden this road several times, be ready for some cooler weather the higher you go, even in Summer. Great little side trip at the "top" to Clingmans Dome also. This is a fun road!!!!
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Joel
July 20, 2021
36 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Through the park, great views, good road but park may be busy so watch for sudden stops. Hairpin turns and switchbacks along with gentle curves
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HBreshears
June 2, 2020
58 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Last rode 8/9/2019 (Friday, around noon). TRAFFIC. Bumper-to-bumper, slow-moving traffic. The road was in great condition, the views are good, plenty of places to pull off and enjoy the park with thousands of your friends. But not a good time on a motorcycle, especially if you are just passing through.
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