Motorcycling Guide to Tennessee

Riding into Tennessee can feel like a motorcyclist’s dream. The mountain fog parts, revealing the Appalachian mountains, river-carved valleys, the vast Mississippi, and miles upon miles of astounding roads waiting to feel your tires.

Amidst the natural splendor are towns big and small, echoing to the sounds of blues and country music. From the Smoky Mountains to the streets of Memphis, Tennessee is full of thrilling motorcycle adventures.

In this guide, I’ll take you on a ride through Tennessee and tell you everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable motorcycle tour in the Volunteer State.

Geography of Tennessee

Tennessee is one state, but if you ask the locals, they might tell you that there are three states to the state. Both geographically and culturally, Tennessee is split into three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Each division covers roughly a third of the state, giving Tennessee great geographical variety.

East Tennessee is the most mountainous of the trio, containing the physiographically distinct regions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ridge and Valley Region, and parts of the Cumberland Plateau. Here, you’ll find Tennessee’s twistiest roads that carve through the steep forested slopes. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers possibly the most gorgeous look at Eastern Tennessee’s landscape.

Moving to Middle Tennessee, the dominating landforms include the remainder of the Cumberland Plateau and the Highland Rim, a series of hills and ridges that surround the Central Basin (or Nashville Basin). Middle Tennessee’s hallmarks are its rolling hills with small woods, interspersed by karst landscapes and farmland.

In West Tennessee, the mighty Mississippi dictates the conditions. Geographically speaking, the vast majority of this area belongs to the Gulf Coastal Plains (despite it being ways away from the Gulf). Here, the terrain flattens and roads straighten out as expansive fields stretch across the land. 

As you approach the Mississippi River, you can’t help noticing that the soil gets progressively damper. The parts of West Tennessee closest to the river feature many oxbow lakes, wetlands, and backwater areas, many of which lie within state parks and wildlife refuges. There are also some hills, making this region a unique backdrop for motorcycle rides.

Top Routes and Destinations in Tennessee

If you put “Tennessee” and “motorcycles” together, the first thing to pop into any rider’s mind is the Tail of the Dragon. With 318 curves in 11 miles, this road is a real test of riding skill—and gorgeous to boot. To learn more (if you don’t already know the Dragon for some reason), check out our overview article for nearby points of interest and other details.

Right at the tail of the Dragon in fame comes Cherohala Skyway, named for the Nantahala and Cherokee national forests it traverses. It features excellent asphalt, exhilarating twists and turns, and exquisite high-elevation views. Tellico Plains at its western terminus makes for a splendid jumping-off point to the Cherohala and the surrounding region in general.

Yet, perhaps the best motorcycle playground in all of Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here you’ll find a seemingly endless smorgasbord of curvy mountain roads and breathtaking vistas to entertain you for days on end. If you only ride one road in the Smokies, though, make it US 441/Newfound Gap. 

You can also easily pop over to North Carolina for more great rides, as you can see in our Tennessee and North Carolina mountain tour. This whole area shines particularly in fall, with many fabulous roads for leaf-peeping.

After conquering the Smokies, head a short way north to experience SR 32. Even more than the Dragon, this lesser-known road throws a rapid-fire succession of curves at you to truly test your mettle (so don’t try it unless you are genuinely confident in your riding abilities). 

If you’d like to prowl Tennessee's northeastern reaches, base yourself in Johnson City. This charming city is the starting point for a collection of first-class riding roads known as the Southern Dozen. Among them is a section of US 421 called The Snake, which slithers over three mountains and crams almost 500 curves into roughly 40 miles. Another unmissable ride near Johnson City consists of the dual Tennessee/North Carolina roads that climb Roan Mountain.

Nashville is legendary for its music scene—but did you know it’s perfectly feasible to explore the city from the saddle? It’s true! Two wheels give you a unique perspective on Nashville and easy access to some of its most famous venues and sights. Just follow our Nashville Urban Explorer route.

From Nashville, you can then proceed onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. Beginning in Tennessee, the road proceeds to Alabama and then Mississippi for a long-distance tour of the South. Along the way, you’ll pass boatloads of American history and wonderful scenery.

To familiarize yourself with West Tennessee, there’s no better road to get on than the Great River Road. Following US 51 through Tennessee, it affords excellent options for popping off and getting closer to the Mississippi. Or, if you’d like, head north or south to take a peek at the source or delta of America’s greatest river.

Although it’s not in Tennessee, I should mention the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can easily access this fantastic road by taking US 441 south from Gatlinburg.

For even more travel inspiration, read the rest of our Tennessee articles.

ADV Motorcycle Routes in Tennessee

With its abundance of mountains and forests, it won’t surprise you that Tennessee has plenty to offer for off-road riders. The Southeast BDR trail is one of the most popular ADV routes in the state, zigzagging the eastern mountains and continuing down to the Gulf Coast if you’re so inclined.

In Cherokee National Forest around Tellico Plains, you’ll find many forest roads and trails to explore. You can also take your bike to the Buffalo Mountain ATV Trail. Find out more about that on the U.S. Forest Service website.

The Great Smoky Mountains also have more gravel roads to ride than you have time for. Many companies also organize guided tours in the area, in case you don’t feel like figuring out where to go on your own.

A short ride northwest from Knoxville, you’ll find Windrock Park: the largest private ATV riding area in the U.S. Sure, you’ll have to pay to access it, but the 300 miles of trails over 73,000 acres are worth it.

Should you want to do your off-road riding in good company, you can participate in the legendary LBL 200. Based in the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, this two-day ADV extravaganza attracts dozens of riders to share the joys of dirt and trails.

Tips for Motorcycling in Tennessee

To motorcyclists, Tennessee (and most of the South) is at its best either in late spring or early fall. Heading to the Volunteer State in May-June or September-October comes with more stable weather and, more importantly, tolerable temperatures.

Spring has lower traffic than the summer or fall. The temps are mild and the landscapes blooming, although you will likely encounter the occasional shower.

Fall brings cool air, less humidity, and fewer bugs (which can be a real nuisance here). You also get to enjoy the fabulous fall colors of the mountains, but you’ll have to share the road with others who have come to admire them.

You can definitely ride in Tennessee in the summer, as long as you’re prepared for hot and humid weather and lots of traffic. Some of the most popular roads can get clogged with tourists at peak season.

No matter the season, weather in Tennessee can change at the drop of a hat. In the mountains, rain and impenetrable fog can show up at virtually any time, and in the valleys, flash flooding is a real risk. Gear up properly and respect the conditions. On the positive side, as the locals say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.”

Each of Tennessee’s Grand Divisions also brings to the table its own set of challenges. East Tennessee has tight, blind curves and steep grades. In Middle Tennessee, you may have to dodge farm equipment on narrow gravel roads. And in the West, you’re more likely to run into wet conditions or get thrown around by strong winds across the flat farmland.

Wildlife (including deer, turkey, and bears) can show up on the roads almost anywhere outside the major cities. With the occasionally constricted sight lines (especially in the mountains), ride with caution.

Tennessee law required motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet at all times. Those riding with open-faced helmets must have either a windshield or goggles. Lane splitting is explicitly prohibited in Tennessee. Based on recent research statistics, Tennessee ranks among the strictest states in the country for traffic law enforcement, so don’t speed.

Major Tennessee motorcycle events include:

• June Bug Boogie (summer, fall)
• Exposition of Elegance Classic Car and Motorcycle Show (summer)
• Buffalo River Biker Rally (early fall)
• Smoky Mountain Bike Week (fall)
• LBL 200 (fall)

Off-Bike Activities in Tennessee

As incredible as motorcycling in Tennessee is, you can’t ride all day, every day. For those times, you’ll find wonderful outdoor activities, a hopping music scene, and plenty of Appalachian history to entertain you.

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Tennessee include:

• Dollywood
• Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge
• Clingmans Dome
• Cades Cove
• Fall Creek Falls
• Graceland 
• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum 
• Sun Studio
• Beale Street
• Tennessee State Museum
• Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
• Belle Meade Historic Site
• National Civil Rights Museum
• Shiloh National Military Park
• Stones River National Battlefield
• Raccoon Mountain Caverns
• Bass Pro Shops Pyramid
• Tennessee Aquarium