Challenge Your Skills on Beautiful Tennessee SR 32
So, you’ve conquered the Tail of the Dragon, the Hellbender, and all the other famous twisty roads. Perhaps, then, it’s time for you to put your riding skills to a real test.
For that, you’ll have to head over to SR 32 in Tennessee.
This hidden gem lies between Cosby, TN, to the northwest and Waterville Rd to the southeast. Covering a distance of only 15 miles and largely in the middle of nowhere, you might not think this road amounts to much.
That’s where you’re wrong, though. SR 32 is an incredibly twisty rollercoaster, throwing dozens of curves at you in rapid-fire succession. As you navigate the turns on this undulating, narrow two-laner, you’ll also have to contend with steep alternating ups and downs.
This ride is also very pretty, but you shouldn’t expect sweeping vistas of any kind (at least while you’re on the road). SR 32 plunges you into the Tennessee backwoods, where the trees engulf you in a gorgeous green setting.
However, all these factors make SR 32 an extremely challenging road—quite possibly even more so than the Dragon and other much more famous roads. Do not attempt this ride on this road if you’re not an experienced rider. That’s not reverse psychology, as this is likely one of the most technically demanding roads you’ve ever ridden.
SR 32 is a narrow road, with incredibly tight turns and few guardrails to keep you plunging over the edge and into a precipitous drop. The steep elevation changes and thick roadside trees often block your sight of what’s ahead of you.
And then there are the last couple of miles, the road narrows into a one-lane dirt road with a roughly 10% grade. I recommend avoiding this section during or shortly after rain, as it can make it into a slippery washout. And, since you’re virtually alone in the woods, you’ll have to watch out for wildlife.
At least you won’t have to worry about traffic. You’ll likely have the road all to yourself, or won’t encounter more than a couple of vehicles.
SR 32 isn’t a road you should speed through—it will not end well. Respect it and take its challenge seriously.
Afterward, you’ll be able to say to beat a truly difficult piece of asphalt.
Points of Interest
Appalachian Trail
If you’re a hiking motorcyclist, SR 32 has plenty to offer you. First and foremost, the southeastern end of the road is near an entrance point to the famous Appalachian Trail.
This 2,200-mile hiking route stretches from Georgia to Maine, passing through 14 states. It’s one of the most popular hiking trails in the country, with plenty to see along its extensive length.
You likely won’t be embarking on a through-hike of the entire trail from this ride. However, the trail is there if you’re staying in the region for a longer time.
Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower
Should you decide to give the Appalachian Trail a go, I suggest hiking it east from SR 32 to visit Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower. This unused lookout tower’s location provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The tower was built in 1937 but hasn’t been in use since the ‘60s. It’s possible (or at least used to be) to climb to the top of the tower, but do pay attention to the condition of the structure when you get there. When in doubt, don’t try it.
The hike to the Mt. Cammerer Lookout Tower along the Appalachian Trail is about two miles in one direction. It’s not excessively strenuous, but you’ll still want to be properly prepared for it.
Pigeon Forge, TN
Pigeon Forge, TN, is located about 25 miles away from the northwestern end of SR 32. This resort town offers you easy access to some excellent additional riding roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
To name just a couple, to the south of Pigeon Forge is Gatlinburg, from where you can get on the scenic Newfound Gap Rd. Another good option is the Little River Gorge Rd, which follows the meanders of its titular stream and has plenty of waterfalls along it.
You can also entertain yourself off-saddle in Pigeon Forge by shopping, eating well, or visiting the area’s many attractions, like Dollywood. Just be ready for crowds.
Recommended Lodging: Creekwalk Inn
Creekwalk Inn is a bed-and-breakfast located on Whisperwood Farm, some 6.5 miles from the start point of SR 32. Here, you can rest peacefully in a jaw-droppingly gorgeous country setting.
The farm offers rooms in the main lodge and separate cabins, offering you something no matter how much space and privacy you need. In the evenings, you can stroll around the property, admiring the roaming horses and fireflies.
In the morning, a hearty breakfast gets you ready for the ride. Creekwalk Inn also sells lunch boxes, so you can take one along with you on the road.
Food & Dining
Doc’s 321 Cafe & Marketplace is a quirky local barbecue joint off of SR 32. It’s owned by a pit boss with 20 years of meat-smoking experience, so you know it’s got to be good. In addition to barbecue, try the unique smoked pies for dessert. Find it at 4572 Hooper Hwy, Cosby, TN.
If you’re hankering for a more traditional burger, hit up Greasy Spoon. This burger restaurant whips up delicious burgers that taste a lot better than the fat-dripping names might imply. Find it at 4410 Hooper Hwy, Cosby, TN.
Riders staying at Creekwalk Inn should go have dinner at Janice’s Diner. Within a quick walk from the B&B, this small restaurant offers you the quintessential local Southern experience—great food, great service, great pies. Find it at 2765 Cosby Hwy, Cosby, TN.
Best Time to Travel
SR 32 gets next to no traffic at all times, so you won’t have to worry about crowds (at least on this road). That said, Tennessee summers get hot and humid, so might I suggest timing your ride for the cooler spring or fall? Actually, make it fall, since you then get to enjoy the beautiful blazing foliage.