Thrilling 1-Day Motorcycle Adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains

Day 1: Nature & Riding

Gatlinburg, TN

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pancake Pantry

Fuel your adventure with a hearty breakfast at this local favorite, known for its delicious pancakes and homey atmosphere.
Head to Pancake Pantry which is located in downtown Gatlinburg, a short ride from your starting point.
USD15, 1 Hour

9:30AM

Rent Motorcycle

Get your motorcycle from one of the local rental shops to prepare for the scenic ride ahead.
Rental shops are conveniently located in Gatlinburg. Allow time for paperwork and bike selection.
USD100, 1 Hour

10:30AM

Ride to Cades Cove Loop

Enjoy the exhilarating ride into the heart of the Smoky Mountains, with stunning views on the way to the Cades Cove Loop.
Take Little River Road (US-441) to access Cades Cove; it’s about a 30-minute ride.
FREE, 30 Minutes

11:00AM

Cades Cove Loop Tour

Discover the beauty of Cades Cove with its incredible vistas, well-preserved historic buildings, and chances to spot wildlife.
Follow the designated Cades Cove Loop Road. It’s an 11-mile circular path that takes about 2 hours to complete, with stops.
USD0, 2 Hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Cades Cove Picnic Area

Indulge in a scenic outdoor picnic lunch at the designated area within Cades Cove, surrounded by nature.
Pack a lunch from Gatlinburg or order a meal from a local deli before heading to Cades Cove.
USD10, 1 Hour

2:00PM

Ride to Townsend, TN

After lunch, take a quick ride to Townsend, TN, known as the ‘Peaceful Side of the Smokies’ to enjoy more serene nature views.
Take the scenic route via Laurel Creek Road to Townsend – approximately a 15-minute ride.
FREE, 15 Minutes

2:30PM

Explore Townsend

Spend some time exploring the beautiful town of Townsend with options to visit local artisan shops or take a short hike along the trails.
Check out the local shops downtown or take a short hike at the nearby Riverwalk Greenway.
USD0, 1.5 Hours

4:00PM

Return to Gatlinburg

Start your ride back to Gatlinburg, relishing in the stunning views one last time before concluding your adventure.
Retrace your route back via Little River Road to return to Gatlinburg.
FREE, 30 Minutes

4:30PM

Return Motorcycle

Return your motorcycle and reflect on a day of adventure and beautiful landscapes.
Head back to the rental shop as it’s close to the downtown area. Don't forget to fuel up if required.
USD0, 1 Hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse

End your exciting day with a satisfying dinner at this renowned steakhouse, offering a cozy atmosphere and excellent food.
Located just a short ride from the rental shop, it's a great place to unwind after a day of riding.
USD35, 1.5 Hours
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