Day One: We met at Flying 'J' Truckstop SR 52 & I-75. 8 bikes headed out at 7:00am to make the 540 mile trip to Clayton, Ga. where we would be staying for 4 nights at the Old Clayton Inn. The first day was mostly uneventful with US 441 north around Macon, and then US 441 into Clayton. Us 441 takes about 2 hours longer than taking I-75 to Macon, but if you have the time it is a nice ride. If you are ever in this area, Clayton is a great place to base a few days of riding out of. Old Clayton Inn is right downtown. Ther are several places within walking distance to eat and drink. Not to mention the antique stores and gift shops.
Day two: Headed east on Warwoman road, which can be found right in the middle of town. This is a typical nice curvy country road for the area, until you get close to the intersection with SR 28, then with the trun to go south on SR 28 there are some really good twisties and a very scenic area along the Chatooga River. Continuing to join SR 107 into Walhalla, SC. Then SR 11 north to turn left Whitewater Falls Rd. Now I know there is a falls out here somewhere, but I missed it because I kept coming across a lot of wildlife! But was especially impressed with the 10-12 point buck that jumped out in front of me right before entering NC. Stayed on this route all the way to US 64 and made a right turn. Following US 64 to Parkway Road, and made a left turn to the BRP. I had not heard anything about this road or did I notice it being designated scenic, BUT IT SHOULD BE!! This road had it all, sweeping curves, twisties, views, etc. Then we road BRP and stopped at MM 431 to the Highest Point on the BRP. Then getting off and stopping in Sylva for lunch. Then south on SR 107 to Cashiers and US 64 thru Highlands and SR 106 back to US 441 and Clayton.
Day three: This was our longest day trip, as we headed north on US 441 near Franklin and making a little jog on US 64 to the left to pick up Wayah Road. Ride this every time I get in the area. Turning right on US 19, this is a really nice road for a major Hwy. with lots elevation change and scenic ride along parts of the river, but you can also get stuck behind that tourist in a rented winnebago that he is driving in the mountains for the first time!(yes that was me). With 8 bikes following me, I just had to deal with it for a while! Turning left on NC 28 to NC 143(Sweetwater Road). I had never been on SR 143 east of Robbinsville, but this turned out to be a very nice road and good asphalt. We stopped in Robbinsville for gas and a little snack and then on to The Cherohalla Skyway. Nothing that I can say about this road that I or dozens of others haven't already said! This is the 5th time I have traveled across it and each time WOW! We stopped to eat in Tellico Plains. Then on south on SR 68, which in its own right is a good fun road.
Making a right turn on SR123/294 we found this to be great little road as it rolled up & down and around a mostly farming/rural area to US 64. Turning left on US 64 to is a typical US highway with the tourists and a little traffic around the towns...but still not a bad ride! Because sometimes you have to go from A to B! Turning right on SR 175 you pass by the Chatuge Lake area, with a lot of scenic views of the lake. Turning left back towards Clayton. A few miles after the Lake Burton overlook and bridge is a road called Davis Gap Road. This is a fun little road to take over to Bridge Creek and turn left to Tiger. When you turn on Davis Gap, drop down in first gear and enjoy the climb! In Tiger you can turn left at Old 441 back to Clayton, or first drive straight thru to the Antiques & Treats shop. Ask for Linda, she owns the place and bakes everything you see right there in the kitchen in iron skillets! I MUST WARN YOU, THIS PLACE IS DANGEROUSLY GOOD!! Then you can go back to Old 441 to Calyton.
Day four: Head south on Old 441 thru Tiger(if you need breakfast monday thru saturday, they have the best biscuits in the smokies at the Tiger Food mart) ask for Mike, continue Old 441 south thru Lakemont. You will come to a fork in the road, stay right on Lake Rabun Road. This is very slow speed ride along the mountain as you look down on the lake. Watch out for Lake Rabun Lodge(over 100 years old). Left on Burton Dam Road and left on SR 197. Right on Lovell Wikle Scenic Hwy. This takes you thru the Unicoi State Park and watch for BEARS!! About one mile before before SR 75/17 @ Helen, I came around a curve and standing right there on the side of the road was a BIG BLACK BEAR!! Now he wasn't as shocked by the eight motorcycles as we were of him, as he stood up and looked directly at me...and then very purposely back to all fours...and slumbered across the highway, as reached the other side he pause and raised up and took a quick look back at me as I was coasting up near him...as if to say 'Thanks for slowing and letting me cross'!! Then he disappeard into the forest. We made a quick stop in Helen(we had all been there before) then were on our way. North on SR 75 and then CR 348(Richard Russell Scenic Hwy), this a great road with lots of twisties and scenic riding. Passing thru Suches on SR 180(Wolf Pen Gap Road) and then on SR 60, both of those favorites of mine any time I am in the area. I was looking for an old General Store (est. 1880's)that was supposed to be on Newport Road in Blue Ridge. I turned ooff SR 60 on Doublehead Gap Road, and what a scenic gently curving little road it was...for about three miles, then I saw the sign that said PAVEMENT ENDS!! By myself I don't mind that too much, when there are eight bikes behind me...well I stopped to check with everyone because we had about three more miles to go...and they all said let's go!! About 1/2 mile in we met a p/u truck running really fast, luckily he saw me early enough that he just turned right and parked on the upslope of the mountain and waved all of us on thru! What must he have been thinking, probably don't get a lot of 800 pound touring bikes out there! Well..never found the store, I had made an error on which road to take(the right one was paved all the way). Never mind, because it was one of those things that some are still talking about when we get together. Turning left on Aska Road, we went in search of Tocoa River restaurant...found this one! Had a great meal sitting outside on the deck overlooking the river. Then continued on to Murphy and east on US 76 back to Calyton.
Day five: Trip Home. US 441 to Commerce, SR 15 to SR 11 into Winder, pay close attention in Winder as it is easy to lose the signs(I did my first trip thru here). Working my way around the west side of Macon to pick up US 19 and south to Florida. This route is mostly rural with several small old southern towns. Some trips we just hit I-75 and streak back to Fl., others we make it last as long as we can, US 19 in southern Ga.into fl. is a good road to do that on!
This is a motorcycle ride in the states North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina. This motorcycle route has 11 scenery characteristics and other road conditions to help you plan your road trip. This motorcycle map was created by felon in October. Click here to see other Motorcycle Roads by felon