Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
We are located less than a mile off I-75, Exit 62 - Oakland Road. Go west 1/2 mile, then left 1/3 mile to camp. Follow posted directions or signs. Many GPS programs are not accurate. Please call office if you have problems.
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Sweetwater, Tennessee, offers an idyllic setting for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking thrilling rides and breathtaking landscapes. With winding roads that cut through lush forests, traverse charming towns, and unveil panoramic vistas, this region is a haven for riders looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In this article, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to the best motorcycle rides and the best place to stay in Sweetwater, inviting you to experience the thrill of the open road and the beauty of nature.
A true gem for motorcyclists, the Cherohala Skyway stretches 43 miles through the Cherokee National Forest, connecting Tellico Plains in Tennessee to Robbinsville in North Carolina. It winds up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 18 miles in North Carolina and descends another 23 miles into the deeply forested back country of Tennessee. The road offers a perfect blend of sweeping curves and breathtaking overlooks, allowing riders to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. As you ascend to over 5,000 feet, be prepared for the temperature to drop, so pack an extra layer and relish the crisp mountain air. Don't forget to stop at the numerous pull-offs to capture the stunning views with your camera. It can be desolate at night and extremely dangerous in the winter months. There are no facilities other than a couple of restrooms for the entire 41 miles so make sure you have enough gas to make the crossing. There is little evidence of civilization from views that rival or surpass any from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Route: Cherohala Skyway
Type: Scenic Byway
Begin: Tellico Plains, Tennessee
End: Robbinsville, North Carolina
Travel Time: Approximately 2 to 3 hours (depending on stops and pace)
Distance: 43 miles
Speed Limit: Generally 45 mph (72 km/h), but can vary in certain sections
Highlights: Elevated Panoramas, Uninterrupted Views, Bald River Falls, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, River Views, Remote Serenity
For those craving an adrenaline rush, the Tail of the Dragon is a legendary stretch of US Route 129 boasting an impressive 318 curves in just 11 miles. The road is famous for its challenging twists and turns, making it a favorite among experienced riders. As you navigate this rollercoaster-like route, keep an eye out for Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort, a popular pit stop for fellow riders to share stories and soak up the thrill of conquering the Dragon. With a few tips and tricks, it can be an unforgettable experience.
Route: US Route 129, also known as the Tail of the Dragon
Type: Point to Point
Begin: Chilhowee, Tennessee
End: Deals Gap, North Carolina
Travel Time: Approximately 28 minutes up to 1 to 2 hours (depending on stops and traffic)
Distance: 11 miles
Speed Limit: 30 mph (48 km/h), but can vary in certain sections
Highlights: 318 Curves in 11 Miles, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, The Tree of Shame, Gravity Cavity, Photogenic Overlooks, Tail of the Dragon Souvenirs
If you're in the mood for a leisurely ride with stunning vistas, the Foothills Parkway is your answer. The "Missing Link" section of this parkway has recently been completed, creating a serene 33-mile stretch that offers unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The gentle curves and relaxed pace make it an excellent choice for riders of all levels, allowing you to savor the beauty of the region without the need for constant twists and turns.
Route: Foothills Parkway
Type: Scenic Parkway
Begin: Chilhowee Lake, Tennessee
End: Walland, Tennessee
Travel Time: Approximately 25 mins up to 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on stops and pace)
Distance: 17 miles
Speed Limit: Generally 35 mph (56 km/h), but can vary in certain sections
Highlights: Spectacular Overlooks, Mountain Vistas, Leisurely Curves, Photographer's Paradise, Peaceful Ambiance
For a ride that combines history, culture, and nature, the Sweetwater to Tellico Plains Scenic Byway is a must-try. This 55-mile route takes you through quaint towns, past historical sites, and alongside the scenic Tellico River. The Cherohala Skyway also intersects this route, providing you with the option to extend your adventure. Make sure to stop by the Charles Hall Museum in Sweetwater and the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center for some local insights.
Route: Sweetwater to Tellico Plains Scenic Byway
Type: Scenic Byway
Begin: Tellico Plains, Tennessee
End: Sweetwater, Tennessee
Travel Time: Approximately 31 mins up to 1 to 1.5 hours (depending on stops and traffic)
Distance: 23.3 miles
Speed Limit: Generally 45 mph (72 km/h), but can vary in certain sections
Highlights: Lost Sea Adventure, Historic Sweetwater, Sweetwater / I-75 / Exit 62 KOA Holiday, Rural Landscapes, Cherokee National Forest, Historical Landmarks
The Cades Cove Loop motorcycle ride offers an enchanting escape into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This 11-mile scenic route, beginning and ending at the Cades Cove Visitor Center, treats riders to a captivating blend of picturesque landscapes, abundant wildlife, and historical treasures. The loop's leisurely pace, with a speed limit of 10 to 20 mph, allows for a deep appreciation of the surroundings and opportunities for serene reflection and fresh mountain air. However, Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to motor vehicles every Wednesday for Vehicle-Free Day from May 3 through September 27, 2023, so pedestrians and cyclists can experience Cades Cove without motor vehicles.
Route: Cades Cove Loop
Type: Scenic Loop
Begin: Cades Cove Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
End: Return to Cades Cove Visitor Center
Travel Time: Approximately 23 mins up to 2 to 4 hours to drive the entire loop (depending on stops and pace)
Distance: 11 miles
Speed Limit: Generally 10 to 20 mph (16 to 32 km/h)
Situated just off Interstate 75, the Sweetwater / I-75 / Exit 62 KOA Holiday provides convenient access for travelers passing through the region. This campground is near many local attractions: you can visit the Lost Sea that offers a unique underground lake and cave experience, take a tour at Mayfield Dairy Farms or Sweetwater Valley Cheese Farm and go shopping at Sweetwater's Antique District. Our campground provides the perfect base camp for a trip to one of our nature trails, nearby lake, the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood and many other fantastic attractions. This KOA campground offers RV Sites with full hookups, Deluxe or Camping Cabins for a more luxurious camping experience, and Tent Sites if you’re looking for a traditional camping experience. We also now offer RV rentals through our partnership with RVshare. You can also inquire about extended stay and group stay options to get the most out of your camping experience. For a more enjoyable experience, try these amazing features our campground has to offer: a fishing pond, pavilion with live music and a group fire pit, game room, and even play basketball, sand volleyball, and Water Wars when it’s Sunny in Sweetwater!
Ready to plan your next motorcycle trip? Reserve a campsite today for your next motorcycle adventure.
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