Tellico Plains TN to Maggie Valley NC – 165 miles

Follow winding and picturesque River Road leaving Tellico Plains with photo opportunities at numerous whitewater rapids on the Tellico River before turning to dirt on Bald River Road.  A series of flowy turns include and option to ride up to Mt Wauchessi lookout tower for impressive views. Follow Big Santeetlah Road across the North Carolina border near the paved twisty Cherohala Skyway and into Nantahala National Forest. The climb up and over Porterfield Gap leads to the community of Andrews, NC with gas and food available. See the start of the Nantahala River recreational whitewater area before climbing Winding Stairs Road leading to an Appalachian Trail crossing. Skirt the edge of Cherokee, NC and enter a network of Bureau of Indian Affairs gravel roads before crossing under the Blue Ridge Parkway and passing through Mile High Campground with its scenic mountain vistas. The section ends in the bustling village of Maggie Valley, NC, home of Wheels Through Time vintage American motorcycle museum.