THE 2023 MSTA STAR RALLY • PART 2
Dawn has broken on this, my last day of riding near Knoxville, Tennessee. I am not viewing the day’s arrival from the heart of the bustling city, however. No…I’m in my happy place. I’m out in the mountains. I slipped out the back door of the hotel in the dark of night. The plan: arrive at Foothills Parkway West Overlook #1 before sunrise.
I push the starter button on my BMW sport touring machine and, as always, she springs to life with the reliability of the Energizer Bunny. I’m excited. Today’s destination byway is one of my favorite roads anywhere. I’ve written about The Foothills area in a previous blog post and encourage you to read that article as well if you are planning a trip to this area. It will point you towards some great roads, attractions and some of the best Bar-B-Que in the United States.
About The Parkway
The Foothills Parkway is a scenic highway that spans a distance of approximately 72 miles parallel to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Eastern Tennessee foothills and the mountain ranges beyond.
The idea for the Foothills Parkway was conceived in the 1930s as a way to provide a scenic route for travelers and tourists visiting the Great Smoky Mountains region. However, due to various challenges, including budgetary constraints and the onset of World War II, the construction of the parkway faced significant delays.
In the late 1960s, the construction of the Foothills Parkway finally began in earnest. The goal was to create a highway that would showcase the natural beauty of the area while minimizing its impact on the environment. The parkway was designed to blend harmoniously with the landscape, featuring gentle curves and limited access points to preserve the scenic views.
Riding On The Foothills Parkway
As a motorcyclist, riding near Knoxville, Tennessee, the Foothills Parkway is an absolute dream come true. This scenic byway offers an unparalleled experience that combines thrilling curves, breathtaking vistas, and a challenging terrain that caters to the desires of any rider seeking adventure.
Traffic on the Foothills Parkway tends to be relatively light, especially compared to major highways and urban roads. This makes it an ideal route for motorcyclists who want to enjoy the ride without being stuck in traffic or dealing with congestion. However, it’s essential to be cautious and aware of other vehicles, as some tourists and sightseers may be driving slowly or making sudden stops to take in the stunning views.
Stopped to capture a photograph on The Foothills Parkway while a pair of riders go by in the distance.
For the “spirited” rider, the Foothills Parkway presents an exciting challenge. The road features a mix of long, sweeping curves and tight hairpin bends, providing a wonderful two-wheeled experience at every turn. You can lean into those curves and enjoy the thrill of navigating through the winding path with precision and skill.
On To The Tail of the Dragon?
After sunrise I chose to continue my riding near Knoxville, Tennessee by following The Foothills Parkway all the way to its southern terminus. The road ends at the intersection of US 129 in Chilhowee, Tennessee. If you make the left turn and ride 3 miles east you will find yourself at the western starting point of the infamous “Tail of the Dragon”…a road that boasts 318 curves and hairpin switchbacks over its eleven mile length.
I chose not to make a pass on “The Dragon” today. I have ridden it three times in the past and it simply doesn’t hold the same allure to me that it used to. “The Dragon” has become too much of a motorhead tourist trap these days. It is too crowded and plagued with the hazard of sharing the technically-difficult road with far too many novice riders that shouldn’t be on it.
Its popularity has also spawned a strong law enforcement presence. They use their red and blue lights effectively to keep traffic moving within the less-than-exciting 30MPH speed limit. If you want to earn the bragging rights, by all means make a pass or two on “The Dragon” and buy the requisite T-Shirt to show off back home.
Ride In Both Directions
I made a U-turn at Chilhowie and started retracing The Foothills Parkway in a northerly direction. As I stated in my Amazon #1 best selling moto-travel book “Road Work: Images and Insights of a Modern Day Explorer”…
“Every road is really two roads with different riding experiences and distinctive scenic views when you travel it in opposite directions.”
If you’re riding near Knoxville, Tennessee you owe it to yourself to take a ride on Little River Gorge Road. I have discussed this road in both my book and the previous Eastern Tennessee blog post. Read about it and ride it! Get off The Foothills Parkway at route 321 in Townsend and pick up this amazing road at the west end of town. Watch your speed in Townsend! They don’t look highly on people moving in excess of their conservative speed limit.
Map overlay of a 12 mile section of Little River Gorge Road. It’s fun!
Not only is this one of the most technically-challenging roads you’ll ever ride on, it is stunningly scenic as it winds alongside The Little River. It will also sneak you into Gatlinburg “the back way” without having to contend with the deplorable traffic congestion heading on the main roads into town.
Parked alongside the scenic Little River Gorge Road
US Government Bemusement
After riding the entire length of The Foothills Parkway in both directions I started heading back towards Knoxville. I said goodbye to one of my favorite roads, knowing that I’ll be back again.
As I glance at the sign at the parkway entrance a thought crosses my mind. Is it just me, or is anyone else perplexed by the absurdity of our government’s nomenclature? The US agency responsible for everything outdoors bears the rather peculiar name: “Department of the Interior”.
In a land as vast and diverse as America, one would think that an agency responsible for everything outdoors would boast a name more befitting of its grandeur. Perhaps the “Department of Wide Open Spaces” or the “Bureau of Breathtaking Vistas” would have been more fitting. Amidst the linguistic absurdity, I find a glimmer of hope. For in the end the important thing is that the great outdoors remain a treasured and protected part of our nation’s identity.
MSTA Occupies Small Town Picnic Area
Meanwhile today, a number of my colleagues at the MSTA STAR Rally were taking advantage of other opportunities riding near Knoxville, Tennessee. Quite a few got together for the ride to Roane County Park in Harriman, Tennessee, featuring lunch from Buddy’s BBQ. For a couple of hours this tranquil venue, a short 30 miles from the hotel, took on the appearance of a major motorcycle rally.
MSTA Riders take over a peaceful Eastern Tennessee park
Speaking of my MSTA rally-going colleagues… below you will find a picture of most of them gathered for the traditional rally group photo.
Photo by Bryan Dunlop
Honored To Be Here
My day riding near Knoxville, Tennessee consisted of a short 130 miles on some of my favorite roads anywhere in the country. I had to cut it short to get back to the hotel, freshen up and prepare for my presentation to the membership this evening.
Again; I’m sending out a BIG THANK YOU to MSTA for inviting me to present last night’s program; and to be the sole guest speaker for the closing banquet festivities tonight. I’d like to think I brought my “A-Game” to the podium and I appreciate all of the wonderful compliments I received.
Waiting for the MSTA STAR Rally closing banquet ceremonies to start
If you weren’t at the event I have devoted an entire blog post to that program which was entitled “My Favorite Road Trip”. I invite you to read the blog post to understand my thoughts on why every road trip you’re blessed with should be your favorite. Click on the image below to access it.
It was an absolute pleasure meeting all of you at the rally. I look forward to seeing you again and getting to know you better.
I’m Outa’ Here
I’ll start heading in the general direction of “home” tomorrow. I’ll be hitting a couple of “hero roads” on the way out of town… US Route 421 (“The Snake”) in Johnson County, Tennessee -and- Virginia Route 16 (“The Back of the Dragon”) between Marion and Tazewell, Virginia. Stay tuned for a post on riding those roads and more.
I hope this article has given you some inspiration and information if you’re planning on riding near Knoxville, Tennessee. As always we welcome your comments below. Click Here to view an interactive visual index page where you can quickly browse through all of the great features that are published on the Roadcraft USA blog. Be sure to subscribe to Roadcraft USA. We send out monthly email notifications about new features that have hit the blog.
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