[2wheelsforme]

Any locals around that area that can tell me about the roads? I want to go North up 129 and after Deal Gap turn right on Happy Valley Rd. just before the Foothills Parky. Follow that and Abrams Cr. Rd to Cades Cove. Then head North on Old Cades Cove Rd. up to 331 and Townsend. Are these roads paved? Is this a good route? Thanks in advance. Mike

 

[mustangman]

I was just there for the Honda Hoot last month. From the Dragon take 129 to the Foothills Parkway to 321 S. thru Townsend. When 321 turns left, stay straight for 3 more miles. The road will dead-end. Turn right and Cades Cove is 7 miles ahead. If your there early enough, you'll see plenty of deer, rabbit, wild turkeys and possibly a bear. The mountains are positively beautiful.

 

[Tennhome]

I've been on Happy Valley Road with a 4 wheel drive (paved but steep). I have not been on Abrams Creek Road (which turns into Cooper Road) but I'm pretty sure it's not paved and very steep (can you say Jeep trail).
Some East Tennessee boys can fill you in more I'm sure.
What we did was... rent a cabin in Townsend and rode five days straight in five different directions. (S - Skyway / SE - Dragon / E - North Carolina / NE - Smoky Mt Park and Cherokee / N - Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge). Avoid the Dragon and Pigeon Forge on the weekend. Great riding and great time. Have fun!

 

[RainDancer]

Rode Happy Valley Road a couple of weeks ago. Left Maryville & took Happy Valley to 129 to the Foot Hills Parkway (about 200 yards of 129) to 321 to Townsend. Turned around in Townsend and headed back to Maryville due to fires.

Happy Valley is steep and has some serious switch-backs but is very rideable and had very little traffic. Unfortunately I can't answer about the other roads being paved or not as I didn't take any of them.

Hope you have a fun trip.

Tina

 

[KW7DSP]

My suggestion

Happy valley, with caution (Maybe). Abrams Creek, NO. Stay on the route Mustangman posted. I lived in Blount County at Townsend, Chilhowie View and Maryville for years. Take the ride from Cades Cove over to Gatlinburg and Cherokee. You will be happier then off roading with an X.