Scenic Highways You Can Ride
Here are 10 of the best Slingshot-friendly routes to explore during your visit, sorted by proximity to Mountain City:
- Doe Mountain to Watauga Lake Backroads
• Location: Local roads from Mountain City to Butler and beyond
• Why Ride: Quiet scenic routes, waterfront vistas, and Appalachian solitude. - The Snake (U.S. 421)
• Location: Between Mountain City and Bristol, TN
• Distance: ~33 miles
• Why Ride: Over 400 curves, remote ridgelines, and the legendary Shady Valley Country Store. - TN-91 to Damascus, VA
• Location: Shady Valley to Damascus
• Distance: ~20 miles
• Why Ride: A laid-back ride through rolling farmland, wooded hollows, and the charming mountain town of Damascus—"Trail Town USA." - Roan Mountain Scenic Highway (TN-143 / NC-261)
• Location: Elizabethton to Carvers Gap
• Why Ride: Climb to over 5,500 ft through Roan Mountain’s lush alpine forest with sweeping valley views. - Blue Ridge Parkway: Linn Cove Viaduct to Blowing Rock
• Location: Milepost 304 to 294
• Why Ride: Breathtaking mountain-top drive across the famous curved viaduct, leading into the artistic town of Blowing Rock. - Back of the Dragon (VA Route 16)
• Location: Marion to Tazewell, VA
• Distance: 32 miles
• Why Ride: Virginia’s premier twisty road with 438 curves and a dedicated Welcome Center for riders. - Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441)
• Location: Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC
• Why Ride: Through the heart of Great Smoky Mountains National Park—complete with scenic pull-offs, high-elevation forests, and historic landmarks. - Tail of the Dragon + Foothills Parkway
• Location: Townsend to U.S. 129
• Why Ride: Combine the thrill of the Dragon with relaxing ridgeline views of the Smoky Mountains. - Tail of the Dragon (U.S. 129)
• Location: Near TN/NC border
• Distance: 11 miles
• Curves: 318
• Why Ride: One of the most iconic and technical routes in the U.S. for motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles. Tight corners, steep drops, and epic photo spots. - Cherohala Skyway (TN 165 / NC 143)
• Location: Tellico Plains to Robbinsville
• Distance: 43 miles
• Why Ride: Remote high-altitude riding with long, sweeping curves and minimal traffic.
The Ultimate 5-Day Slingshot Touring Itinerary
Want to see it all? Here's a multi-day loop-style adventure starting and ending at Doe Mountain:
Day 1: The Snake & Roan Mountain
- U.S. 421 from Mountain City to Shady Valley
- Ride up Roan Mountain via TN-143/NC-261
- Overnight in Banner Elk, NC
Day 2: Blue Ridge Parkway to Blowing Rock
- Scenic Linn Cove Viaduct
- Grandfather Mountain and Moses Cone Park
- Stay in downtown Blowing Rock
Day 3: Cherohala Skyway
- Drive to Tellico Plains
- Ride Cherohala Skyway to Robbinsville
Day 4: Tail of the Dragon + Foothills Parkway
- Start on U.S. 129
- Ride into Townsend or Gatlinburg
Day 5: Back of the Dragon & TN-91 Return
- Cruise VA Route 16
- Return via TN-91 through Damascus and Laurel Bloomery
Ride in Style with Our Polaris Slingshots
- Requirements:
• Drivers must be 21+ with a valid ID *Minors under 18 must ride with a driver 25+*
• Insurance hold required at pick-up
• Slingshots available for self-guided rides or included in our custom adventure packages
Reserve your Slingshot online or stop by the Adventure Center. We’ll set you up with maps, gear recommendations, and help plan your custom route.