Foothills Parkway TN

Foothills Parkway TN - a great Motorcycle ride that is sometimes overlooked.

Are you looking for something a little different than treacherous, hilly, switchback twisties? Take a ride along some lower elevations on the Foothills Parkway TN. Granted, the Great Smoky Mountains is a great place to ride, but many don't take the short ride down this extremely beautiful and scenic ride.

People were coming to the Foothills Parkway TN even way back in the 1800s. The mineral filled waters were thought to have healing powers. Some of these waters have sprung up as resorts such as Hot Springs NC. This great ride can be done just about anytime of year. Early evening is considered the best time to ride Foothills Parkway TN. As the sun goes down, it casts light across the folds of the mountainsides which is truly something to see.

There are spectacular views to be enjoyed all along Foothills Parkway TN. If you are in the area, you should take this short ride. The scenery along this route is simply fantastic. Many riders enjoy the challenge and thrill of a mountainous ride. Others, however, prefer to be a flatlander. If that describes, you, although still curvy and somewhat hilly, Foothills Parkway TN is a ride you should consider. You won't find any hard switchbacks along this route. Enjoy the nice, easy, flowing curves along Foothills Parkway TN.

Don't be surprised if you see some of your animals friends along Foothills Parkway TN. There have been times that turkeys just wander on across the road as if they own it. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for animals and bicycles as well.

There are three of the proposed four sections complete. The east portion of Foothills Parkway TN is the only section I have ridden. It is about 17 miles long, and runs from Chilhowee Lake to Townsend. You can see both the beauty of the Smoky Mountains as well as overlook vast valleys along your ride. One of the problems with the completion of Foothills Parkway TN is that some folks say that the traffic problem through the Smoky Mountain will get even worse than it already is. On the other hand - others say that the additional avenue for traffic will help relieve congestion. Some areas ne

ed several bridges to move forward.

If the mood strikes you to take a short hike, take the 15 minute trail to lookout tower. Just grab the trail at the Look Rock overlook, and check out the views on your ride along Foothills Parkway TN. Several high mountains in the Smokies can be seen from Look Rock. If you look southward, you'll see Clingmans Dome and Thunderhead Mountain. Mount Le Conte is just to the southeast. Gregory Bald is off toward the southwest.

One writer wrote the following:    "... Chilhowee Mountain, rising up, massive and splendid, against the west. The shadows of the clouds flecked the pure and perfect blue of the sunny slopes with a dusky motling of purple." - Inspiring. Makes me want to get out and ride Foothills Parkway TN.

If you are planning a ride to the Dragon, you may want to include this road also. Foothills Parkway TN is not far from the dragon. Another great ride while in the area is the Cherohala Skyway. A much higher elevation ride, but fantastic views!.

Foothills Parkway TN is planned to eventually be about 70 miles long. It will run from Highway 129 (the Dragon) all the way to Interstate I-40. Problem is that the project has met delays and has been

stalled several times. There is no date set for completion. Only about a third of it is done and can be enjoyed.

Take a minute to stop and soak in the beauty of the East Tennessee hills. Several pullouts can be found along Foothills Parkway TN. Even though this ride is mainly at a lower elevation, Mountains nearly 4,000 feet in elevation rise around you along your way. English Mountain for example rises up to just over 3600 feet in elevation.