Nancy and I have explored many of the back roads in the North Carolina/ East Tennessee/North Georgia area. A few, such as Hurricane Creek and Rough Butt Road, really tested our skills and pushed the limits of our trusty KLR 650s. But there are numerous backcountry gravel roads that even the average dual sport rider can challenge safely. These roads are also suitable for jeeps and even adventure seeking SUVs.

All of the following roads require vehicles licensed for the street. Unlicensed dirt bikes and 4-wheelers are subject to tickets and fines.

Tatham Gap Road

One of our favorite dual sport adventure roads is Tatham Gap Road, which crosses the Snowbird Mountains and connects Robbinsville with Andrews. We nicknamed this road the “Gravel Dragon” but have not yet counted the curves in the eleven-mile run. There are likely more than the 318 in the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap.

General Winfield Scott constructed Tatham Gap Road in 1838 in order to have a more direct route from Fort Montgomery near Robbinsville to Fort Delaney near Andrews. The main purpose of this military road was to facilitate the removal of the Cherokee Indians from the Cheoah area to Oklahoma in one of the darkest events of American history, which is today known as the Trail of Tears. Many of the Indians died in route and Tatham Gap Road was the very first leg of that fateful journey. Chief Junaluska, whose gravesite is now honored in Robbinsville, made the walk westward and then walked back to his homeland in Cheoah using this very road. There are many Spirits here.

Tatham Gap Road remained the preferred route to Andrews for many years until US 129 was constructed in the early 1900s. Tatham had such tight curves that wagons had to back-up and then go forward several times to make the turns which required the best teams of horses to pass safely. Some improvements were made to the original road, but for the most part it follows the path planned without any instruments by Scott’s Lieutenant James Tatham.

There are several vistas on the southern side looking southwesterly into Valley Town (Andrews) and on the northern side looking northeasterly toward Tallulah. One side road at the Gap itself (3,645 feet) takes you up to the communications and fire tower on Teyahalee Bald at 4,716 feet, more commonly know as Joanna Bald. The road is gated at the tower and marked No Trespassing. You can clearly see this mountaintop bristling with towers from Robbinsville.

To access Tatham Gap Road from US 129 in Robbinsville take NC 143 Business to Milltown and turn onto Long Creek Road (SR 1110). Tatham begins where the pavement turns to gravel. To access the road from US 19/74/129 near Andrews, take Stewart Road (SR 1389) and watch for the Tatham Gap Road sign. Go just a half a mile and you take a sharp right onto the Trail of Tears.

Winding Stairs Road

This 5.5 miles of gravel road is a favorite of the avid mountain bicycle riders in the area. These people are real sadists tackling such a steep road with only pedal power. With 3.5 miles of initial climb, Winding Stairs lives up to its name and rises from 1,954 feet to 3,024 feet in that short distance.

This route offers some of the steepest drop-offs we have ever seen; so steep we wonder how trees are able to grow here. Don’t daydream on this rugged route or you’ll be off the road. If you want to take in the views, pull over and STOP.

To access this road watch close for the turn off from US 19/74 near the southern end of the Nantahala Gorge. When traveling north it is a right turn about 1.2 miles past Wayah Road where the rafters put-in. When traveling south it is a left turn 1.6 miles past the bridge over the Nantahala River.

This trek begins tamely with a crossing over a single lane bridge where you can stop to watch the rafters. The gravel road rises gently before you encounter the first switchbacks and a steeper climb. Near the top end you will pass some vertical rock outcroppings and wonder how the roadbed was ever cut into the side of this mountain. You will get a glimpse of Queens Falls as you approach 3,000 feet.

Winding Stairs then crests and you come to Queens Creek Lake and 2 miles later hit paved road. Continue on Winding Stairs and take a left on Briartown Church Road and then another left on Otter Creek Road to take the Tellico Gap Road detailed below.

Tellico Gap Road

Just a few miles from Winding Stairs is the Otter Creek/Tellico Gap Road. This 5 miles of gravel crosses the Appalachian Trail and offers some challenging uphill/downhill switchbacks requiring the coordinated use of clutch, throttle, and brake.

Take Wayah Road from US 19/74 at the Nantahala River put-in. Turn north onto Otter Creek Road and follow it several miles up into the Nantahala Mountains until it turns to gravel. Continue up and meet the Appalachian Trail at Tellico Gap with an elevation of 3,870 feet. The views would be awesome if were not for the giant power lines that fill the sky. You can take a steep hike 1.4 miles up the AT to Wesser Bald Observation Tower if you have the energy. Some say the views are well worth the sweat.

Tellico Gap Road then descends more or less along with Tellico Creek. There are a couple of tricky switchbacks here so ride with care.

You will pass through the Tellico Trout Farm in the upper valley. The Ramsey family were said to have been awarded this land in the early 1800s when they ran out the Indians native to the area. The big white house, which has served at various times as general store, blacksmith shop, post office, and mill, dates to the 1870s. The enormous white oak tree near the house once served as a meeting place for Chief Tahlequah and his Cherokee. There are spirits here too.

The road becomes paved again and you have the option of turning left onto Needmore Road and riding more gravel along the Little Tennessee River or continuing on the pavement, crossing the river, and turning left to enjoy the tight corners of the NC 28 Dragon.

Stewart Cabin/Wagon Train/North River Road

This 24-mile gravel adventure, which parallels and then crosses the Cherohala Skyway, has some of the best backwoods scenery of them all. It begins on the North Carolina side at Santeetlah Gap. Just follow the signs to the Cherohala Skyway from Robbinsville on NC 143 to the Gap (about 12 miles).

The improved gravel road FR 81 drops off quickly from 2,660 feet to 2,234 feet at the Santeetlah Creek bridge crossing. You then follow the meanders of Big Santeetlah Creek with many great primitive camping areas to pitch a tent for the night or week. Be sure to stop at Stewart Cabin for a walk back into the past. We are always amazed at the brave settlers who managed a meager living in what even today is the middle of nowhere.

The more experienced riders can take a right on Wolf Laurel Road for a short side trip to the hunter’s camp and Wolf Laurel trail head. This dead-end has some rather steep switchbacks over several miles. The Forest Service rents Swan Cabin on this road for $25.00 a night, but there is not much in the way of conveniences at this rustic, remote cabin. You have to make reservations January 2, the first day reservations open each year. Contact Cheoah Ranger Station at 828-479-6431 for information.

There are two other side roads as you continue westward. Both are rather short and not particularly interesting. Continuing westward on the main road brings you to the Cherohala Skyway underpass at 4,300 feet and into Tennessee.

From the Skyway you descend on FR 217 with a visible change in the appearance of the forest. About a mile into Tennessee there is a side road to the left that leads back up to Whigg Meadow. The last time we were up there the road was rutted-out and suitable only for the most experienced dual sport rider.

There are quite a few numbered camping areas as you follow Meadow Branch and North River westward to the paved River Road on the Tellico River. Take a left and ride through Spivey Cove fishing and hunting village. The road ends at the state line and Tellico ORV Area. Riders can continue through the area into Murphy North Carolina, but must pay a $5.00 user fee. The main gravel road is very passable, but the various loops that branch-off can be tougher than a dual sport rider bargains for. These trails are much better suited for dirt bikes, 4-wheelers, and jeeps.

Backtracking along Tellico River Road you will have to stop at Bald River Falls for a “digital moment”. As a matter of fact all of River Road is scenic.

Note that there is a Tellico in North Carolina and another in Tennessee.

Some Back Road Advice

• Plan your route ahead of time and take maps of the area.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be home.
• Purchase a hand-help GPS unit and learn how to use it with a map.
• Never try these remote roads alone.
• Make sure your vehicle is in top condition.
• Items to take: water, snacks, basic first aid items, cell phone.
  

Dual Sport Map

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