Smokey Mountain 500

The Smoky Mountain 500 (SM500) is a renowned, self-guided adventure loop that offers some of the best dual-sport and adventure riding in the Eastern United States. Created by local riders, the loop showcases the remote, rugged beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

The Route
The SM500 is roughly a 500-mile circular route that strategically weaves through three states: North Carolina, North Georgia, and East Tennessee. The ride typically takes 3 to 4 days to complete at a comfortable pace, offering incredible scenery and plenty of backwoods immersion.

The route is primarily composed of:

Twisty Pavement: Beautiful, winding blacktop connecting the major off-road sections.

Gravel Forest Roads: Well-maintained and fast-moving forest service roads in areas like the Nantahala and Chattahoochee National Forests.

Technical Sections: The true adventure lies in the remote, unmaintained roads featuring creek crossings (like Witt Road), loose rock, steep grades, and sometimes muddy ruts, especially during the wetter seasons.

Big-Bike Friendly with a Catch
The SM500 is often considered "big-bike friendly", meaning a skilled rider can complete it on a large Adventure motorcycle (like a BMW GS or KTM 890). However, the technical sections, particularly the water crossings and steep, rocky climbs, will provide a serious challenge and are where most riders on heavy bikes may encounter difficulty or need support.

The route is celebrated for its mix of challenging riding and rewarding views, giving riders a taste of remote wilderness right in the heart of the Southeast's most iconic riding area.