TEN OUTTA TENNESSEE

(in no particular order):

Total 911’s Tennessee top 10 Cherohala Skyway DISTANCE: 43 MILES

ELEVATION: 5,400 FT (HAW KNOB, TN)

PACE NOTES: Fast-flowing forested mountainside road with unobstructed scenic overlooks around almost every corner. Beginning at Tellico Plains, the route passes through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. There are no gas stations along the route (something that applies to most of the roads here). Curve factor: 9/10 Blue Ridge Parkway DISTANCE: 469 MILES

ELEVATION: 6,053 FT (MOUNT PISGAH, NC) PACE NOTES: Runs from Virginia through its scenic epicentre in Tennessee to North Carolina, showcasing the best views of the Appalachian Highlands. You would need to make a weekend of this one, or choose a section and devour it. Curve factor: 8/10 Tail of the Dragon (Deals Gap) US 129 DISTANCE: 11 MILES

ELEVATION: 1,988 FT

PACE NOTES: 318 curves, some with notorious names like Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Gravity Cavity, and Beginner’s End. It doesn’t get much better than this, but choose your times to visit carefully as fame equals popularity. Late on a weekend afternoon or choose a weekday. Curve factor: 10/10 Newfound Gap Road US 441 DISTANCE: 31 MILES

ELEVATION: 6,643 FT (CLINGMANS DOME, TN) PACE NOTES: From Gatlinburg, Tennessee, up and over the mountains and into Cherokee, North Carolina. This road not only has switchbacks but a full corkscrew! Clingmans Dome is a short walk from the road and is Tennessee’s highest point and rewards with incredible views. Curve factor: 7/10 The Snake US 421 and 34 DISTANCE: 23 miles

ELEVATION: 6,643 ft (Clingmans Dome, TN) PACE NOTES: A twisting road over three mountains and one valley, and depending on where you begin it has a river at the start or finish following most of the route. Reported to have 489 curves, it is a contender for the Dragon’s crown. Curve factor: 10/10