The Smoky Mountains on a Harley-Davidson | Solo Motorcycle Camping Trip
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ส.ค. 2024
- The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the top motorcycle destinations in the United States. A subrange of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the Fall, the Smokies come to life with vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues as the trees begin to change color and shed their leaves. This area of Tennessee and North Carolina has some of the best motorcycle roads in the country, most notably the famed Tail of the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway, the Moonshiner, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. But there’s MUCH more to this area than that. The Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect place to plan a solo or group motorcycle camping trip. Here’s everything we’ll be checking out in today’s video:
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Elkmont Campground Overview
02:01 Sea to Summit Telos TR2 Bikepack Tent
03:07 Riding the Missing Link
05:46 Cherohala Skyway
06:54 Why I Enjoy Motorcycle Camping
07:50 Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Pillow
08:59 Motorcycle Camping at the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge
12:33 The Hellbender: Iron Horse to Deals Gap
15:02 Wayah Road
15:54 Fancy French food at a GAS STATION?
17:53 The Moonshiner 28
🏍️💨🏕️ My Motorcycle Camping Gear:
Tent: bit.ly/3Eu0BDU
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/47ZoYGR
Sleeping Bag Liner: bit.ly/3R2iPUm
THE BEST PILLOW EVER: amzn.to/3MOxBeD
Sleeping Pad (Also the best ever, especially in the cold!): bit.ly/3SQskXD
Dry Bags (How I store all of my gear on my bike): bit.ly/3OOyfZI
🏍️💨🍳 Favorite Camp Kitchen Gear:
Jetboil Cooking System: bit.ly/3YR31Wt
Jetboil Coffee Press: bit.ly/3uyE5aY
X-Mug: bit.ly/3szfK4B
Water Bladder: bit.ly/3GaVxoS
Sea to Summit Collapsable Cooking Pot: bit.ly/3R8fMbV
🏕️🍳My Favorite Places to Buy Camping Gear:
REI: bit.ly/3urfZiD
Moto Camp Nerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=ridetofood (Use code RIDETOFOOD for a discount on your first purchase!)
Amazon: amzn.to/3MTi3Ge
🏍️💨 Check out all of my favorite riding gear: imp.i104546.net/GjMJe2
🎥 Full List of Gear I Use to Create Motorcycle Travel Videos: ridetofood.com/camera-gear/
If you're new here: Hi! I'm Staci. I've been taking solo motorcycle trips for the past 10 years and created this platform, Ride to Food, to share those travels and help YOU plan your own! You can view more on www.ridetofood.com
👉Here’s a few ways you can Support the Channel (including discount codes!): ridetofood.com/support/
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🏍️💨 Thank you to my Channel partners who also helped make this video possible:
Bell Powersports
Law Tigers
Lexin Moto (Use Code RIDETOFOOD for 15% off at lexin-moto.com/)
Rokform (Use code RIDETOFOOD for 25% off your purchase at glnk.io/733mx/ridetofood)
Suckerpunch Gourmet
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🏍️💨 Let’s Get Social, Y’all!
Blog: www.ridetofood.com
Instagram: / ridetofood
Facebook: / ridetofood
TikTok: / ridetofood
Pinterest: / ridetofood
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Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links that allow me to earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you! These funds help keep this channel going. Thanks for your support.
#HarleyDavidson #SeaToSummit #MotorcycleCamping
You deserve your own Netflix series. Every single episode you make is so thorough and detailed. You bring the viewer right there with you.
I’ve been vacationing in the Smokies for decades and I never get tired of this area of the country.
Thank you for the kind words 😊🙌 I’d like to keep it on TH-cam. If ya feel so inclined to share this video with your friends on Facebook, I’d appreciate it! Thank you!!
I did that a long time ago. Everybody in my Facebook group knows about you. You're the reason I tried Eureka Springs! Had the time of my life! @@ridetofood
Videos of this quality is why I watch zero TV shows. Well done, very enjoyable to watch.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the kind words :)
I can listen to you talk all day long , so well spoken I love the excitement in your voice . I share you love of motorcycle traveling and camping I like how well packed you are.
You know someone does great content, when i spend a couple of hours watching your content. And i don't even ride anymore.
Glad you enjoyed it and binge watched! :) Happy New Year!!
I love this trip! So beautiful and much closer to me. Thank u, Staci!
This is one of your best videos ever Staci. You always make quality content, but the fact that YOU were so into it made it just that much better. Thank you for sharing. I actually just listed this area on my 2024 ride list for the fall.
Glad you enjoyed it! It was definitely a fun one to make 😊🙌🏍️💨🍂🍁
🔥 video! Thanks for sharing
Did the same Motorcycle trip in late September and Early October 2023. I came down from the north on Skyline then connected onto the BlueRidgeParkway, and once arriving in Cherokee NC rode into Robinsville NC. While staying in Robinsville me and my motorcycle took day trips on many of the same roads that you did in the Smokies. I was mentally pinching myself during the entire trip, to make sure it was all real. Yep, lots of smiles. Two weeks with no rain while on the Skyline, Parkway, and in the Smokies. I was blessed. The leaf colors were starting, but not yet as full / Peak as in your video. Took I-75 North back to Michigan, cloudy and sometimes light rain, chilly, but no big deal. After watching your video, I'll probably go later in October next time. Excellent video. I'll end up watching it again or again and again.
How cool! So glad you had a great trip and enjoyed the video! 😊🤙
Another AMAZING video.... 👍😎👍😎
What an amazing route. Thanks for taking us on the adventure👍🏼
Great video as always! Thanks Stacy
Great video!!!
Livin your best life!! Can tell you were really enjoying it. Awesome video!! Ready for the next! lol
Awesome video! I grew up in Maryville, TN. Beautiful areas all around.
Great Vlog Staci and seeing your smiling face! I agree with the humidity/storms issues vs fall riding having rode through that area this past summer. I'll have to put Iron Horse Campground on my list. All my best
Thank you love the colors and roads. Places you eat at are some of the best. Now camping oh boy. See you on the roads.🎅🏼🏍🇺🇸😘
Man , looked awesome!
that was... awrsom wild brilliant amazing & breath takeing ride mate.... loved every bit of the ride.. cheers....
As per usual, your vid is absolutely fantastic Staci, Thank you! Keep up the great work!
Thank you! Will do!
Nice Vette in the background by waterfall and yes those roads were incredible wow
Roll Safe Chica- amazing rides!
Your videos are always the best and fun
Thank you! 🙌
great video beautiful country
Great ride. Beautiful country.
Awesome video.. can't wait for the next ones..
Next ones gonna be a good one! Long, but good!!! 🙌
Great video and good timing, too! Well done!
Thank you! 🙌
Loved this whole video! Great work.
Thanks Matt!!
Wow. Just wow. Inspirational and motivational video. Thanks! Always love watching your adventures. Appreciate you sharing.
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!!
Another great adventure, thanks for sharing
Thank you!
Outstanding video! Now I have a new ride for my bucket list 😃
Awesome!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Wayah- Y'all. Such a beautiful and great video 💯✌🤟🤘
Thanks as always, Trae!!!
Hi Staci, Love all of these roads and have ridden them several times. Love all of your videos too! Its nice to see you having so much fun.
Thank you!
Great video. An absolute pleasure to watch!
Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
What an amazing video. Best yet. So much information and detail delivered with such genuine emotion. I absolutely love what you're doing. Thank you for sharing. Be safe.
Thank you for the kind words! :) Stoked you enjoyed it!
Moonshiner 28 is my favorite up there too. I love the wide sweeping curves, the mountain vistas and views of Fontana Lake. Also, not nearly as crowded as 129.
Yes! Agreed. 🤘
Beautiful ride for sure! Your analysis of "why I motorcycle camp" is spot on for me too! Love your channel
Thank you!!
I also enjoy the little things. Lovingly called the "fuss factor "!😊
Great video! Loved the footage and the commentary! I gotta get down that way next year!
incredible trip absolutly awesome 😊
It really was! Thanks for watching!
Magic footage, Staci!
Thank you Charlotte! 😊🤙
You remind me of myself when I get into some beautiful country on my motorcycle. There were spots on the Million Dollar Highway that just just left me speechless as to how beautiful it truly is.
great vid tx
Awesome video. Great content and videography. Also, I will definitely be checking out the tent and of course the route!
Yay!! 🙌
I have ridden all over North America including all provinces of Canada and even Alaska. I have to say I really loved these routes you shared here. The views you showed are tops in everything I’ve seen while touring. I really appreciated this video. Thank you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it! The foliage was truly Incredible. A GoPro doesn’t do it justice!
Thanks for the camping gear details! You know we’re all always looking for cool new gear!
Heck yeah! I posted a short with more details on my current gear set up too!! 🤙
Epic af….please keep the vids coming
I edit them as fast as humanly possible! Glad you enjoy em! 🤙
As always, your videos do not disappoint! Looking forward to your BRP video, and what you have to say about my neck of the woods! No Pressure! 😝
hahaha i'm going to start editng that one tomorrow! Hopefully will have it up first weekend of Decemeber :)
Boy; that scenery looks like a cycle riders dream. Both the scenery and local accommodations. Definitely a place worth exploring more than once. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
Couldn't agree more! Thank you for watching!
WOW absolutely gorgeous footage thank you so much for the video. I want to do this next fall
Thank you! You will LOVE it!! 🏍️💨🍁
This was a fantastic video of an area that is on my bucket list! These back roads are the best ever!
Yay! Glad you enjoyed it 😊 there’s so much to see/ride out there!!
Smokey mountains is by far one of my most favorite areas to ride. No matter how many times you go through there, it feels new every time. The beauty never ends. Another great job Staci! Thank you
“Always never the same” seems to be a good way to explain the smokies 🙌 agreed. It’s beautiful out there! Glad you enjoyed it!
너무 멋져요^~^❤
Fantastic drone footage!!! Great colors there. Another excellent video Staci!!! 👍👍👍
Thank you 😊🙌
Blue Ridge Parkway my favorite place in the whole world...and I have been to 46 different countries. The last time I rode the Parkway it took me 10 days and I needed more time to see everything I planned to see.
Love the iron horse motorcycle resort that is the best riding road and views
Awesome episode, Staci. I absolutely love this area of the US. I haven't been there in fall, but the color spectrum looks amazing. I am always amazed that you produce these as a solo creator. Keep the great content coming!!
Thanks Tim! It’s definitely a ton of work for one person which is why I can’t produce as many videos as some other motorcycle channels. But, I do my best! 😊🤙
Beautiful- be safe those leaves get slimy when wet - stay epically awesome
Yes I know they get slick when wet
Thank you. Thank you for your love letter to my favorite little slice of heaven. Also, my favorite camp spot :)
Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Just another great video!! So glad I've discovered your channel!! I'm now looking forward to watch your past videos (and checking out your website) so I can start plotting some future trips!!
🤘🤘🤘 thank you!
I love the Iron Horse Lodge! Great Video!
Ain’t it great?! Glad you enjoyed it!
This was a great video drop! I have had the opportunity to ride this area on three different occasions and feel much as you do about the location. I have not been there this time of year. Yet. I did the Natchez trace from south to north, the Smokey Mountains east to VA and the Skyline so yes I love the area. Knowing that there is much more to do and ride reinforces my want to go back again. Thanks big time for your channel and content. I have so much fun watching because it brings back memories and urges me to come look in other areas!
Glad you enjoyed it! Agreed - it’s so beautiful out there and can be explored numerous times!!
Another hit lady I make it a point to go there once a year truly is some of the best riding in the country oh, and by the way, you look great on the new bike. Look forward to the next one.
Thank you 🤘
Great video Staci. The foliage was amazing and I am a New Englander. Thanks for all of your recommendations throughout the video. Ride Safe
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Gorgeous ride! Your arial shots were absolutely amazing!
Glad you enjoyed it!!!
The f oliage is beautiful!!!
Great video! I just found your channel and it is great. You are a tough one for sure with such a great attitude. It is a beautiful area with great riding pretty much year around. I live here and there is always something new to find. The locals pronounce Wayah like " warrior" . Caffe Rel is always packed. So good. Good camping choices as well. You will have to come back and ride to Mt. Mitchell. Arrive early because many times they close it at around noon because it's so busy there is no parking at the top. Well worth it though. Best!
Great video thanks for sharing it 👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it!! Happy thanksgiving!
Agreed, the 28 is the best.
You hit all the great stuff I love to ride when I'm over there! 28 south of Highlands is also an excellent route and there's much less traffic. Almost every time I'm in the area I'll ride 28 from Deal's down to Walhalla, SC, over to Helen, GA then back up 75 thru Hiawassee. It's a great loop with lots of delicious food options. FTR, 28 is my favorite with Cherohala coming in a close 2nd. Thanks for taking us along, Staci! Cheers!
Awesome!!! North Georgia is great. I spent a few days out there a couple years ago (no video, just a blog from the trip) and was pleasantly surprised at all the riding (and food!) in that area. Glad you enjoyed it!!
Nice ride, the exhilaration of completing a 'best ride of the year'. This video wants me to go south even more! This a five-star video!
Thank you!
Awesome ! Keep working you are gonna get there! Congratulations on your new studio looks awesome and super handy ! You and Jordan are gonna have an awesome time in Europe so excited for you both ! Great looking gear , thanks for sharing,Ride on 👍😎
Looks like there was a glitch in the matrix lol!
Very lovely and I like your tent ⛺️
Thank you! It's linked in the video description if you want more info!
I've watched a ton of your videos. This one is absolutely amazing. That waterfall on the side of the road looks epic. Great content. Keep up the good work...❤️❤️💪🏾💪🏾
thank you!
You're welcome
This has to be my favourite video so far ❤
yay!
@@ridetofood 😃
New favorite channel!! How am I just finding this!? Very cool 😎
Glad you’ve found it! 🙌😊
Sea to Summit is proud of that tent! Holy moly.
Most bikepacking tents are not in the entry level price range for a number of valid reasons
Awesome ... just missed you as I spent Thanksgiving in the Smokies
Nice!
This really made planning for next years trips even harder. Was supposed to ride out to NC to visit some friends and do some boating in June. Now I want to go out in fall to enjoy the colors.
Haha I know the struggle! Glad you enjoyed it!
Really enjoyed your Vlog. I live in central Georgia and we have ridden those roads many times over the years. They always deliver, whether it is spring or fall. We were up in that area the first week of November and the colors were still great in the lower elevations. We took the Parkway from Ashville up to Blowing Rock, so I am looking forward to seeing your next video.
Nice!! You were there just after me it sounds like! I was there the last week of October
If you are packing everything on your bike I’m impressed 👍👍👍
Sure am! Check my latest short on how I pack my camping gear up
I live in knoxville tn, the missing link section of the foothills is my favorite road to ride, closely followed by the cherahala, now i gotta go ride the moonshiner. to be honest all the roads in the area you were in are great. stay safe see you next video
Nice! Yeah you’ve got a lot of great riding in your backyard for sure! 🙌
Awesome stuff! I love that area but I've never been in the fall. It looks amazeballs. Thank you!
The video doesnt even do the area justice! It's so pretty. Definitely worth a fall trip at some point! :) Thanks for watching!
One of your best! Beautiful to see and interesting scenic stops along the way. Great recommended places for eating. The routes you mentioned makes me want to ride them. I have been to Deals Gap (tail of the dragon many times) butt I didn't know about the other routes. Staying a couple of days and riding that area sounds like a good plan for me. Thank you for being you.
Definitely gotta ride the Moonshiner!! 🙌
I love Moonshiner 28. It is by far my favorite road. I haven't stayed at Iron Horse. Maybe I'll do that sometime. I usually stay at the free sites.
Love that area so many beautiful rides around that area
indeed!
Loved the video
Yay! Thanks for watching!
Digging this channel super rad rides 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thank you!!
You are making me hungry wow so good!!!
We go to Iron Horse every year. Love this place and the food is great.
Awesome!!
Big recommendation for the Iron Horse! I stayed there with my Toy Hauler when I went to that area and will for sure stay there again
Awesome!
I missed going out there this year, hoping to make it next year. Thanks for the video 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
So glad I found your channel. Looking at these roads in NC I rode with my son last year sure brought back some great memories. Motorcycle camping is something I definatly want to do.
This was my first of your videos I've seen. Time to catch up. Great content.
Awesome!! and, thank you!
nice scenery.
I thought so too!
Staci, we lived in Charlotte for a year and constantly found ourselves riding that area. Stayed in cabins at the Iron Horse and yea, just found it amazing.
Awesome!!
Great to meet you at The Prowl. Sorry again for bad parking spot info. I'm looking forward to watching all your videos.
Hahaha it’s all good!! Great meeting you! 🤘
Love that bike 🏍️ ✌️
Meeee too! 😊🙌
Art
Lucky to call the place home. Even luckier to own an adventure bike. Some of the best riding is way out in the middle of nowhere, all the views to myself on a random gravel road. Blessed beyond belief
Definitely wanna get back out there on an ADV next year! Couldn’t agree more!
Amazing!!!!!!!! Amazing place.
It really is!
@@ridetofood I’ll place it on my bucket list. Probably on my way back from Sturgis
you are so inspirational. I always rely on other people to go on these adventures with me, so if people can't go, I don't go. The fact you go alone, is seriously a wake up call for me to start doing the same.
You only live once! Gotta enjoy it and not wait around 🙌😊
Getting past the first alone trip…that is the hard one. 🏍️