Cherokee – Maggie Valley Loop

Starting in Robbinsville, NC head east on NC-143/Sweetwater Road.  You’ll be passing over the Appalachian Trail at Stecoah Gap.  At the stop sign turn right onto NC-28.  This two-lane road will widen to four lanes and offer sweeping views of Fontana Lake and mountain ranges. 

Turn Left at US-19/US-74 and take Exit 64 for US-19.  Stay on US-19 through Bryson City until you reach Cherokee.  Take some time to browse the stores in Cherokee or visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village for a replica of an 18th century Indian town. 

The spectacular Mingo Falls are a located a few miles outside Cherokee and worth the side trip.  The 120-foot drop makes this waterfall one of the most impressive in Western North Carolina.

To reach Mingo Falls take a left off US-19 to turn onto US-441 N.  Continue for about 2.25 miles and turn right onto Big Cove Road.  Drive for another 5.25 miles until you reach the parking lot for the falls on the right hand side.  You will need to hike uphill, climbing about 160 steps to reach the falls.  It’s worth the walk and one we’ve made in motorcycle riding boots. 

After viewing the falls head back the way you came and turn left when you reach US-19 at the stoplight. Travel about a mile and you will see Harrah’s Casino on the left at 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee NC 28719.  If you’d like to make a donation, stop for a bit of Vegas style gaming on the casino floor. 

Get back on US-19 and head towards Maggie Valley.  You’re stomach is probably growling for lunch by now.  There are quite a few options on your way into Maggie Valley.  Fill up because you’ll want to spend some time at your next stop! 

Get ready to be impressed and amazed at the Wheels Through Time Museum.  This is not the boring museum you were drug to as a kid.  Wheels Through Time offers one of the world’s largest collections of rare American motorcycles from the last century with some great memorabilia and vintage cars thrown in for extra measure.  But the best part of this museum is that everything runs, with restorations completed onsite. For more information you cant read our post on the Wheels Through Time Museum. 

Now you are ready to head home.  You have a couple of options depending on your interests. We always enjoy a stop at Ghost Town Harley.  For this option take a left onto US-19 when leaving the museum and head toward Waynesville. Turn right on US-276 and then turn right to merge onto US-74 W.  Take exit 100 to reach Ghost Town Harley at 82 Locust Drive, Waynesville NC 28786, Phone 828-454-0066. For the final leg of the trip, hop on US-74 W with a right onto NC-28, and a left onto NC-143 to arrive back in Robbinsville.  The full ride with this option will clock in at about 142 miles. 

If you prefer to ride a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway then take a right onto US 19 when leaving the Wheels Through Time Museum and head back towards Cherokee.  The entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway is about 5.4 miles from the museum and will take you back into Cherokee via US-441 or towards US-74 depending if you head North or South on the Parkway.  Either way you can connect with US-74 W heading towards Bryson City, with a right onto NC-28, and a left onto NC-143 to arrive back in Robbinsville.  The mileage for this option will be a little longer and will vary depending on the Parkway direction you choose.