Heintooga
Round Bottom Road
A remote, one-way gravel plunge into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Ride Experience
Heintooga Round Bottom Road is a hidden gem for adventure riders. Starting high up off the Blue Ridge Parkway spur near Maggie Valley, this route plunges you deep into the remote wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The best part? The unpaved section is one-way. That means you can focus on the gravel, the stream crossings, and the incredible deep-forest scenery without constantly worrying about oncoming traffic around blind corners.
The road surface is mostly packed gravel and dirt, but it can get rutted and slick after a heavy mountain rain. You'll encounter several small stream crossings that add to the adventure without being overly technical for an experienced rider on an ADV bike.
Expert Riding Tips
- 01.No Cell Service: Once you drop in, you are off the grid. Download your maps offline before leaving Asheville.
- 02.Watch the Weather: The stream crossings are usually shallow, but after heavy rain, they can swell. Proceed with caution.
- 03.Wildlife: This is prime bear and elk country. Keep your eyes peeled and give wildlife plenty of space.
- 04.Commit to the Route: Because it is a one-way road, once you start down the gravel, your only way out is through to Cherokee.
Yamaha Ténéré 700
While the Pan America can handle this road, the Ténéré 700 is the absolute perfect tool for Heintooga. Its lighter weight, 21-inch front wheel, and rally-bred suspension make navigating the ruts and stream crossings effortless and incredibly fun.
Rent the Yamaha Ténéré 700 for Heintooga Round Bottom Road.
BOOK THE TÉNÉRÉ 700
BMW F900GS Trophy
The Enduro Package's extra ground clearance and cross-spoke wheels make the rutted gravel and stream crossings on Heintooga a non-issue.
Rent the BMW F900GS Trophy for Heintooga Round Bottom Road.
BOOK THE F900GS TROPHYHow to Get There
From Downtown Asheville:
Take I-40 West to US-19 South (Maggie Valley). Hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading south toward Cherokee. Turn right onto the Heintooga Ridge Road spur (Milepost 458.2). Follow the paved spur to the end at the picnic area, where the one-way gravel Heintooga Round Bottom Road begins.
Est. Transit Time: 1 hour 15 mins to the start.
Note: The road exits near the Cherokee Indian Reservation, putting you in a great spot to grab lunch before heading back.
Ready to Hit the Gravel?
Reserve the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and experience the deepest, most remote parts of the Smoky Mountains.