2021 Motorcycle trip to Snowbird Mountain Lodge

Diane and I headed to the North Carolina mountains for a much needed get a away. We stayed at Snowbird Mountain lodge which I heard about from another motorcyclist about 10 years ago. It is surrounded by great riding including the Cherohala Skyway. It was a bit pricey for us but so glad we finally went. It was totally worth it.

Departure day was rainy but we had our bag covered with a tarp and our rain gear on. We were ready!

Had a lunch break under a big Octoberfest tent at Hofbrau Haus in Helen GA.

Got to the lodge around 4pm. The rain had stopped but it was getting chilly. But we were ready for that too.

A open air chapel in the woods on property. Beautiful views during day. Kind of creepy at nigh :)

The back patio area of the lodge

On day 2 we had a lovely breakfast and they packed us lunches which we took as we headed out to ride. In the morning we did classic loop on rt 143, 28 (Moonshiner 28) and 129. It included amazing roads, Fontana Dam and lake, beautiful scenery, and a brief stop at Deals gap/Tail of the Dragon for Diane to take a pee break. We had decided in the morning we weren't going to ride the Tail of the Dragon since i had already done it years ago and we didn't think Diane would really enjoy the very technical riding (like 318 curves in 11 miles; something like that). But when she saw the 100s of bikers at that place; coming and going to ride the Tail she got interested all the sudden. Felt like she was missing something big i guess. But I still wasn't feeling up for that ride or the crowds so maybe next time.

Quick stop along our loop ride.

Then in the afternoon we rode the Cherohala Skyway and stopped to do two hikes up to "balds." These are mountains that look bald because they have grassy/meadows at their tops instead of trees. We did hike up to Hooper Bald (5,290 ft) and Huckleberry Bald (5,300 ft). Both were relatively easy hikes. I think Huckleberry was 2 miles out and back. The balds are just these beautiful grassy areas full of wildflowers and just a narrow path to walk along. And the view from Huckleberry was fantastic. I wanted to get back the lodge in time for a beer before dinner so we didn't ride the whole Skyway. We went a few miles into Tennessee and then turned around. I LOVE this road. Lovely long sweeping curves for motorcycles (not too sharp) with plenty of great views and hiking. And did i mention in starts just a few hundred yards from Snowbird Lodge. Talk about a great location.

I think this was the top of Hooper Bald Trail

And i believe this is the view from Huckleberry bald

Wonderful outdoor (screened in room) gas fire-pit that we sat by each night.

Sitting by the fireplace in the main lodge reading a motorcycle magazine.

Day 3 started out chilly but gorgeous. It was about 38 degrees in the morning but it warmed up pretty quickly. This was our departure day. We had another great breakfast and then took our packed lunches to Joyce Kilmer Memorial Park to hike, eat lunch and see some huge Poplar trees.

The view from the lodge Friday morning.

Another view from a different angle.

Check out that Poplar and it's roots

I think these may have been the biggest we saw.

Lovely stream along the hike in Joyce Kilmer Park.

 

Did i mention the food and drinks.Well I should have. All 3 meals are included in your stay. There is a different breakfast and dinner menu each day and they pack you picnic lunches. They will even give you a backpack/cooler for your lunches if you want. The food was fantastic! The dinner was a 5 course meal and there was always great options for vegetarians too. I'm not sure Diane was sold on this trip at first but after out great rides, hikes and especially the food....she was convinced. The alcohol cost was a separate cost but was also fantastic. I had great beer, wine and mixed drinks while I was there. And there is great coffee ready at all times. It really hits the spot in that chilly weather. Man I loved that place. Possibly a spring trip .....Hmmm :)

Selfie from the lodge just after we arrived.