Ride the Appalachians: A Five-Day Motorcycle Journey from Pittsburgh to Dahlonega

We are headquartered in the great state of West Virginia. I may be biased, but I think the Appalachians hold some of the best motorcycle roads in North America. The Appalachians aren’t just mountains—they’re a winding ribbon of history, culture, and curves that every rider should experience at least once. This five-day tour from Pittsburgh, PA to Dahlonega, GA takes you deep into the heart of America’s most storied range, blending small-town charm, twisty backroads, and iconic stretches like the legendary Tail of the Dragon.

From the Steel City skyline to Georgia’s gold rush past, each day offers a new chapter in the ride: river valleys, ridgeline views, roadside breweries, and the kind of friendly main streets that make you want to linger over another cup of coffee. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or savoring the scenery, this trip delivers both in equal measure.

Day 1: Pittsburgh, PA → Morgantown, WV

Your journey begins on Route 19, winding past small towns and rolling countryside. Pause for a burrito at Black Bear Burritos, then ride up to Coopers Rock State Forest for sweeping overlooks. Wrap the day with wood-fired pizza at Mountain State Brewing Co. and a restful night along the Monongahela River.

Pittsburgh, once the heart of America’s steel industry, has reinvented itself into a city of culture, innovation, and green space. Its three rivers meet beneath a skyline dotted with 446 bridges, making it a perfect launch point for a ride south. Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, offers an upbeat blend of Appalachian roots and college-town energy. Coopers Rock, named after an 18th-century fugitive cooper who hid there, remains one of the best overlooks in the Mountain State.

Day 2: Morgantown, WV → Summersville, WV

Kick off with breakfast at the cozy Iron Horse Tavern before carving along scenic Route 19. Lunch at Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse pairs great food with lake views. Spend your afternoon at Summersville Lake, West Virginia’s largest, then toast the evening at Gauley River Brewing Company.

Summersville, dubbed the “Little Bahamas of the East,” boasts crystal-clear waters thanks to the construction of Summersville Dam in 1966. Once a coal and timber hub, it’s now a magnet for outdoor recreation—boating, climbing, diving, and fishing. The Gauley River, flowing from the lake, is world-famous among whitewater rafters, with rapids that rival any in North America.

Day 3: Summersville, WV → Wytheville, VA

Fuel up at The Vault on Main and aim for Route 60 and I-77’s twisting beauty. Stop at Big Walker Lookout for panoramic mountain views. Dinner at 7 Dogs Brewpub caps off the day before settling in at the Comfort Inn.

Wytheville, named after George Wythe—a signer of the Declaration of Independence—is a charming crossroads town in the Blue Ridge Highlands. It’s famous for being “the only Wytheville in the world” and for hosting German POWs during WWII. Big Walker Lookout, built in 1947, offers a view that stretches across five states on a clear day, making it a must-stop for travelers.

Day 4: Wytheville, VA → Robbinsville, NC

Historic charm greets you at Skeeter’s for breakfast, then it’s on to one of the most famous motorcycle roads in the world—the Tail of the Dragon. Eleven miles. 318 curves. Pure riding bliss. Cool off with a riverside dinner at Tapoco Tavern and rest at Phillips Motel.

Robbinsville is the gateway to the Smoky Mountains, sitting just miles from the legendary Tail of the Dragon. The town offers a slower pace, warm Southern hospitality, and access to pristine wilderness. Lake Santeetlah, with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding forest, is one of the least developed lakes in the Southeast—perfect for a quiet moment before the final leg.

Day 5: Robbinsville, NC → Dahlonega, GA

Start with Southern comfort at Southern Gals Country Cooking before riding the scenic sweepers of US-129 and GA-60. In Dahlonega, visit the Gold Museum and end your journey with burgers and craft beer at Spirits Tavern, then overnight at the Dahlonega Square Hotel.

Dahlonega made its name in 1828 with the first major U.S. Gold Rush—predating California’s by two decades. The historic downtown square still showcases 19th-century brick buildings, and the Gold Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s mining past. Today, Dahlonega is also known as the heart of Georgia’s wine country, making it the ideal place to toast the end of a legendary ride.

Ride Tips for the Appalachians

• Check your brakes and tires before attempting the Tail of the Dragon.
• Expect heat and humidity in August—pack breathable gear.
• Weather can shift quickly in the mountains; always check forecasts.
• Fuel up often—remote stretches have limited stations.
• Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.