Maryville Chosen as Desirable Location
The Smoky Mountains is a world-class destination for motorcyclists with its scenic beauty and winding mountain roads. From May 21 through 27, thousands of motorcyclists will converge in the Smokies for the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) annual rally, set to take place in Maryville, Tennessee.
This is the second year the rally will be held in Maryville—the quaint southern city also hosted the rally in 2013. Situated in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the location was chosen for its breathtaking views and proximity to McGhee Tyson Airport and major highways, providing travel convenience for attendees. It’s also just a 15-minute ride from Tennessee’s third-largest city, Knoxville.
The most compelling draw for motorcyclists is the abundance of prime motorcycle roads in the area. Riders looking for an adrenaline rush will enjoy the “Tail of the Dragon,” an iconic road boasting 318 curves along the 11-mile route. The Cherohala Skyway and Foothills Parkway provide sweeping curves with panoramic views for motorcyclists seeking a more leisurely ride.
Motorcyclists will also find a wealth of entertainment in the Maryville area. Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson, located on West Lamar Alexander Parkway, offers The Shed and The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint. A 16,000-square-foot outdoor pavilion, The Shed is a concert and event venue which has hosted music legends like Ted Nugent, Chris Stapleton, and the Kentucky Headhunters. The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint is known to have the best barbeque in town.
For the H.O.G. Rally organizers, the Maryville’s charm was a deciding factor.
“The city of Maryville rolls out the red carpet and welcomes riders to their charming town,” said H.O.G. Rally Coordinator Tim Hartley. “It’s the perfect home base for the rally, surrounded by some of the best riding in the country that makes for an unforgettable experience. We’re thrilled to return to Maryville for another year.”
Maryville, and the surrounding areas in Blount County, Tennessee, have made a consolidated effort in recent years through the Blount Partnership to welcome groups like the H.O.G. Rally to the area. Each year, the area attracts 3.5 million visitors, generating more than $345 million in economic impact.
“We’re excited to welcome the H.O.G. Rally back to Maryville,” said Blount Partnership Director of Tourism Kim Mitchell. “This side of the Smokies offers so many wonderful benefits and memorable experiences for motorcyclists of all kinds with many roads, restaurants and entertainment options to explore.”
For more information on the H.O.G. Rally, visit http://bit.ly/HOGSmokyMtn. To plan a trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smoky Mountains, visit www.smokymountains.org.
