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Boswell's Harley-Davidson®401 Fesslers Ln, 37210 NashvilleView map
Nashville is a dream starting point for fans of twisty roads: to the south-west begins the Natchez Trace Parkway, to the east rise the Great Smoky Mountains, and about 470 km away, the Deals Gap road, better known as the Tail of the Dragon, draws riders from around the world. Our partner EagleRider offers a catalogue of Harley-Davidson, BMW, Indian, Triumph and Yamaha motorcycles here.
The branch is at Boswell's Harley-Davidson, 401 Fesslers Ln, a partner dealership less than 5 km from the centre of Nashville as the crow flies and less than 10 km from the airport. You pick up the motorcycle in late morning and head off via Interstate 40 or the Parkway, depending on the route you choose.
Our partners
Where to pick up your vehicle in Nashville?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Nashville
1 The Natchez Trace Parkway towards Tupelo
- Nashville
- Franklin
- Meriwether Lewis
- Collinwood
- Tupelo
- Pickwick Lake
- Savannah
- Nashville
Reach the northern end of the Trace via Franklin and Leiper's Fork, a village of craftspeople and musicians. The Parkway follows the old Natchez trail: hardwood forests, arched bridges, streams and picnic areas, with no billboards or trucks. Visit the grave of Meriwether Lewis, then Collinwood and Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley.
Return on the Tennessee River roads, around Pickwick Lake and Savannah, for a change of landscape. The speed is limited and the riding relaxed: this is the loop for the patient traveller.
- Distance
- about 900 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Touring bike (Electra Glide, BMW K 1600 GTL)
2 Tail of the Dragon and the Great Smoky Mountains
- Nashville
- Knoxville
- Maryville
- Deals Gap
- Cherohala Skyway
- Newfound Gap
- Gatlinburg
- Knoxville
- Nashville
Head for Knoxville and Maryville, then the North Carolina border. The Tail of the Dragon, on US 129 at Deals Gap, has 318 curves in 11 miles. A landmark of motorcycling, as busy as it is policed: overtaking there is dangerous. Continue along the Cherohala Skyway, a ridge road through the national forest, then cross the Great Smoky Mountains via Newfound Gap.
Gatlinburg and Cades Cove close the loop before the return via Knoxville. Four days lets you ride without rushing.
- Distance
- about 1,150 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or adventure bike (Triumph Tiger, Yamaha Tracer, BMW GS) for the curves
3 Memphis, Beale Street and Graceland
- Nashville
- Dickson
- Jackson
- Memphis
- Savannah
- Hohenwald
- Nashville
Via Interstate 40 then parallel roads, make your way to Memphis, the cradle of the blues and rock'n'roll. Beale Street, Sun Studio and Graceland deserve a full day, and the Mississippi offers fine sunsets there.
To come back, leave the highway: US 64 leads to Savannah, then the Hohenwald road crosses the Tennessee countryside. A way to vary the return and avoid retracing the same route.
- Distance
- about 750 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Cruiser or touring bike (Heritage Softail, Road Glide)
4 Lynchburg and Middle Tennessee
- Nashville
- Franklin
- Lynchburg
- Tims Ford Lake
- Shelbyville
- Murfreesboro
- Nashville
A short loop south of Nashville. Franklin, a town of stone and Victorian houses, comes before Lynchburg, known for the Jack Daniel's distillery, which you visit with a guide. Tims Ford Lake offers fine lakeside roads.
Return via Shelbyville, town of show horses, then Murfreesboro. The region is hilly and the back roads little used: ideal for a first day on a motorcycle.
- Distance
- about 300 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Roadster or cruiser (Street Bob, Indian Scout)
Weather and seasons
When to go in Nashville?
Best time
April, May, September and October
April to May, September to October
highs 20.7 to 28.4 °C, lows 9.2 to 18 °C
The best months: a high of 20.7 °C in April, 25.7 °C in May, 28.4 °C in September and 22.9 °C in October. September has only 9.6 rainy days, October 8.1. Autumn colours the Smokies in October, and spring brings the forests into bloom.
High season
June to August
June to August
highs 30.3 to 31.9 °C, lows 19.5 to 22.1 °C
Summer is hot and stormy: a high of 31.9 °C in July, 17.2 rainy days and 179 mm. The Smokies are cooler at altitude, but very busy in summer: the mountain roads are crowded at weekends. Set off early to enjoy the Dragon and the passes.
Winter
November to March
November to March
highs 8.5 to 16.6 °C, lows -0.9 to 5.3 °C
Winters are cool: a high of 8.5 °C in January, 11.2 °C in December and 12.5 °C in February, with sub-zero lows in January. Ice and fog are possible at altitude, and some mountain roads may close. March and November, at between 15.6 and 16.6 °C, still allow riding around Nashville.
Climate in Nashville, month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9 °C | -1 °C | 125 mm | 6 h/day |
| Feb | 13 °C | 2 °C | 165 mm | 6 h/day |
| Mar | 17 °C | 5 °C | 138 mm | 8 h/day |
| Apr | 21 °C | 9 °C | 139 mm | 10 h/day |
| May | 26 °C | 15 °C | 144 mm | 10 h/day |
| Jun | 30 °C | 20 °C | 163 mm | 12 h/day |
| Jul | 32 °C | 22 °C | 179 mm | 12 h/day |
| Aug | 31 °C | 21 °C | 189 mm | 11 h/day |
| Sep | 28 °C | 18 °C | 156 mm | 10 h/day |
| Oct | 23 °C | 12 °C | 106 mm | 9 h/day |
| Nov | 16 °C | 5 °C | 105 mm | 7 h/day |
| Dec | 11 °C | 2 °C | 131 mm | 6 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Helmets compulsory in Tennessee
Tennessee requires helmets for everyone, riders and passengers. North Carolina, crossed near Deals Gap, also has its own rules: check them. The rental company can supply or rent a helmet.
Tail of the Dragon: respect for others
The road is narrow, sometimes damp, and photographers station themselves in the curves. Stay in your lane, do not overtake in the bends and ride at your own pace. Police checks are frequent there.
Natchez Trace: a slow pace
The Parkway is limited to 50 miles per hour and closed to heavy goods vehicles. Deer, cyclists and fallen leaves in autumn call for attention. Fill up before entering: the petrol stations are outside the park.
Rain and fog at altitude
In the Smokies, the weather changes quickly: fog, showers and temperatures 10 °C cooler than on the plain. Bring rain gear and a warm base layer, even in summer.
Parking in Nashville
On Broadway and around the honky-tonks, parking is expensive and the streets are very busy. Leave the motorcycle in a supervised garage or the hotel car park, and keep neither helmet nor luggage on the seat.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Nashville
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Nashville?
At Boswell's Harley-Davidson, 401 Fesslers Ln, a partner dealership serving as the EagleRider branch, less than 5 km from the centre of Nashville as the crow flies. Your confirmation details the pick-up.
Which motorcycle for the Tail of the Dragon?
The EagleRider catalogue includes Triumph Tiger 660, Yamaha MT-07 and Tracer 900 and BMW GS models, depending on the branch's availability. For linking the curves, a light motorcycle is better than a big touring bike.
How many days for the Smokies?
Four days for the Dragon, the Cherohala and the Smokies. In two days, you can reach the Smokies from Nashville, but you will spend most of the time on the highway.
Can I return the motorcycle in Marietta?
Sometimes, depending on the rental company and the dates. Marietta, near Atlanta, is 318 km away as the crow flies: run a search to check whether a return there is offered for your period.
Is the Natchez Trace open to motorcycles?
Yes, it is one of riders' favourite roads, with a low speed limit and little traffic. It is free, with no toll. Check the condition of the route before leaving if roadworks are announced.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Nashville
What licence do I need to rent in Nashville?
A valid motorcycle licence (category A for Europeans) and a piece of ID are required. An international permit may be requested depending on where the licence was issued. Minimum age and licence seniority are set by the rental company.
Can I have a passenger?
Yes, on motorcycles fitted with a passenger seat and footpegs. In Tennessee, the passenger wears a helmet like the rider. On the winding roads of the Smokies, choose a stable touring bike.
How do I carry my luggage?
Touring bikes have saddlebags and a top case, cruisers a saddle bag. For a stay of several days in the Smokies, bring layered clothing and a rain cover.
Do I have to pay to enter the Smokies?
Entry to Great Smoky Mountains National Park carries no entrance fee, but a paid parking tag is required to stop for more than a few minutes. Check the current rules before you leave.
When should I book my motorcycle in Nashville?
In spring and especially in October, for the Smokies foliage, demand is high: book several weeks ahead. A search for your dates shows the free motorcycles.
About us
Why ride from Nashville
Nashville brings together three worlds of motorcycling: the Natchez Trace for slow travellers, the Smokies and the Dragon for fans of curves, and Memphis for blues culture. Distances remain reasonable, and each direction changes the scenery.
The branch is close to the centre and the airport, which makes arrival easier. Spring and golden October are the best times to ride, with clear skies and roads still uncrowded on weekdays.
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