Thunder in the Smokies 2026

This is an annual event located in Maggie Valley, NC. They have 3 rallies a year and a small group of us decided to attend the first one from May 1-3. One of the riders booked an Airbnb in a great location for the rally.

We met up at the Two Buck Saloon at noon since it was centrally located AND there is a great Asian place right next door where we can get lunch. After having a nice lunch, we headed out for Maggie Valley. It is a about a 3 hour ride.

Its about a 3 hour ride. After making a wrong turn (we were going to take a back road route), we just took the interstate up to Ashville. We made one stop for fuel and a bio-break. We arrived about 5 and the house was very nice. Maggie Valley is such a nice town. Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by mountains.

After settling in, we decided to head over to the Creekside Grill located at the Bearswaters Brewery Company. Great restaurant! We were able to sit outside next to the creek.

After having a great meal, we headed over to Waynesville to the Water'n Hole Bar and Grill. Very interesting place. The first time I have been to a Bar and Grill and had to go through a metal detector. We headed over to the outdoor patio and sat around for about an hour. Once we were done there, we headed back to the house.

It was getting late and it was a bit chilly so some of us decided to go check out the hot tub. It was a clear night and the water was 101 degrees. After soothing our muscles, it was time for bed as tomorrow was going to be busy.

We got up and wanted to head over to the Cherokee Casino in the morning before it got busy. so we piled into the car and drove up to the casino. I did well but others did not fair as good. We were only there about 90 minutes. Blackjack was good to me. I usually play $20 in a slot machine. First roll, I hit $70 so I cashed out. I then hit craps and got a nice payout as well. I decided not to press my luck so found the others and headed back.

Once back at the house, we were ready to head over to the rally. We got there about 1:30. The weather was perfect. As usual, the biker games were a hit. There were quite a number of vendors as well. Once vendor was selling used leather jackets for $25. I went through all the racks but could not find one my size. But I did score a nice Harley jacket for my daugher.

We did not stay late to hear the bands but headed back to the house. A few others were coming over and we were grilling out. With a nice fire pit, we also started a small fire as it was getting chilly. The low was supposed to be 37. As we sat out there, the fire department magically appeared. It seems there is a state-wide fire ban even though the Smokey the Bear signs all said Fire Danger Low. They brought there tanker truck and doused out our fire. With no heat, we all headed inside.

We all ate dinner and sat around talking and drinking. It was a very late dinner. We stayed up quite a while but eventually decided to turn in.

The next morning, we all wanted to hit up the Wheels of Time museum. This is mainly a motorcycle museum but contains so much more. This is an amazing place. There is so much to see and read you really need to go back multiple times just to catch the things you missed the first go round.

This museum was so fascinating. Before you actually enter the museum, there are quite a number of interesting bikes outside.

Never seen a 17 wheeler! Once inside, the place is amazing. There are quite a number of extremely rate bikes. There is one bike that is one a kind. You will see bikes from the early 1900s to current. There are also bicycles and cars and many oddities like the Harley snow mobile, saw, and ice cutter. We spent over 2 hours wandering around looking.

Everyone was hungry so we decided to head back to the Creekside Grill and eat. We split pizza and decided how to get home. Since the Blue Ridge Parkway is minutes away, we opted to take an extra hour and ride the Blue Ridge to Ashville. Man what a ride. I still think this is the best section of riding on the Blue Ridge for bikes.

We decided to take a quick break at the Lone Bald Overlook. The entire ride looked like this. The temps were low 50s but with the sun, incredible ride.

After that stop, we continued on until we go to Ashville. From there, on to I-26 for a few miles before turning off on 74 and back home. Not nearly as much interstate this time. Great weather and some fantastic roads. Cannot wait until the next trip.