TOURING THE WINDING ROADS OF EAST TENNESSEE ’ S 9 LAKES REGION
TENNESSEE ESCAPE
Story by ALLISON PARKER Photos by author & JAKE WILLIAMS
As my husband , Jake , and I packed our saddlebags for a three- day motorcycle trip to the 9 Lakes Region of Tennessee , I realized it would be our first multiday motorcycle journey together . A Saturday cruise on local roads is common for us , but this was new territory .
DAY 1 : TO THE GAP
As we exited at Harriman , the tree tunnel of I- 40 was shed for the characterful scene of an East Tennessee small town . Mom- and- pop shops and restaurants lined the road , and buildings were brightly painted with murals displaying the town ’ s history and culture .
Harriman ’ s streets were soon replaced with riverside riding along the Emory and Clinch rivers .
RIDERMAGAZINE . COM / APRIL 2025 / 33