A motorcyclist’s guide to the Maggie Valley Spring Rally

If you’re looking for a cozy rally experience that offers a great combination of on-bike and off-bike experiences, then the Maggie Valley Spring Rally is for you.

This marks the event’s fifth year, and the theme is “Mopars and Hawgs.” Nestled in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina, Maggie Valley may be one of the most picturesque motorcycle rally locations in the country. The area is home to some of America’s top destination roads, which means this is a rider’s rally.

The Maggie Valley Spring Rally lays claim to being “The Smokey Mountain’s Largest Motorcycle Rally.” Compared to the major rallies like Daytona or Sturgis, however, it’s small. And that can be a good thing. The cozy rally headquarters offers enough to do off the motorcycle, and the surrounding landscapes offer epic riding opportunities. This makes for an old-time rally experience.

Here is some of what the rally offers:

• Motorcycle show
• Mopar car/truck/Jeep show
• Concerts
• Talent search
• Swap meet
• Vendors
• BBQ
• Self-guided tours with daily ride prizes

• The Blue Ridge Parkway
• The Tail of the Dragon
• The Rattler NC209

Other Local Points of Interest

Maggie Valley has been a tourist destination for decades. The town gained fame from the Ghost Town in the Sky Amusement Park that opened in 1961. After falling on hard times, which saw the park being closed, it has been rebranded as Ghost Town Village, which is scheduled to reopen on June 1, 2016. The Wheels Through Time Museum, a true motorcyclist’s bucket list destination also calls Maggie Valley home. The museum is just a short distance away from the rally headquarters. The city of Asheville is a short ride away and offers great dining along with historic attractions: the Biltmore Estate and the Thomas Wolfe house. Several national parks and forests surround the area and offer lots of outdoor activities.

This rally makes for a great weekend escape or could be the start of a longer vacation. One thing’s certain—after you ride in these mountains you will come back for more.

Key Event Information

Location: Maggie Valley Festival Grounds

        3374 Soco Road

        Maggie Valley, N.C.

Dates: May 27–29, 2016

Hours: Friday 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Ride prize signup: Friday 10:30 a.m.–noon; Saturday 9:30 a.m.–noon

Admission: Weekend pass - $25; Daily - $15; children 12 and under free with parent

Promoter: Maggie Valley Rallys

Telephone: (336) 643-1367

Till next time ride safe!