1. Bobarosa Saloon Run

NOTE: You may be into motorcycles, but not saloons. We want to encourage you to consider making the trip anyway. The ride is beautiful and upon arrival you may enjoy spending time with other bikers hanging out next to the river. Alternatively, you can just ride The Rattler. Most of the Bobarosa Saloon Run is on The Rattler. The only part of the ride you will miss is between Hot Springs, NC and the saloon.

Bobarosa Saloon Run: A Wild Ride Through the Smokies

Strap on your helmet, rev up your engine, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through the Smoky Mountains on the Bobarosa Saloon Run! This epic motorcycle route starts in the charming town of Maggie Valley, NC, and winds its way to the legendary Bobarosa Saloon in Del Rio, TN. The Bobarosa is a beloved retreat for bikers for nearly 25 years. With heart-pounding roads, jaw-dropping scenery, and a destination that feels like home, this ride is a bucket-list must for any two-wheeled thrill-seeker.

The Route: Twisties, Tunes, and Smoky Mountain Magic

Your journey kicks off in Maggie Valley, a cozy mountain town with a biker-friendly atmosphere. Our map starts at the U.S. Post Office, but you may begin anywhere along US-19. From there, you’ll jump on NC 209, better known as The Rattler. Most of the Bobarosa Saloon Run is actually on The Rattler. It’s a wild mix of tight twisties, sweeping curves, and straightaways that tempt you to let loose.

Canopied by lush forests, The Rattler feels like riding through a tunnel of green, with rolling hills, misty peaks, and maybe a curious critter or two peeking out from the trees. Marc, Ann, and Jane made the trek again on June 8, 2025, and it was as beautiful as ever. The motivation for the final leg of the Bobarosa Saloon Run is the destination, not necessarily the ride.

Marc’s Take: “The Rattler makes up the bulk of this ride, from just north of Junaluska, NC to Hot Springs, NC. The stretch from Hot Springs to the Bobarosa Saloon is somewhat mundane. However, the Bobarosa is a one of a kind experience. Even if you just stop for a short visit to wet your whistle, grab some grub, and meet some really nice folks, it’s worth the ride.”

Bobarosa Saloon: A Biker’s Haven

Nestled along the banks of the French Broad River, the Bobarosa Saloon is the kind of place that makes you want to drop your kickstand and stay a while. What sets Bobarosa apart is its atmosphere. It’s a place where bikers from all walks of life gather to swap road stories, laugh, and soak in the laid-back charm.

The scenery, with towering trees, rugged mountains, and the rushing river, is straight out of a postcard. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, trade tales of epic rides, and maybe even make a few new riding buddies.

The Saloon Grounds

The saloon has it all: a new outdoor bar, a campground with room for 32 RVs, brand new shower facilities, and a soon-to-reopen gear store stocked with biking essentials and swag. The campground is located so close to the river you could almost fish from your tent. The restaurant is now a food truck, so it can easily be moved when necessary.

The saloon itself is a small 30′ x 30′ (approximately) steel building sitting on the same slab as the original building. Picnic tables and firepits are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the company of other riders.

Saloon Activities

Live music fills the air every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. On Friday evenings, everyone participates in the bingo game, where the winner buys everyone a round of drinks and keeps the rest of the winnings. Imagine kicking back by the river, burger in hand, with live music filling the air and the French Broad River sparkling nearby.

One quirky tradition at Bobarosa is the stone-stacking ritual. Visitors head to the riverbank and create artistic rock piles that look like mini totem poles. Some of these creations are so impressive they seem to defy gravity, adding a fun, creative touch to the saloon’s unique character. It’s a great way to leave your mark and become part of the Bobarosa legacy.

Rising Strong: Bobarosa’s Comeback After Hurricane Helene

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through the region, leaving a trail of destruction that hit the Bobarosa Saloon and Family Campground hard. Floodwaters from the French Broad River reached unprecedented levels, damaging buildings and shaking up this beloved biker haven. Gone are the motorcycles hanging from the saloon ceiling, the pool table, and so many other iconic things that made the Bobarosa the destination it was.

But the Bobarosa crew, led by Bob and Jessica Recchia, isn’t one to stay down for long. With grit and determination, the team worked tirelessly to rebuild. By late April 2025, the Bobarosa Saloon was back in action, swinging its doors open to welcome bikers once again. The campground is set to reopen in July 2025, designed with disaster resilience in mind to stand strong against future challenges.

Why the Bobarosa Saloon Run is a Must-Ride

The Bobarosa Saloon Run isn’t just a ride, it’s an experience that blends some of the Smoky Mountains’ most exhilarating roads with a destination that feels like a big, rowdy biker family reunion. From the pulse-pounding curves of The Rattler to the riverfront relaxation at Bobarosa, this journey is about freedom, fun, and the open road. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a weekend warrior, this route delivers thrills and chills in equal measure.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your bike, hit the road, and make your way to the Bobarosa Saloon Run. With the saloon back and better than ever, it’s ready to welcome you with open arms, cold drinks, and a riverbank full of stone-stacking opportunities. This is one ride that’ll leave you with stories to tell, a few new rock sculptures, and a heart full of Smoky Mountain memories.