Devil’s Triangle Bonus Ride

Devil’s Triangle Motorcycle Route: A Bonus Ride in Oliver Springs, TN

Okay, so why is this motorcycle route a bonus ride? Well, if you are visiting the Smoky Mountains, you really have to want to make the trip to Oliver Springs. It’s not necessarily a nearby destination. Oliver Springs is about 25 miles north west of Knoxville, about a 30 minute drive. But it’s a bit longer of a drive from any of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park gateway cities.

Tucked in Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, the Devil’s Triangle in Oliver Springs is a motorcyclist’s ultimate challenge. This 44-mile loop, weaving through TN-62, TN-116, and TN-330, delivers heart-pounding turns and breathtaking scenery. We chose this bonus ride for its incredible thrills, even though it’s a bit out of the way.

If you’re in the Smokies, you’ll need to clock some road time to reach Oliver Springs. Trust us, it’s worth the journey. With its mix of danger, beauty, and history, including a stop at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, this ride is unforgettable.

Marc’s take: Ann says Devil’s Triangle is her favorite motorcycle route of all those we have listed. The topography, the twisties, the danger, and the prison, all make this an intriguing and exhilarating experience. If you have the time, make the detour to Oliver Springs. You’re welcome.

The Roads: A Technical Gauntlet

The Devil’s Triangle is not for beginners. TN-116, the loop’s core, is packed with snaky, tight switchbacks and twisties. Pavement ranges from smooth to rough, with gravel lurking in corners. TN-62 and TN-330 offer smoother, sweeping curves as connectors. Clockwise, switchbacks are easier downhill but bumpier. Counterclockwise, they’re smoother but demand clutch control uphill.

Coal trucks and ATVs add unpredictability. The loop is complete with deadly drop-offs and no guard rails. One side hugs a mountain of rock, the other a steep plunge. This ride tests every skill. The roads’ intensity sets the stage for the rugged terrain ahead.

Topography: A Dramatic Landscape

The Cumberland Plateau’s wild topography shapes the Devil’s Triangle. Elevations climb from 1,350 feet in Petros to 2,200 at Armes Gap. Steep ascents and descents create a rollercoaster thrill. Rocky cliffs tower on one side, while sheer drops loom on the other. Dense forests give way to open farmland, offering scenic relief.

Buffalo Mountain’s windmills dot the horizon, blending modern and natural. Frozen Head State Park’s peaks frame the route. This mix of rugged and serene keeps riders captivated. It’s not for the faint of heart or reckless, ride carefully. With the terrain in view, let’s explore why this route stands out.

Why It’s a Must-Ride

The Devil’s Triangle rivals the Tail of the Dragon for adrenaline. Its wavy twisties and “Haunted Corners” demand precision. Straightaways provide brief calm amid the intensity. Stunning mountain vistas reward cautious riders. The route’s isolation, with minimal traffic on TN-116, heightens its allure. Stops like Brushy Mountain Market let you refuel and swap stories. At 44 miles, it’s a perfect half-day adventure.

Its location near Oak Ridge and Knoxville makes it accessible, despite the trek from the Smokies. This dangerous yet thrilling loop earns bragging rights. Beyond the ride, a historic stop adds a unique layer to the journey.

Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary: A Haunting Detour

Along TN-116, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary beckons with its dark history. Built in 1896, it housed notorious criminals until 2009. Inmates carved its stone walls, a symbol of their hardship. James Earl Ray, Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassin, was its most infamous resident. His 1977 escape, lasting 55 hours, inspired the Barkley Marathons.

Today, the site offers tours through eerie cell blocks for $22. If you are a veteran (thank you!) you get a discount. The Warden’s Table, the onsite restaurant with a great name, is open seasonally. Check their website for dates and times. Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary even has a distillery crafting spirits. End of the Line Moonshine is their signature bottle, but you may also purchase Frozen Head Vodka, named after the state park that surrounds the prison. Their Double Barrel Whiskey is popular as well.

Outdoor concerts and other events draw pretty good crowds, so check out the lineup and plan accordingly. If history and crime intrigue you, this stop enriches the ride. The penitentiary’s allure complements the ride’s challenges, but safety is critical.

Riding Tips and Safety

Preparation is essential for the Devil’s Triangle. Check tires and brakes before setting out. TN-116’s curves punish overconfidence, so ride within your limits. Watch for gravel, ATVs, and logging trucks, especially weekdays.

Clockwise offers easier descents but rougher pavement. Counterclockwise has smoother roads but tougher climbs. The lack of guard rails and steep drops demand caution.

Carry water and snacks, as services are sparse. Petros has a gas station, but the next is 30 miles away. Spotty cell service means planning ahead. This ride can be dangerous, so stay sharp. With safety covered, nearby attractions enhance the adventure.

Exploring the Area

Oliver Springs, the route’s hub, has a coal mining history dating to 1821. Nearby, Windrock Park, the largest private off-road park in the U.S., draws ATV riders and just about every other kind of off-road fun.

Frozen Head State Park offers 24,000 acres for hiking and camping. The October Sky Festival in mid-October celebrates local culture. Oak Ridge, five miles away, ties to the Manhattan Project.

These spots make the area a great base, especially after the ride from the Smokies. They add depth to your trip. To maximize your experience, careful planning is key.

Planning Your Devil’s Triangle Ride

Start at the TN-62 and TN-116 intersection in Oliver Springs. The loop takes about an hour and a half if you just push through. With stops, plan on three to four hours minimum. As mentioned earlier, if you plan to visit Brushy Mountain State Prison, you need to add plenty of time. Depending on tours, concerts, eating at The Warden’s Table, and shopping at the gift shop, you could make this a full day.

Spring and fall offer the ideal weather and vibrant scenery for you ride. In the Spring, roads are lined with greenery and it’s just a beautiful ride. If you hit it at just the right time in the fall, say mid-October, the colors will blow you away.

Summer can be hot, and winter risks ice. So nothing new here, it’s Tennessee. Dress accordingly.

Why Ride the Devil’s Triangle?

The Devil’s Triangle blends raw thrills, stunning views, and rich history. Its technical roads challenge even veteran riders. Tight switchbacks, twisties, and drop-offs keep adrenaline high.

Farm land and straightaways offer moments of calm. Brushy Mountain’s grim past adds intrigue. From coal towns to windmills, the area tells a story of resilience. This loop, though a trek from the Smokies, is a rider’s badge of honor. It delivers memories and stories to share.

Gear up for the Devil’s Triangle. Its wild roads, haunting stops, and scenic beauty await. Ride smart and savor the adventure.