Smokey Mountains trip, pls help

I'm new to the dual sport / adv riding scene after 30 years of mostly riding asphalt. After assembling a DR650 I'm ready for some fun in the woods. I've checked out what looks like some good riding but I would like to ask if anyone could tell me if the forest roads and other popular roads close during the winter. I plan to be in the Robbinsville NC area the 2nd week of March. Also would anyone have a suggestion for a good place to stay for a week in that area? Thank you

Try the Phillips Motel http://www.phillipsmotelonline.com/ in Robbinsville. The Forest service roads stay open during the winter unless closed due to rain washouts or maintenence. However, you may encounter snow and/or ice in March, or you may have sunny, warm weather. There are plenty of nice forest service roads in the area. Here is an old ride report of mine, some of it was near Robbinsville and some near Maggie Valley: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512682

Weather is really fickle in March but if you're coming then you're coming. I just got back from riding today cuz it was 60 degrees. You never know anymore what the weather will hold in the winter and early spring these days. I ride around Robbinsville frequently as there are some really great roads around there and its pretty convenient to my cabins. Be sure to give me a shout when you're up. I may not be able to get away and ride as I'll be busy getting everything ready to reopen March 15th but I can at least point you in the right direction.

That is just the info I was looking for thank you.

You can pretty much ride dirt most of the way to Tellico Plains. Stop in Tellico Motorcycle Outfitters while you are there and have lunch at the Tellico Grains Bakery.

. Also would anyone have a suggestion for a good place to stay for a week in that area? Thank you[/QUOTE]

You can always rent a cabin from JOE!

I'd call ahead about those gates. TN used to keep lots of roads open but they have started lots of seasonal closures in the last couple of years. Winter before last, I was greated by lots of brand new gates all around the Tellico area and it was dry weather.
NC, GA, and TN FS roads usually close from new years to mid or end of March.

If you can hang around for this......

http://www.marchmotomadness.com/

It might be worth the extra days in the mountains!