The first question would be, Do you have your carry permit?  If so... you should be good to go.  If not, unload your gun, and store the magazine in a different saddlebag...

Of course.  It an Ohio license, which has reciprocal rights with Tennessee.

Given that you have a valid carry permit (you state that you do, from Ohio) and TN recognizes it (we do), then you are good to go.

You have no duty to "declare" to a LEO if you are stopped, but many consider it only courtesy to do so.  With a TN permit, they will
be notified you have a permit when they run your license (happens to be the same database, & the same number...how convenient!),
but probably not for an out-of-state permit.

Some recommend handing both your DL & HCP (handgun carry permit) to an officer if stopped.

It's your call to make...just remember that prudence, respect, and courtesy can go a long way.

David

Deal's Gap is actually in North Carolina, just across the TN state line. Ohio probably has a reciprocal agreement with them as well but I suppose you should check just to make sure.

Deals gap where he will be riding is 10miles on the TN side and 1 mile in NC. He can avoid NC if he doesn't want to eat/shop at the store/get a sticker/fuel. However I will also be up there this Saturday in my Blue FJ60 Feel free to honk flip me the bird cause I will be holding up traffic more than likely.

Sorry, I meant "the Dragon," but there's no town to reference.  I'll be on the 20-miles of US 129 that's north of the TN state line.  If I get pulled over anywhere on this trip, it's likekly to be here.

I'm a little late with this reply.  But, also remember that you'll most likely be asked for your registration and proof of insurance in addition to your license.  Be sure to NOT have all this stuff in the same location as your weapon.  It could lead to a very awkward moment.  I keep my weapon on my person or in my hard bags, and my documents in a windshield bag.

"The Dragon" ends about a mile into NC, at the intersection of US129 and NC28 (a.k.a Deals Gap), where most people stop at the motel/gas station for a break. There is also a lot of beautiful riding on the NC side, including NC28 that goes out toward Fontana Dam, and more of US129 that can take you over to the Cherohala Skyway.  It's all worth seeing if you have the time.  
By the way, I have seen both TN and NC LEO set up road blocks at the state line, and both of them patrol the area a lot more than they did 10 or 15 years ago, so watch your speed

Got back last night and hit all the routes you mentioned:  Rt 28 from Walhalla to Deals Gap, The Dragon, and Cherohala Skyway.



Awesome trip!