Graham County
June 28, 2008 by Godfather · Leave a Comment
Still looking for more great area adventures? Be sure to check out www.grahamcountytravel.com for more ideas and useful maps.
When you conquer the local area just venture out on a day trip with convenient access to Asheville and the Biltmore Estate (95 miles), Chattanooga TN (128 miles), Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, and Knoxville (65 miles).
Santeetlah Lake
Dreaming of a mountain lake fed by spring waters clear enough to drink? You’ll find Lake Santeetlah on your way to The Dragon on US 129 at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains outside of Robbinsville, NC.
Located in the heart of Graham County, this gem appeals to boaters, swimmers, fishermen, kayakers, canoers, campers, hikers, locals, and sightseers alike. The tranquil waters calm the soul and gently lap your worries away.
This 2800 acre lake offers a multitude of water sports and 76 miles of shoreline. While the waters might feel a bit crisp to some (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit during my last August dip), for us this just adds to the fresh appeal.
Surrounded by National Forest, over 80% of the Lake Santeetlah shoreline is free from private development. It is easy to find a secluded cove Read more
Whitewater Rafting
Ride the Dragon and follow it with the splash of whitewater rafting on some of the Southeast’s most popular rafting rivers! Enjoy a half-day run on the Nantahala River, or “Nanty”, conveniently located on nearby Highway 19 just off US 129.
A great introduction to river running, this 8-mile stretch on the Nantahala offers mostly Class I and II rapids with a Class III finish at the Nantahala Falls. First time rafters and families can feel Read more
The Appalachian Trail
June 28, 2008 by TracyZ · Leave a Comment
Looking to hike a piece of the legendary Appalachian Trail? Graham County is home to almost 29 miles of the scenic trail with elevations ranging from 1,725 to 4,062 feet.
The full Appalachian Trail runs 2175 miles touching 14 states from Georgia to Maine. Some fulfill their lifelong dream by dedicating 6 months to complete the full trek, an estimated 5 million footsteps.
If you want a taste of what the Appalachian Trail has to offer there are many convenient access points near the Dragon on US 129. One of the easiest is right at Read more
Blue Ridge Parkway
June 28, 2008 by Godfather · 2 Comments
Just 53 miles from The Tail of the Dragon is the entrance to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most visited roads in America’s National Park System. Extending along the Blue Ridge Mountains, this scenic Parkway offers incredible views year round but especially during the fall when the trees display their spectacular autumn colors.
A Depression era project, the Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (Milepost 0) with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, North Carolina (Milepost 469). Boasting over 200 Read more
Cherokee – Maggie Valley Loop
June 28, 2008 by Godfather · Leave a Comment
Looking for a great ride, scenic waterfall, a bit of history, and some modern fun? A drive through the Cherokee Indian Reservation to Maggie Valley combines all this in an easy day ride covering about 142 miles. Here’s our favorite way to make this loop from the Tail of the Dragon US-129 area.
Starting in Robbinsville, NC head east on NC-143/Sweetwater Road. You’ll be passing over the Appalachian Trail at Stecoah Gap. At the stop sign turn right onto NC-28. This two-lane road will widen to four lanes and offer sweeping views of Fontana Lake and mountain ranges.
Turn Left at US-19/US-74 and take Exit 64 for US-19. Stay on US-19 through Bryson City until you reach Cherokee. Take some time to browse the stores in Cherokee or visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village for a replica of an 18th century Indian town.
The spectacular Mingo Falls are a located a few miles outside Cherokee and worth the side trip. The 120-foot drop makes this waterfall one of the most impressive in Western North Carolina. Read more
Cherohala Skyway
With mile high views and sweeping mountain curves, it’s easy to see why the Cherohala Skyway is a fantasy come true for road enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Rivaling the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cherohala Skyway offers breathtaking sights with the advantage of being relatively undiscovered with substantially less traffic.
Besides the million dollar views, you’ll have the distinction of traveling a $100 million dollar highway, North Carolina’s most expensive. By my calculations that puts the sticker shock at well over $2 million per mile. Must be some pavement with Read more
Pic of the Week
June 28, 2008 by Godfather · Leave a Comment
The Dragon at Deals Gap
June 28, 2008 by Godfather · 4 Comments
318 curves in 11 miles!
Throw out stats like that and you can immediately feel your heartbeat race. Whether your passion is on two wheels or four, the Dragon on US 129 is a thrill. Read more
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
June 27, 2008 by TracyZ · 2 Comments
Experience one of the Appalachians few remaining virgin hardwood forests with trees growing for almost 500 years to reach towering heights over 150 feet. Just a short stop away from The Dragon and Skyway, this is a great place Read more
