129 Tail of the Dragon – Road Back Open!
July 10, 2010 by Godfather · Comments Off
The rock slide that left part of 129, known as Tail of the Dragon, closed on the Tennessee side (between the Dragon and Happy Valley Road/Foothills Parkway) IS NOW OPEN!
Get out and enjoy the ride!
ZdayZ 2009
March 9, 2009 by TracyZ · Comments Off
On May 28-31, 2009 the ZdayZ event returns for its 6th year at the Dragon at Deals Gap and the Tail of Dragon. Fontana Village Resort at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains will be the headquarters for this event catering to Datsun/Nissan Z-car, Infiniti G35/G37, and GTR sports car enthusiasts.
While the main focus of ZDayZ is driving the local roads, there are also plenty of activities including:
- Car Show,
- Drive in Movie,
- Two Concerts
- Onsite Vendors
- Bonfire
- TSD and Prize Rally
- Exhaust Soundoff
- Scavenger Hunt
- and MORE!
Visit ZdayZ.com for registration and information.
Smoky Mountain Bike Week – Fontana Dam
There’s fire in the mountains October 2-5, 2008, as motorcycles rumble into Fontana Village for the Smoky Mountain Bike Week. Bikers arrive from near and far for this big party held each year in North Carolina over the first weekend of October.
Of course it’s not just the great food, live music, and vendors that call to riders. It’s the need to ride some of the most exciting roads in the country.
Slay the Dragon’s 318 curves in 11 miles on US-129. Cruise the incredible Hellbender 28, running for 30 miles along Fontana Lake and the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Run the mile high Cherohala Skyway for sweeping curves and breathtaking views.
After a great day of riding, head back to Fontana Village to share stories and enjoy the festivities of this premiere motorcycle rally in the Great Smoky Mountains.
For more information visit Smoky Mountain Bike Week. If you need a great place to stay close to all the fun, be sure to check out this Deals Gap Home!
Dragon to Skyway Loop
August 19, 2008 by TracyZ · 3 Comments
After years of riding the Smoky Mountains around Deals Gap one of our favorite rides is still the Dragon – Skyway Loop. Start the morning riding the Dragon at Deals Gap complete with 318 turns in 11 miles. Drop down into the valley and loop around to Tellico plains for a stop at the beautiful Bald River Falls. Then head back over the Cherohala Skyway for breathtaking views and mile high elevations ending back at Robbinsville NC.
You can make this a half day to a full day trip depending on how many stops you make along the way. Here we share the details of the route along with Read more
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
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
