10 Tips for Slaying the Dragon
August 29, 2008 by Godfather · 2 Comments
So, you are making your first of what is sure to become many trips to the Dragon. You are probably excited and perhaps a little bit nervous. That is understandable – 318 curves in 11 miles! Ask any “Dragon Slayer” and Read more
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
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
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
