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Dragon or Rattler?
- Thread starter Chefex
- Start date
BLUEKNIGHT911
Sadly Passed Oct 2024 - RIP
I've done the " Dragon " once , and that was by choice … there are far to many folks who just aren't even decent riders, that cause big traffic jams …. and it gets lots of attention from the police ….. I've ridden the " Rattler " at least a dozen times, and think it's the better choice …. enjoy …. Mike
hyea:
Woodaddict
Active member
Tail Of Dragon is promoted more, RIDE IT, you need a T shirt. store on NC side. a lot of turns, but elevation changes are not as much, but sometimes crowded, but worth experience. I saw a wild crotch rocket do a wheelie up hill from the store on NC side!!!!
pegasus1300
Well-known member
I have ridden the Dragon in both directions, but have not heard of "the Rattler"' Where is this? What Hwy #
ozarkryder
New member
NC 209 is also known as "The Rattler", and ends up in Hot Springs NC from Lake Junaluska NC. It's about 38 miles, takes about an hour or so depending on your speed preference from the start of the Rattler sign north to Hot Springs. It is a very nice ride, well worth the trip. We first rode it when the area roads were mostly known as numbers. Since then NC 129, that was mostly known as Deal's Gap, became "The Tail of the Dragon", NC 28 has become either "HellBender28" or "Moonshiner28" depending what part you ride, NC209 became "The Rattler",etc. I guess more t-shirts can be sold if they have a mean looking graphic and proclaim something like "I Slew the Dragon" rather than "I Rode NC 128"
Rattler Website: http://www.209therattler.com/map.html
When in Hot Springs be sure to stop and have a bite to eat at the Smoky Mountain Diner. We give it 6 stars out of 5. Almost all the food is locally sourced, and very fresh. Great prices, too.
viperryder
Member
Rattler
Just did the rattler last month. Now have done both dragon and Rattler, and our opinion the Rattler is better. You have to eat at the restaurant and then do the rattler. They have gas pumps with different names for octane to reflect the rattler. Sign at the restaurant states 489 turns but does not state the length. Later found it was about 38 mils long. Great ryde. Go for it.
Just did the rattler last month. Now have done both dragon and Rattler, and our opinion the Rattler is better. You have to eat at the restaurant and then do the rattler. They have gas pumps with different names for octane to reflect the rattler. Sign at the restaurant states 489 turns but does not state the length. Later found it was about 38 mils long. Great ryde. Go for it.
JP58
New member
I wouldn't recommend eating first. I was nauseated by the end of it.
I like them both, Plus the moonshiner 28 is also a favorite. A lot less traffic and you can visit Fontana Dam. It's kinda cool. That's where they made part of the movie The Fugitive at where he jumps off the dam. THE Snake or the Skyway is A good ride also. They are all great rides. Happy Trails. Ride Safe, Ride Often.:riding:
bushrat
New member
A few comments from a Canadian ryder who loves to stop in this area every fall, on my way south to FL for the winter. I try to get in several days of twisties and hills in this amazingly beautiful part of America. You can't go wrong choosing just about any road; a number of good ones have been mentioned above. Also of interest is "The Snake", TN Hwy 421, between Holston Valley and Mountain City - 489 curves, 3 mountains, 1 valley. Aside from the valley portion, you'd be hard-pressed to find a few hundred feet of straight road anywhere along the rest of it - simply one turn after another, and some tight switchbacks. Good pavement, too. I hauled the Spyder through here last year behind my truck; didn't have enough time to unload and ryde, so am going back to do it properly this fall. For info and a video, see: http://www.johnsoncountytnchamber.o...son-county-tn/the-snake-motorcycle-road-trip/
Highwayman2013
New member
Lots of area info here. https://tailofthedragontours.com/
blacklightning
Well-known member
I have ridden most of them, and there is really not one that I wouldn't recommend. But my worst nightmare was the Devil's Triangle. I rode that about 7 years ago. Lots of coal from the dump trucks was on the road. But I still plan on doing it again. I was just there this past April and June. I will be back again in September and October.
fastfraser
Blazing Member
bushrat
New member
Here's a twisty ride in NC-TN that I have been contemplating doing in late Oct. this year. Planning on an overnight in Little Switzerland with an early morning start next day. Heading south on the "Diamondback", Hwy 226A down close to Marion, then west to 80 and north (recommended above by Grandpot), but continuing well north of Blue Ridge Pkwy on 80 and other roads through Micaville, way up to Biltmore and over to Holston Valley, TN, then down the "Snake" to Mountain City, and zig-zagging south through the hills back to Little Switzerland. A full day of riding - 6 hours of travel before breaks; 218 miles. Lots of twisties. My thanks to Blacklightning, who advised me on some of these roads last year. I'm also contemplating a couple more days in the area, which could include "Devil's Triangle" and Cherohala Skyway, or simply any other back roads that look appealing. It's all great fun!! Your comments/advice welcome.
