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Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Parkway

FrankPa

FrankPa

New member
OK, I'm finally getting around to do it. On my way from Harrisburg, PA to Nashville, TN to visit my daughter in about two weeks. I'm going to stop overnight (or two) and ryde both of these legendary two-lanes.

I'm looking for tips, tricks, suggestions, etc, whether they be places to stay, places to eat or when or how to ryde.

Thanks in advance!
 
Ride early in the day and avoid weekends. I liked the Cherohala Parkway better than the Dragon. On the Dragon watch out for crotch rockets who don't like to be held up.

Have fun and ride safe!
 
I would look into staying at the Microtel (or Two Wheel Inn) in Robbinsville. That will place you close to both of your destinations. You could also stay in Cherokee or Bryson City. Don't limit yourself to just those roads that you named. There are a ton of roads in the area that are just as good as the Dragon, but I do say if you are in the area, you owe it to yourself to ride it atleast once.
 
I don't know if you are doing them going or coming from your daughters. I assume you will take Interstate 81 to 40. If so look at map get off around Knoxville. Take 129 which is the dragon going south. Spend the night in Robbinsonville {microtele a good place to stay}do the cherohala the next day. Both can be done in a day but a long ride. Make sure you fill up gas station are few in that area.
 
Lots of great roads in the area. I rode the Dragon a couple of months ago. I got to Deals Gap at 7am and there were only a few people out riding at that time. Watch out for the Po Po. I rode from Deals Gap to Tenn at a decent pace, looking for them, didnt see any and then rode hard and fast on the way back to DG. No reason to worry about the crotch rockets behind you. If they get behind you, slow down a bit and wave em around you. Get there early and you dont have to worry about them. I rode the Dragon 4 times that day and only waved a Vette and one Gixxer 1000 around me. Ride hard, be safe and enjoy yourself. :yes:
 
The Microtel in Robbinsville is a great hotel. Try the Foothills Parkway as well. NC28 is also a nice ride. Also try to get to Cade's Cove. Look at tailofthedragon.com Stop at The Hub in Robbinsville for food.
 
Last edited:
Tellico Plains

the Lodge at Tellico Plains is at the end of the Cherahola and is a very well kept secret.
I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
Ironhorse Motorcycle Campground and cabins. We stay there a lot. Nice and not to pricey. They have a website just search Ironhorse in Stacoa NC.:thumbup::clap:
 
Definitely ryde Hwy 28 from Deals Gap to Fontana Dam, and even further if time allows.

Also, a really nice road is Wayah Rd, just off Hwy 28. Google map it. Very nice mountain twisty with great views.

Microtel is a great hotel choice. Good price, clean, and right near everything.

Enjoy!
 
the dragon

I Would about bet that after spending two days in that area you will be making plans for a return trip in the near future for an extended stay.My wife and I were camped in Pigeon Forge for most of one summer.There is so much to see and do in that area.You have Wheels Thru Time in Maggie Valley,the ride from Cherokee to Gatlinburg over clingmans dome.So meny great rides in that part of the state.Its hard to do them all in one week.Go and have fun on the dragon.
 
MAKE RESERVATIONS

I work with a lady from Robbinsville, she said the Microtel is nice and caters to the m/c community...but she says to make sure and make reservations..! Have fun on the Dragon. There are dozens of great rides right around here..
 
hotel

There is a hotel at the gap if you can get reservations. Then you can ride all three roads. I really like staying there. It gets nice and quiet after dark. But the only bad thing is after everything closes there isn't no where to get food or drinks till they open back up in the morning. if you are riding the dragon do it early before all the crazy's get out there. Moonshine 28 and the skyway are good anytime.
 
another vote for the Cherohala Parkway being a better and more fun ride than the Dragon.

and as someone else said, watch out for ole Smoky Bear. do not speed and do not cross the double yellow line and don't ask me how I know.
 
From one who's done them both many times.....

FrankPa said:
OK, I'm finally getting around to do it. On my way from Harrisburg, PA to Nashville, TN to visit my daughter in about two weeks. I'm going to stop overnight (or two) and ryde both of these legendary two-lanes.

I'm looking for tips, tricks, suggestions, etc, whether they be places to stay, places to eat or when or how to ryde.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Ride them both directions...it's a different ride going than coming...And both are GOOD!!! :yes::yes:;):clap::clap: I hope you enjoy your ride. JB
 
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