Deals Gap - Tail of the Dragon

[CCM911]

I am seriously thinking that this is the year for me to take the Targa down and attack the Dragon. Apparently, there is a rockslide that needs to be cleaned up, so we'll be delayed a bit this spring. But once that is done, I really need to be there.

Since I would be coming from Pennsylvania, I figured I would spend at least a few days in the area.

What would be the area I need to search for a hotel room? Any recommendations?

[onlycafe]

try this,

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

or call the aaa.

[JerryL]

If traveling from PA you should include Asheville, NC in your route and plans on a stay, lots of good food, rooms and roads around here that may make you think twice about the dragon (of course after you get the T shirt)
Word is road will be out till maybe late june or july (remember it is public works)
At this point a lot of folks are raising hell as they moved the road block up the road miles from the slide basically cutting off some of the businesses that rely on the dragon for their livelyhood. meeting with Gvmt this week was to try to move the road block back to the slide & allow access to part of the road. No word on the success of that.

Love the area, but the dragon has all the predetermined LAW and many other roads equal to it without the hassel around here to let drive it like you want to.

Feel free to drop me a note if comming thru the area.

Regards

[scottrx7tt]

There are many other roads that are close to the Dragon that are fun, The Cherohola Skyway, and the Foothills Pkwy are both good roads to ride on. There is also a road about 40 miles away in Morgan/Anderson counties in TN that has NO traffic, or police coverage. It is Hwy 116 just past Brushy Mountain state pennitentary. You will also want to visit gatlinburg/pigeon forge, there are endless options for lodging and restaurants. BTW, when you come, give me a shout, and i will run the roads with you!

[IROC]

According to the local news the other day, the Dragon will be closed until approximately July 31st...

[jpnovak]

Jerry, HWY9 from I40 to 74 is a fun road to me. I remember that one well from when I lived in NC.

I agree. There are so many good mountain roads between NC, VA and WV that I would stay away from the Dragon. Wow, just the thought makes me miss the East Coast.

[JerryL]

Jey Jamie, That is my back yard, #9 I am about 8 min from #9 & I40. #9 is a great road although there has been some internet info on some bike bbs pushing it.
One of my favorite runs is #9 out of BM towards bat cave, about 1/2 way there is old fort road go left (of corse to Old Fort) very tight road, no trafic no law, then go up into OF for a bit hit us70 E. for a few mi then run up to the parkway and MT Mitchel (highest point in US east of the Mississippi) then back on the Pkway towards Asheville and either off on 70 or continue to Town Mtn Road into Asheville. Almost never see the law, and even the parkway at their speed limit of 45 (well 45+) can be a challenge

If you end up in the area, drop me a note, there is a pretty good collection of P cars in Black Mountain, a good friend is finishing up a 53 bent window coupe right now.

Regards

[Bill in OKC]

Originally Posted by IROC

According to the local news the other day, the Dragon will be closed until approximately July 31st...

Looks like a rock slide -
Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap and Cherohala Skyway, Graham Co, NC

[CCM911]

Hmmm.....well, looks like need to wait until August.

But on the bright side, you guys are pointing out a lot of good roads. All I am looking for is a lot of turns and little traffic.

Sounds like Asheville is the best place to set up a "base camp".

[steely]

Asheville and surrounds is/are beautiful if you can go.

The Mrs. and I brought the car north through sky-line drive and stayed at a really nice B&B there. Wish we could've stayed longer (car issues earlier on ate into schedule), added it to my list of dream retirement places. Rates more visits.

[Davewjunior]

I've been down to the Tail of the Dragon quite a few times over the past 10 years. I've done the trip on all different types of motorcycles, trailered them down once, and done it in a Ferrari once (I'm from the Frederick, MD area. Take Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway down if you've got the time. You won't regret it). The main bit of advice I'd give is don't get hung up on just doing The Dragon. There are MANY roads down there that kick the dragon's a$$ when it comes to scenery, corners, and flat-out fun. I ususally spend about a week down there and only end up hitting the Dragon 3 or 4 times. I always stay in Robbinsville, NC (the past few times at the TwoWheelInn (more motorcycle based, but about $75/night and centrally located). You'll find that most of the tourist culture down there is catered towards motorcyclists. The people down there are very friendly.
I would try and go either early (before mid-May) or in the fall. Summer gets "crowded" down there and the police presence increases dramatically. Send me an email (davewjunior@aol.com) if you have any questions.

[Por_sha911]

The Blue Ridge Pkwy has a lot of closed sections due to trees down and the locals don't have the money to clean it up. The Cherohala Skyway doesn't have as many turns in such a short distance but IMO it is as much fun as the Dragon and there aren't as many LEOs (which can affect the fun factor).

[DUK]

Looks like NC and TN have agreed on a contract for emergency crews and the Dragon will open from 8am to 8 pm. I'll try and post the link here later.

[DUK]

"The Dragon" to reopen Monday | citizen-times.com | Asheville Citizen-Times