During July of this year I rode the "Tail of the Dragon" in the Great Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. What a ride! 318 twisty turns in 11 miles. You can even obtain a photo of yourself in one of the turns. Bikes, sport cars and bikes. Absolutely gorgeous ride. Put this ride on your "Bucket List". It's a must!

 

Did the Dragon in 2013. Nice ride, but there were some rides in the area that I liked better. Moonshiner 28 was one of my favorites.

Bill

 

I ride the Dragon twice a year in the spring and fall. Leaving in the next week or so depending on weather.


Like Bill my favorite is Rt.28. For me the section along the river known as Hellbender is a very nice ride. The Foothills Parkway is beautiful with fast sweepers. Then try the Cherohala Skyway.


Anyway, I'm surprised to read this post from someone in California. Don't you worry some locals will figure out who you are?


Even as an east coaster I'll admit I love riding in California.

 

Dragon is fun. Went 4 times last year. I have a couple on my bucket list. The moonshiner 28 is one of those. I heard it is a REALLY fun ride. Glad you enjoyed the ride OP. You should check out the blueridge mtns. Lots of fun rides thru them.

 

Rode the Tail of the Dragon once. Glad I did, but probably won't again. Other roads just as good with alot less traffic. Did get a good pic of us on one of the turns.

 

There are a lot of great rides in the Northwest corner of North Carolina. I've done them all and each has it's own uniqueness. One that isn't as well known is Wayah Hwy from Franklin to Nantahala. The Gorge is cool too.

 

Just did a solo ride from Houston to that area...first time on the DRAGON! Even tho the weather was great and traffic was mild i rode to entire way w/o any cars up my rear end and no other m/c behind me or ahead of me. Nice for the first time rider.

The only "mistake" i made was the return trip to Houston. I went freeway the entire way and got into the zone...rode 950 hard miles.

I did the opposite going up there...stayed off the interstate...went a little on Natchez Trace...took it easy...rested a lot.

Overall a nice area...did a few routes. That Moonshiner was my favorite of the 3 i was able to ride.

I felt...just my opinion...that the locals were pretty bike unfriendly. Got run up on a few times and a nitwit lady made an illegal u-turn right in town (Robbins)...but she smiled and waved which makes up for almost killing someone. Plus no booze! Still...ill go back.

 

This is on my bike it list! Long way to get there from here though so it will take me awhile. Unless I can win the lottery so I can take a month off straight!

 

I was up there weekend before last...love the whole area

 

I've got a little getaway near Tellico Plains I've been building since 2006. Heading there Thursday for a couple weeks.