Finally rode the dragon
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 438
Likes: 160
From: Waxhaw, NC
Originally Posted by Cosmic Razorback
Congratulations two of the better motorcycle roads in this part of the world.
There are many others, The Snake, Back of the Dragon, Hwy 80, and more.
There are many others, The Snake, Back of the Dragon, Hwy 80, and more.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
All of the above is good info. Ive ridden pretty much all the semi-popular rides in the US. If I had to pick a favorite it would be rt28 from Dalton ,GA to the Fontana Dam and Deals gap.I then take the Cherohala Skyway home.
I see your from Blairsville.Id assume you are familiar with Jim's Smokin' Que? The best barbq.
I see your from Blairsville.Id assume you are familiar with Jim's Smokin' Que? The best barbq.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,378
Likes: 1,933
From: El Flatistan
I'm not a fan of the Dragon and cringe every time I end up riding it which has been at least 40 times but I liked riding the area so much I bought land and build a cabin there 10 years ago. Do my grocery shopping at the Tellico Sav a lot.
Where 129 comes South to rt 74 take a left for about 5 miles. When 74 divides take a right on Wayah road also marked as 1310. Follow that down around Nantahala lake. Wayah road is every bit as twisted as 129 but no traffic, better views and water.
Ends up on 64 left is Franklin, right is Murphy. Stop in at the HWY 64 Gym if you need a refreshing lift.
Where 129 comes South to rt 74 take a left for about 5 miles. When 74 divides take a right on Wayah road also marked as 1310. Follow that down around Nantahala lake. Wayah road is every bit as twisted as 129 but no traffic, better views and water.
Ends up on 64 left is Franklin, right is Murphy. Stop in at the HWY 64 Gym if you need a refreshing lift.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 265
Likes: 56
From: US
Where 129 comes South to rt 74 take a left for about 5 miles. When 74 divides take a right on Wayah road also marked as 1310. Follow that down around Nantahala lake. Wayah road is every bit as twisted as 129 but no traffic, better views and water.
Ends up on 64 left is Franklin, right is Murphy. Stop in at the HWY 64 Gym if you need a refreshing lift.[/QUOTE]
I knocked back a few at the HWY 64 Gym, good pit stop.
ETA: Sorry sometimes I don't do the quote thingy right.
Ends up on 64 left is Franklin, right is Murphy. Stop in at the HWY 64 Gym if you need a refreshing lift.[/QUOTE]
I knocked back a few at the HWY 64 Gym, good pit stop.
ETA: Sorry sometimes I don't do the quote thingy right.
Last edited by Recan; Jul 13, 2017 at 05:11 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 1,278
From: PA
Where 129 comes South to rt 74 take a left for about 5 miles. When 74 divides take a right on Wayah road also marked as 1310. Follow that down around Nantahala lake. Wayah road is every bit as twisted as 129 but no traffic, better views and water.
Ends up on 64 left is Franklin, right is Murphy. Stop in at the HWY 64 Gym if you need a refreshing lift.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,735
Likes: 9,244
From: Snow Hill, NC
This shows that you can learn something new every day. I've been riding these roads since long before they had cool marketing names and I always thought 28 from Lauda to Deal's Gap was the "Hellbender" and 28 south of 74 to Franklin was "Moonshiner."
Sounds like there were a lot of us at the Gap on Tuesday. My wife and I decided to take the scenic route to the Harley dealer in Pigeon Forge. I needed a part, and the choice of a 100 mile trip to Atlanta, or a 200 mile trip to PF was an easy one.
We took GA60 from Morganton to TN68 (a curvy little road in its own right) right to Tellico and the Cherohala. From the Cherohala to "The Dragon" is a nice ride as well. We met a bunch of guys from all over riding together. They said they had met on an internet forum, but it didn't occur to me to ask which one. They were particularly impressed with my wife's new Scout. Nice people.
Through the "Dragon" and on to the Foothills parkway right into Gatlinburg. For those that don't like the traffic in Gatlinburg I suggest the Gatlinburg Bypass. This drops you off in the National Park about a mile from town. No traffic when approaching town from the south.
A quick shower, a nice steak dinner and a good night's sleep and we were ready to do it all again in reverse.
After getting our part, we took the Park Road (441) south to Cherokee. 441 is 37 miles of incomparable views and some nice twists. It can get easily clogged with car traffic, but a friendly flash of the Daymakers does wonders to remind folks the pull-offs are there to allow faster traffic to go by. From Cherokee a quick ride down 74 back to 28. A quick run (back and forth) through the Gap and home via the Cherohala.
406 miles door to door and not a drop of rain.
Sounds like there were a lot of us at the Gap on Tuesday. My wife and I decided to take the scenic route to the Harley dealer in Pigeon Forge. I needed a part, and the choice of a 100 mile trip to Atlanta, or a 200 mile trip to PF was an easy one.
We took GA60 from Morganton to TN68 (a curvy little road in its own right) right to Tellico and the Cherohala. From the Cherohala to "The Dragon" is a nice ride as well. We met a bunch of guys from all over riding together. They said they had met on an internet forum, but it didn't occur to me to ask which one. They were particularly impressed with my wife's new Scout. Nice people.
Through the "Dragon" and on to the Foothills parkway right into Gatlinburg. For those that don't like the traffic in Gatlinburg I suggest the Gatlinburg Bypass. This drops you off in the National Park about a mile from town. No traffic when approaching town from the south.
A quick shower, a nice steak dinner and a good night's sleep and we were ready to do it all again in reverse.
After getting our part, we took the Park Road (441) south to Cherokee. 441 is 37 miles of incomparable views and some nice twists. It can get easily clogged with car traffic, but a friendly flash of the Daymakers does wonders to remind folks the pull-offs are there to allow faster traffic to go by. From Cherokee a quick ride down 74 back to 28. A quick run (back and forth) through the Gap and home via the Cherohala.
406 miles door to door and not a drop of rain.
Wayah rd was fine Tuesday for me.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jul 14, 2017 at 07:48 AM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
That's my recollection, but I'm old. Also, folks used to call the part of 28 between Clayton and SC the "Warwoman" Road as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,735
Likes: 9,244
From: Snow Hill, NC
The nice thing is, 28 is what shows up on the GPS and all other maps.