It isn't bad.

 

check out the fugitive dam (where harrison ford jumped in the fugitive)...only a mile or two from deals gap resort (start/end of the dragon). if you go a little past the dam there is a decent restaurant with river/creek view (tapoco river grill).

I liked clingman's dome, which was in the smokey mountain state park...the paved walk up to the dome almost killed me though. get lucky and see the herd of elk in the park on the way thru----after a visit to the casino in cherokee.


Enjoy the area.....might be heading that way myself in September.

 

Was that Fontana dam?

 

Yes the Fugitive was at Fontana Dam .

 

Starting up the Skyway from the Tellico Plains side turn right to Bald River Falls .
Sometimes you can watch kayakers riding off the falls . In Murphy you have great
BBQ at Rib Country . If you want to ride a little way into Blairsville GA you can get
great food at Mike's seafood . The Field of the Woods is on Hwy 294 on the west
side of Murphy . Don't get too fast on the Skyway or the Dragon as they are patrolled
a lot now . Saw a state trooper on the Skyway last weekend . Take a ride along the
Nantahala River outside of Andrews NC . I ride the area all the time . If I can be of
any help pm me anytime . I'm retired so usually available .

 

Thanks for all the tips guys!
Bald river Falls is on the routes! Love those falls!
I have a map of Graham County scenic views and water falls that I intend to use a lot!
BBQ in Murphy is planned as well and so is the fish market in Blairsville.
We are skipping the dragon, been there done that does not interest me to do it again.
We are also skipping the National Park, my brother and his wife were just there a month ago and they do not want to go again.
Planning on doing the 6 gap ride in Georgia and Joyce Kilmer Forest.
Tallaluah Falls, Highland Falls, Brasstown Bald, The moonshiner spending some time in Franklin and hoping to river tube in Helen as well.


We are leaving Friday after work, going to run a couple hundred miles of slab then on Saturday meet my brother and his wife in Nashville. Heading to Murphy on Sunday with a planned stop at Falls Creek Falls

 

Never knew that. Can't tell you how many times I've ridden by. Thanks!

 

If you're hungry at Fall Creek Falls the restaurant has good home cooking .
Not sure what hours it's open . When going to Helen take 129 out of Blairsville .
That will take you across Blood Mtn & also get you to Brasstown Bald & Helen .
I live in East TN & I care nothing about the Dragon . Been on it a lot & just don't
care that much for it . The Cherohala on the other hand never gets old , The Skyway
had just been mowed last weekend & had grass all over the road . Surely it will be
gone by the time you get there . Also I hope you know that the Skyway is a good bit
cooler as you go up . So have a jacket .