Dragon Tail
If you can. The missing Link Bridge should not be missed. On the Foot hills parkway. Between Townsend and Wear valley TN Just out side Pigeon Forge TN. It now claims to be the the best view in the smoky mountains. 52 years in the build it was opened not long ago.
This is one should you fail to ride it while near by , you may regret it. It is open now.
"One factor that has taken this one section so long to finish is the fact that it has required a series of 10 bridges over the course of a 1.6-mile subsection of the link. As of June 2017, all bridge and retaining wall structures along this length were completed, and currently, the entire 16-mile span of roadbed is being prepped for paving. Right now, it's expected that the missing link will be open to traffic by some time this winter, either late 2018 or early 2019."
https://smokymountainziplines.com/bl...sappearing.php.
This is one should you fail to ride it while near by , you may regret it. It is open now.
"One factor that has taken this one section so long to finish is the fact that it has required a series of 10 bridges over the course of a 1.6-mile subsection of the link. As of June 2017, all bridge and retaining wall structures along this length were completed, and currently, the entire 16-mile span of roadbed is being prepped for paving. Right now, it's expected that the missing link will be open to traffic by some time this winter, either late 2018 or early 2019."
https://smokymountainziplines.com/bl...sappearing.php.
Initially we have planned to ride Little River Road (see image below). After having seen some video's Foothills Parkway seems worth riding as wel.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 404
From: Hurdle Mills NC
If you come to the States the Tail of the Dragon is a ride you have to do .. However .. its really not that great.
There are much better roads in NC, SC, TN, GA.
https://www.wildrides.info/maps/
There are much better roads in NC, SC, TN, GA.
https://www.wildrides.info/maps/
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,998
Likes: 11,439
Few facts about riding that area, you can go back time after time and still have a great ride. While some will put the nose up about riding deals gap aka the Dragon it is still a good ride no madder if it is cool to blow it off. And be there and not ride would be a shame .
At the south end keep going head down to Highlands NC turn left keep going water falls right along the road no hike to see them. Any direct you go is a good ride. Avoid Pigeon Forge when people are going to work and coming home. They think there is only 1 road in that town. AT Highlands take a picture under the water fall with your bike. I know not cool but so what , you enjoy looking at it years latter.
Right in town in Gatlinburg is a 6 mile auto tour road one way great ride and things to see. So many that go there never know it is there. Roaring Forks road. Wife and I are head then 29 days. It will not be our first trip there and God willing not our last.
What ever roads you take go with the flow and enjoy the ride. It is a ride not a job. Stop take in the view. Best way to ruin a great ride is worrying about could've would've and should've.
If you do ride the dragon note the times and when you can a few days or so latter find your pictures. Order a couple . It is fun to look back over the years on the different bikes you had and rode there on.
Highland NC Bridalveil falls.. Last trips on our 2013 not far from south end of Dragon.
Last edited by smitty901; Apr 23, 2019 at 05:54 PM.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Love the Dragon. Nothing like traveling hundreds of miles to that destination every year and seeing the gathering upon arrival and hearing all the bikes. The road itself is unique and fun, but can be deadly if you aren't careful. The surrounding roads make getting to the Dragon very much worth the trip. Western Carolina and Eastern Tennessee is top notch all the way. West Virginia and Southwestern Virginia are great too.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,005
Likes: 98
From: NC
It's a hell of a lot more fun on a sport bike IMO. I use to wear it out on my old busa. To the point of being stupid now that I look back. These days I like to cruise so I prefer the other roads in the area
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 263
Likes: 13
From: Hill Country, TX
Did the dragon in '10, a week trip from Texas with a couple coworkers, both directions a couple times since the road was closed from the rockslide... Stayed in Townsend, the ride over the smokies was awesome, did Cherahola and Wheels through Time museum... Went on the EGC, wished I was on the Deuce. First long ride after retirement, memories that will last...
GW
GW
Last edited by gw01deuce; Apr 24, 2019 at 09:55 PM. Reason: added info
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 156
Likes: 81
From: Ocala Florida
We have been down the Dragon many times and it is a nice twisty road, but I prefer the big sweepers on 129 when you come in from the south end. I have also found a few of those crooked roads in that area while touring.
I also remember highway 20 in Oregon from Vale to Burns was a great twisty road that had a nice river running along side it and the scenic views where fantastic.
I also remember highway 20 in Oregon from Vale to Burns was a great twisty road that had a nice river running along side it and the scenic views where fantastic.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,902
Likes: 443
From: West Tennessee
Little River Rd between Townsend and Gatlinburg is one of the most beautiful and fun motorcycle roads in the Smokies IF and it's a BIG IF you can catch it with little or no traffic. Otherwise prepare to be trapped behind a lot of slow cars and pickups. I've been lucky enough to be able to enjoy it with light traffic and video the ride. It is a popular drive because of many hiking trails and waterfalls as well as being a main route from Gatlinburg and SMNP over to Cades Cove. It's well worth attempting either way and lots of places for great photo ops if the going gets slow.