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Heading down there this weekend from upstate PA for a quick trip. I did the dragon about a month ago. Looking at the Cher Skyway this trip. On the map I like the looks of 441 heading north out of Cherokee. That's how I might go to head back to PA. Looking for a nice loop from Robbinsville (Skyway) and back south to Cherokee/M. Valley area without going south on the dragon. Maybe I'll end up on the southbound dragon, and take 28 at Deal's Gap? Thx for any suggestions.
There are many threads on great Smoky Mtn rides. There are so many great roads there. Stop at a gas station or if youre staying in Maggie Valley, ask at your hotel front desk for a motorcycle roads map. Here are some great roads I've done in the past trips: Moonshiner, Rattler, Skyway, Waugh Rd, Blue Ridge Parkway. Many in my opinion are superior to the dragon.
From: Marion NC / Lake Norman NC / Panama City Fla
Do the Rattler, Hwy 209 out of Maggie Valley to Hot Springs. Head east out of Hot Springs on 70/25. When you get to where it meets 208 you can take that North on 208 or continue on 25 to the south. Once you decide which way to go I can direct you to some really cool roads that will eventually lead you toward home.
One of my favorite roads is NC 80 it goes from Marion to Bakersville.
Also check out any of the Southern Dozen near Johnson City Tn. https://southerndozen.com/
I have been around this area for 4 years now and have yet to do the Dragon. Dont need to .
I have been around this area for 4 years now and have yet to do the Dragon. Dont need to .
Next month will be the 4th straight year I've ridden to North Carolina from Texas. You haven't ridden the Dragon? I've ridden most of the roads within a 100 mile radius of Maggie Valley, but the Dragon is the cherry on top. No I never ride it on weekends, only during the week, but without a doubt, the Dragon is the best ride I've ridden in N.C.
It's a dangerous and challenging road because of the other vehicles and the Poindexter's that don't know how to ride, and have no business being on the Dragon, but that's it's appeal to me. You can't ride it scared.
I’ve rode the Dragon about 15 times now. Never on the trike though.. maybe next week … it’s ok but you have to watch the other riders and cages but it’s a state maintained road so everyone is allow Except long trailers and tractor trailers. I’ve met some and almost ate the side of one. There are so many great roads and places to ride to.
441 from Cherokee through the park is a great road if theres not much traffic. Wife and I rode it again a few weeks ago. Weekday mornings are the best time. When you get to the Tennessee end, dont go into Gatlinburg. At the Sugarlands Visitor Center take Fighting Creek Gap Road to Townsend. At Townsend take 321 to Maryville. Youll avoid the cluster thats Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and can easily go north from there.
Also, 19 from Bryson City through Cherokee and on to Maggie Valley is a good ride. Go to Wheels Thru Time in Maggie Valley while youre there. Always a good stop.
At the east end of Maggie Valley go through Lake Junaluska. When you come out the other side youre on 209. Go north to Hot Springs. This is the Rattler. Overall, its one of the most enjoyable rides in the area and doesnt have the traffic of the Dragon.
Last edited by sam_spade; Aug 31, 2022 at 08:28 AM.
I stayed at Iron Horse Lodge (NE of Robbinsville) in May (met up with a dozen people from all over), and had these 3 loops (common rides from the web sites), for 3 of the days we were there, all were great... but with a week there just to ride... there wasn't a bad day.
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Need Some NC Suggestions
