Help planning 3 days around the "Dragon"
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
jester here is my link to all my pictures from my trip to the dragon if you see anything you like let me know and ill tell ya what road it was on.
http://s667.photobucket.com/albums/v.../The%20Dragon/
http://s667.photobucket.com/albums/v.../The%20Dragon/
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 891
Likes: 1
I just did a similar trip at the end of September. I had my wife on the back, though, so I had to break up the trip out a little more (Plano to Hot Springs to Franklin to Maggie Valley). I'm not an expert on the area, but I "think" I took the same road that OhioSkully mentioned. When I went on the Dragon I think I ended up taking the Foothills Pkwy (and maybe Little River Road) over to Gatlinburg, then 71/441 down to Cherokee.
I also took Cherohala on the way in to Maggie Valley, so I can highly recommend that as well. I had a great time on the ride.
I also took Cherohala on the way in to Maggie Valley, so I can highly recommend that as well. I had a great time on the ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,551
Likes: 22
From: Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Don't forget the BRP and take some of the side streets leading off and on to it. For instance, hiway 276 near Brevard is a very curvy road, hardly traveled and with a speed limit higher than 30. Go at least ten miles to the east and 5 miles to the west.
Just north of mt. Mitchell is hiway 80. take it toward Marion. There will not be any RV's or trailers of any kind on this stretch of road. The first thing you will see is a HUGE sign, warning people about how curvy and steep this road is. It is amazing that they were able to pave the first 3 or 4 miles of this twisty, steep road.
Some of the side streets have some pretty neat waterfalls and views that are better than what you'd see on the BRP.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
Pick up a copy of MADMAPS http://www.madmaps.com/roadtrips/products/view/38/ either smokey mountains or carolinas. i have a dog eared copy of an out of print "Appalachians" tour guide. If you find a copy, grab it.
Here's a secret route, that doesn't get a lot of attention, and I know you'll keep this info to your self
NC-215 From Rosman on US-64 past the BRP to Canton, then east on US-276 to the parkway, then head back along the parkway.
+1 on avoiding the Dragon on a week end
As the saying goes "ride your own ride". You don't say how much experience you have riding curvey a$$ mountain roads. Curves can tighten up in a hurry, so take your time, and if someone crowds you, let them by... beware of LEO on many roads (dragon mostly), and just have fun.
Schedule a good half hour at the general store so you can stock up on your Dragon T-shirts, and decals. Zeefoto, US129photo, and of course KILLBOY will be there taking photos, so you can add THAT to your collection
Have fun, and enjoy
Here's a secret route, that doesn't get a lot of attention, and I know you'll keep this info to your self
NC-215 From Rosman on US-64 past the BRP to Canton, then east on US-276 to the parkway, then head back along the parkway.
+1 on avoiding the Dragon on a week end
As the saying goes "ride your own ride". You don't say how much experience you have riding curvey a$$ mountain roads. Curves can tighten up in a hurry, so take your time, and if someone crowds you, let them by... beware of LEO on many roads (dragon mostly), and just have fun.
Schedule a good half hour at the general store so you can stock up on your Dragon T-shirts, and decals. Zeefoto, US129photo, and of course KILLBOY will be there taking photos, so you can add THAT to your collection
Have fun, and enjoy
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: NC
Just north of mt. Mitchell is hiway 80. take it toward Marion. There will not be any RV's or trailers of any kind on this stretch of road. The first thing you will see is a HUGE sign, warning people about how curvy and steep this road is. It is amazing that they were able to pave the first 3 or 4 miles of this twisty, steep road.
It is a great road but it is about 2 1/2-3 hours from the Dragon. Plenty more roads in the Dragon area for them to ride and not get too far from their hotel or campsite. But a great ride non the less.
This is Lake Tahoma at the beginning of Hwy 80 at the base of the mountain
The Damn that holds the lake back
And a shot of a straight on Hwy 80 before starting the climb
