Riding the Dragon in October
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 407
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From:
Riding the Dragon in October
I am planning on making a trip from Central Ohio to Deals Gap to ride the Dragon and the Parkways the second weekend in October. Can anyone tell me what they experienced in October in the Smokies? I have been there in July and August when it was hot out.
Also, if anyone is interested in riding down that way....Leaving the morning of October 10th and coming back October 12th.
Also, if anyone is interested in riding down that way....Leaving the morning of October 10th and coming back October 12th.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 206
From: Jax FL
we were on the BRP over Labor Day, it was HOT down off the hills, but it was cool enough on the BRP to wear protective gear (jeans, boots, mesh HD jacket with armor) and a full face and be comfortable.
the Dragon is tougher than it seems. I rode it on a sunday last year, late in evening, almost dark. was nice when no other bikers were there.
the Dragon is tougher than it seems. I rode it on a sunday last year, late in evening, almost dark. was nice when no other bikers were there.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
Ahhh... the Smokies and the Dragon in October! It will be beautiful, because the leaves will be in full splendor!
Temperatures will be volatile this time of year, so build some flexibility in your packing. The lower elevations could see highs in the mid-50's while at the same time Newfound Gap and Clingman's Dome could well be in the 30's. Overnight temperatures could hover near freezing, but the days should warm up and be quite pleasant. During this time of year I will carry a sweater to wear under my leather jacket, and as always bring your raingear - this is one of the wettest areas on the east coast.
Weekend traffic will be heavy wherever you are, both in the National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway. If you can ride mid-week, you'll be less frustrated. Speeds inside the Park can be agonizingly slow, particularly around each roadside attraction. You'll definitely want to avoid Cades Cove (inside the Park) on the weekend unless you need to work on your "patience"!
But what a wonderful area! You will have an incredible time and bring back lots of great memories!
Temperatures will be volatile this time of year, so build some flexibility in your packing. The lower elevations could see highs in the mid-50's while at the same time Newfound Gap and Clingman's Dome could well be in the 30's. Overnight temperatures could hover near freezing, but the days should warm up and be quite pleasant. During this time of year I will carry a sweater to wear under my leather jacket, and as always bring your raingear - this is one of the wettest areas on the east coast.
Weekend traffic will be heavy wherever you are, both in the National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway. If you can ride mid-week, you'll be less frustrated. Speeds inside the Park can be agonizingly slow, particularly around each roadside attraction. You'll definitely want to avoid Cades Cove (inside the Park) on the weekend unless you need to work on your "patience"!
But what a wonderful area! You will have an incredible time and bring back lots of great memories!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
Well I think you would not have to worry about the leaf lookers as that is too soon to see any fall colors. Also you wouldn't have to worry about leaves on the ground that may cause slippage. Should be a nice time to go if you do not care about the colors. For the past five years I usally end up there towards the end of October.
Enjoy and ride safe
Enjoy and ride safe
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Blountstown, FL
Taffic,Traffic,Traffic!Make sure you make you hotel/motel(or whatever) in advance.Alot of hotels/motels require a two night minimum stay.I got caught up it that one year and had to rent a room for two nights and I only stayed one.I won't do that again!Besides that,enjoy the beauty.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Middleburg, FL
I grew up in Knoxville and will also be visiting in October. I think I'll be a week behind you. We're going to the Angel City Rally in Georgia, then spending a week in the hills of East Tennessee. I always arrange to ride (or drive) the Dragon during the week. Never on weekends. Those crotch rockets get too big in my rear view mirror way too fast. You will be too early for the best fall colors. My family tells me that it will most likely be a brown fall anyway as the spring and summer have been hot and dry. As for weather, I will be carrying everything from shorts to long johns. I have played golf in January in 70 degree weather in east Tennessee. I have also seen snow in the upper elevations before November. I realize that this isn't much help, but you basically have to be ready for what mother nature throws at you.
BTW: of the 318 curves in 11 miles that make up the Dragon, about 300 of them and 10.9 miles is in Tennessee. North Carolina just gets the credit because they have the cool little hotel and gift shop at the end. Just sayin
BTW: of the 318 curves in 11 miles that make up the Dragon, about 300 of them and 10.9 miles is in Tennessee. North Carolina just gets the credit because they have the cool little hotel and gift shop at the end. Just sayin
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,440
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From: Columbus,Indiana/ Arecibo,Puerto Rico
I was down there 2 months ago for 5 weeks of work/riding. I stayed at exit 398 Strawberry plains, there are a lot of local highways that will get you around the more congested areas. I done most of my riding in the morning before the tourists got out of bed. Nothing like standing at Clingmans Dome and watching the sun come up. Peaceful and quiet. Be sure to carry a couple bottles of water with you on your days riding,especially inside the State Park.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
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From: Raleigh NC
Think layers..... I've left Raleigh NC in Oct with upeer 70's lower 80's and woke up the next morning to a high of 41 in Robbinsville... and there were flurries on top. we stopped at EVERY store we passed , to warm up over some hot coccoa
a decent jacket, and your rain gear should be enough, seeing as you're a Ohio guy, as a weather wussy here in Raleigh, I carry my gerbing gloves and jacket liner
a decent jacket, and your rain gear should be enough, seeing as you're a Ohio guy, as a weather wussy here in Raleigh, I carry my gerbing gloves and jacket liner
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
One of the older guys here at the site just got back from the dragon. Him and a young man (65 years old) drove 2800 miles this past week from Toronto to the dragon and back. Obviously not in a straight line 
Rode 219 all the way down and backroads to the area. Hes a tough bird at over 70.
Rode 219 all the way down and backroads to the area. Hes a tough bird at over 70.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 209
Likes: 1
From:
I rode it the first week of last November (I guess that is right)
The day we rode there were not many bikes but lots of sport cars. I could not get off that mountain fast enough. I met several cars coming from the opposite direction in curves. It seemed that they were flying. We saw one car spin out in a corner and I could not help but think, if there was a bike coming from the other direction he would have died! The Dragon is a beautiful ride, but I really did not enjoy it from worring about everyone else. Becarefull and stay in your lane (I stayed to the right side of the lane)
The day we rode there were not many bikes but lots of sport cars. I could not get off that mountain fast enough. I met several cars coming from the opposite direction in curves. It seemed that they were flying. We saw one car spin out in a corner and I could not help but think, if there was a bike coming from the other direction he would have died! The Dragon is a beautiful ride, but I really did not enjoy it from worring about everyone else. Becarefull and stay in your lane (I stayed to the right side of the lane)