HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS KODAK Brand New !! Near I-40, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Great fitness center, indoor pool, hot breakfast buffet.
WEST BUFFALO CREEK CABIN Private Creekside Cabin on paved road & driveway, on West Buffalo Creek, near Cherohala Skyway.
SNOWBIRD LOG CABIN Secluded Luxury Log Cabin on paved road, located on Snowbird Creek, one of the area's best trout streams.
BEST WESTERN DILLSBORO NC
Located on the Tukasegee River. Walk to restaurants, Smoky Mtn. Railroad and Dillsboro shops. Convenient to all area roads.
MICROTEL - BRYSON CITY NC On US74/19 and convenient to all great area roads. BRAND NEW in 2009 One mile to dining in Bryson City.
SLEEP INN BRYSON CITY NC Located in Bryson City off US-23/74 (Great Smoky Mountain Expy) 32 miles to the Dragon & Cherohala, 15 miles to Blue Ridge Parkway.
CHEROKEE REALTY Located in Robbinsville NC. Offering sales and vacation rentals on Lake Santeetlah, near the Dragon.
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - ALCOA TN Located near the Knoxville Airport (TYS) off US-129 (Alcoa Hwy). 30 minutes to the Dragon.
HIGHLAND MANOR TOWNSEND TN
Peaceful location near all the Great Smoky Mountain attractions. Reasonable rates, great views.
SEASONS INN MOTEL BLAIRSVILLE, GA Don't miss north Georgia's great roads. historic Blairsville is a great location. Clean, family owned motel with reasonable rates.
CHEROHALA COTTAGE Near Cherohala Skyway and Tellico Plains TN, off Hwy 360. Two plus bedroom newly remodeled private country cottage. Paved access and garage.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANSION
Located near the Cherohala Skyway. Bring the whole club and stay in this ultimate private get-away.
HAMPTON INN - MURPHY NC
On US129/19/74 in Murphy. A central location for north Georgia and western North Carolina Roads.
MISCELLANEOUS
WILDWOOD DESIGNS Custom Tail of the Dragon art including this custom picture frame.
BLUE STRADA TOURS Blue Strada Motorcycle Tours has everything you need to enjoy the best American roads. They provide the bikes, luxury accommodations, great food, unique stops, and professional guide.
SOLO GAS STATIONS Solo Gas Station in Robbinsville NC is now a Tail of the Dragon Outlet. Stop and shop.
TELLICO KATS DELI
Great sandwiches at the Tellico Kats Deli on the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN. Dine on the river and enjoy fresh deli sandwiches.
MOUNTAIN MOTORS Located in downtown Robbinsville. Specializing in HD service. Lots of biker gear, leathers, stickers, and gifts.
CHEROHALA MARKET Gas and food stop in Tellico Plains TN on the Cherohala Skyway.
Nov 10 - Another rock slide, this time blocking US64 between Cleveland TN and the NC
border in the Ocoee River Gorge. Looks like it will be a couple months before US64 is open again. Click here for Article. There is an AMAZING video of the second slide as it occurred Click here for video. Photo from timesfreepress.com
Rockslide on I40 at the TN/NC state line closes both lanes. NCDOT reports that getting 2 lanes open using the eastbound side will take up to 4 months, and the entire cleanup could take 5 months. Click here for Article. Photos from Asheville Citizens Times
November 7: A few 18 wheelers continue to come through the Dragon each day. Traffic has slowed, but the weather is still good for riding with daytime temps in the 60s.
October 29: Six or seven 18 wheelers on the Dragon today. Several got hung up causing traffic delays. Be extra careful in the next few months due to the closing of I40.
October 27: The season is winding down as the colors peak in the mountains. It has been rather busy the last two weeks with a wide variety of visitors to the area. Lots of touring bikes, cruisers, dual sports and some great looking cars. This past week-end saw a lot of Corvettes, Vipers and classic older cars. There were also a number of smaller groups that made for a steady parade.
There is still good weather ahead. We suggest keeping a close eye on the weather web sites and pick your times to get in a few more days at the Dragon before winter sets in. We have even had some good riding Christmas and New Years.
The coming months are also great times for the cagers (cars) to have the local roads to themselves. The Dragon is at a low altitude and is not affected by snow as much as the Cherohala, Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains. The Tail of the Dragon will post when road conditions are bad.
There has been some discussion about a political dispute between two adjoining counties in western North Carolina over emergency responses in a small area near the Dragon (not on the Dragon itself). The issue deals with emergency coverage on 10 miles of NC 28 and US 129 located in Swain County, North Carolina. This particular area south of the Great Smoky Mountains is an isolated section of Swain County which actually adjoins Graham County. It is 21 miles by road (NC 28) from the nearest point in greater Swain County.
Graham County has been providing emergency services to the area under a mutual aid agreement with Swain County for a number of years at no charge. With the increase in tourism traffic there has been a proportional increase in emergency responses to the area covered under the agreement. Graham County has asked for financial assistance from Swain County to cover the increased expenses. Swain County so far has made no offer acceptable to Graham County. A request to annex the land into Graham County has been tabled by the Graham County Commission. There are also a number of tax issues, subsidies and government grants involved.
There is much more to this matter than many might think. Don’t let some uninformed bloggers who ignorantly rant and resort to name calling sway your thinking.
No decision has been made in settling the question of who will cover this area in the future. Tail of the Dragon has been monitoring the various political moves but will wait for the final decision before offering our opinions to the public. Any opinions that we have now will be offered directly to the commissioners who will be making the final decision. And we will be professional in stating our position. It is never productive to attack and resort to name calling.
We have seen posts that blame Graham County Commissioner Odom for the BMW fiasco of 1997. Melvin Howell was sheriff at that time, not Odom. And BMW has recently featured Graham County as a motorcycle destination in their 2009 ROA rally book. They have also approached Fontana Village with plans for future rallies.
Graham County is one of the best motorcycling areas in the United States. Graham County also features some of the most motorcycle friendly accommodations and businesses that any rider could imagine. Don’t let the current disagreements keep you away.
We have heard a lot of unnecessary uproar over this issue even though the events have had no effect on the current emergency services for the area in question or for the Dragon itself.
Nancy and I do want to share some of our positive thoughts on safety wherever we ride.
We always assume that medical care will not be available in time to save us in case of serious injury. That keeps us alert and riding as safe as possible. The Dragon and Cherohala Skyway are remote areas with long response times even in the best of conditions so you should ride as safely as possible.
We assume the risks involved with riding and everything else we do. We have ridden on rocky trails knowing that help was hours away, but we assumed that risk.
We prepare ourselves for emergencies. Both of us have had EMT training and know what to do in case of an accident. Take first aid training if you can.
When riding unknown roads we always “lay back” a bit preferring to be overly cautious rather than take any chances.
We always try to stay positive in everything we do. Life is too short to be negative.
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Some new signs have been installed by North Carolina DOT. Tail of the Dragon provided input to identify some of the problem areas on the Hellbender and Cherohala . The new signs hopefully will help riders be more aware of dangerous corners. Remember !!! WHEN YOU SEE A WARNING SIGN SLOW IT DOWN AND BE ALERT.
CLICK FOR COMPLETE 2007 TENNESSEE HIGHWAY PATROL FIASCO. The outright harassment of law abiding citizens has cost Tennessee businesses millions of dollars in lost revenue. THP’s reputation was severely blackened, a major detriment to all enforcement agencies. Tail of the Dragon received some 1,000 complaints from riders and drivers many who promised not to spend a penny in the state.
Hopefully in the future Tennessee will provide professional enforcement that will encompass both safety and goodwill toward tourists. Tail of the Dragon will continue reporting their attitude on this site.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR EXPERIENCE. We were cited for "holding a video camera while driving". Video proof that my cameras had no display showing resulted in a not guilty verdict by the judge.
Please report your experiences with LEOs to us so we can pass them on to others. Be sure to determine the correct agency, LEOs name, exact location, nature of the offense and the details surrounding the stop. There are many different enforcement agencies, especially on the North Carolina side. These include HP, SO, Park Ranger, TVA, Cherokee Tribal, Forest Service and Wildlife. We need to know who is involved.
OUR LATEST TWO WHEELED ADVENTURES: Read about a great riding area - Hot Springs, North Carolina. Twisty mountain roads with no traffic, and a soak in the river and natural hot springs.CLICK HERE FOR STORY NORTH CAROLINA LOOP that takes you by some great places to stop and explore. It was so refreshing to ride where we are welcome and not have to worry about going 5 mph over the speed limit. We stopped at many motorcycle friendly businesses and didn't see LEOs at every turn.
Take a listen to instrumentals inspired by the legendary road known as the Tail of the Dragon. Meet Tommy at our Tail of the Dragon outlet at Deals Gap. It's darn good music !!
Misty Dragon, mountain high;
Smoke and leather, do or die;
On golden wings, angels fly;
To tame the dragon in the sky.
Road of thunder, metal flash;
Burning rubber, smoke and ash;
Road to glory, heaven’s gate;
Eleven miles where angels wait.
Tommy Cowell, US 129
WHEELERS PERFORMANCEIf you break it he can fix it !! Full service motorcycle shop, located on US129 between Robbinsville and the Dragon. Dyno Runs too !!
THE TALLASSEE STORE is located on US129 just 6.5 miles north of the Dragon and 3 miles north of the Foothills Parkway. This is the place for gas, food, beer, souvenirs and Tail of the Dragon souvenirs.
TELLICO MOTORCYCLE OUTFITTERSGear and Farkels for you and your bike at this big city store in small town Tellico Plains. Located just off the Cherohala Skyway in Tellico Plains TN, on the Town Square.
Gear for the cruiser, tourer, and sportbike rider.
Stop and say hello to Mike - he owns the ice cream too !! Olympia Gear retailer.
GRYPON BIKES OF MAGGIE VALLEYLarge fleet of new Harley Davidson for rental by the day or week. Custom guided tours available.
411 BIKER DEPOT & MOTORCYCLE RENTAL Located on US129/US411 in Maryville. Motorcycle gear, accessories, used bikes. New Kawasaki 900 Vulcan Custom rental by the day or week starting at $79 a day !!
Lee Parks Total Control Riding Clinics are now offered near the Dragon.
IMPROVE YOUR RIDING SKILLS -
Sportbikes, Cruisers, and even Dual Sport riders sign up yourself or bring the entire group when you visit the Dragon. Check the website for current schedule. DragonSafe.com
Stop by our Tail of the Dragon Shop and see the new Tail of the Dragon art, a great photo op. This group of Vipers stopped by recently.
Custom Built Ornamental Iron
Remember ... if it doesn't say TAIL it's not authentic Tail of the Dragon gear. There are many cheap imitations, but only one original Tail of the Dragon map and designs. Cherohala Skyway and Devils Triangle merchandise too !! New Tail of the Dragon flags and video The Tale of the Dragon narrated by
Ben "Cooter" Jones of Dukes of Hazzardare in. Also new is a "wicking", warm weather super light T shirt.
LET TAIL OF THE DRAGON DO YOUR EVENT OR BUSINESS TSHIRTS USING OUR EXCLUSIVE ART WORK AND/OR YOUR CUSTOM DESIGNS.... CLICK HERE FOR INFO.
SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS One note on area vacation rentals: Be sure to mention that you are riding a motorcycle and ask the details about access. Many rentals in the area have steep driveways, gravel, and limited parking for trailers. It is also a good idea to arrive in the daylight.
TREETOPS, THE RIDGE, THE POINTby Tail of the Dragon. Secluded and private location just off the Cherohala Skyway and 20 minutes from Deals Gap. The Ridge and Point include private gamerooms with pool, ping pong, darts. TreeTops has an open fireplace. All houses have garages, computers with free broad band wireless Internet access, SAT TV, free long distance phone in US, private hot tubs.
TALLASSEE RENTAL CABINS located only minutes from the famous Dragon. Two and three bedroom cabins with hot tubs, fireplaces, deck, and full kitchens.
SNOWBIRD LODGE Luxurious rooms, unbeatable views, gourmet meals, fireside bar, beer sales. On the Cherohala near Robbinsville. MC friendly, rider owned first class inn.
GRAND VISTA"One of the closest hotels to the Dragon in TN." Vonore TN. Conference Center with meeting facilities for large or small groups. WI-FI, secure parking. Beer sales on site close to restaurants. Reasonable Rates.
CHEOAH OVERLOOKPrivate gated community with tracts ranging from 4 to 17 acres. Surrounded by the Smoky Mountain National Park overlooking Cheoah Lake. Easy access to Hwy 28 and US129. Adventure and solitude REDUCED LOT PRICES.....CALL 706-781-7665
BLUE WATERS MOUNTAIN LODGE on Lake Santeetlah near Robbinsville, 15 miles to the Dragon. Game room billiards and darts. Dining, beer and wine served. Paved access.
FONTANA VILLAGE has something to offer everyone from camping to cabins. Located only 10 miles from the Dragon.
HIDDEN SPRINGS RESORT Luxury mountain cabin rentals minutes from Pigeon Forge. Hot tubs, game rooms, fireplaces, and cabins of all sizes.
TWO WHEEL INNEach room has it's own motorcycle garage big enough for two bikes. Near the Dragon, 2 miles south of Robbinsville NC. CARS WELCOME TOO.
HAMPTON INN LENOIR CITY TN - DEVILS TRIANGLE Located a mile east of I-75 exit 81 and just 4 miles south of I-75. Easy ride to the Dragon (30 miles), and Devils Triangle to the north (35 miles). CLICK HERE for special discount.
TWO SISTERS CHALETlocated on 35 acres 2 miles from the Dragon in the rolling hills of Tennessee. Sleeps up to ten. Fireplace, full kitchen, BBQ grill, SAT TV, deck, garage.
ROBBINSVILLE MICROTEL same great hotel everywhere you go, is located in downtown Robbinsville. Very biker friendly. Meeting room for groups and clubs. Complementary continental breakfast. Free WiFi
DRAGONS REST CABINS the newest motorcycle friendly place to stay in Robbinsville. The Dragon's Rest will offer reasonably priced cabins for rent by the night or week.
SANRAN MOTEL located in Robbinsville 20 minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala. American Owned, Motorcycle Friendly, Reasonable Rates, Clean. Covered Cycle Parking.
IRONHORSE MOTORCYCLE LODGE CABINS, ROOMS, CAMPING Full Cabin Rentals, Cabin rooms with baths, creekside camping, tent rentals, RV hook-ups, bunkroom, breakfast and dinner served. 30 minutes to the Dragon & Cherohala.
ABBEY INNEach room is individually decorated, kitchenettes available, HBO, frig, WFI, phone and a bath with walk-in shower. We provide information on area rides, including the Dragon.
COUNTRY HEARTH INN - ANDREWS NCLocated in Andrews valley. Complementary breakfast, pool, WFI, cable TV, refrigerator, microwave, free maps, meeting rooms.
THE MAGNUSON HOTEL - SWEETWATER TENNESSEEMC friendly, rider owned inn. Special rates for bikers. Secure covered parking, motorcycle motief, meeting room, FREE Breakfast & dinner buffet. Convenient to I-75 and TN 68.
Keep an eye on the current colors & weather from the Snowbird Lodge camera, new photo every minute between 8am and 7pm. Snowbird Lodge is located on the NC end of the Cherohala Skyway (elevation 3000'). Click on image for larger view.
And an upclose look at the Swift truck on July 19 courtesy of Killboy.com
No ticket for the Swift truck crossing the double yellow on Saturday July 19, 2008 at 4:30 pm. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO Oh yeah, if Lt. Col.. Trott doesn't believe us there were several hundred witnesses.
Cherohala Skyway, October 17, 2009. First Snow
Cold group of riders from Atlanta on the snowy Cherohala Skyway, October 17, 2009.
It was busy at the Tail of the Dragon Store on Saturday
WE ARE NOT the "resort/campground" at Deals Gap. WE ARE here on the web to help you discover this great road and many others in the area. FIND US AT THE DRAGON - look for the TAIL sign on the NC side of the Dragon. The accommodations and businesses listed on our pages are motorcycle friendly and ready to make your visit a memorable occasion. CLICK HERE FOR MAP OF TAIL OUTLETS You can find most of our items at WHEELERS CYCLE SHOP located 2 miles north of Robbinsville on US129 and at SOLO Market (next to McDonalds) in Robbinsville. A selected number of our items can be found at MICROTEL , IRONHORSE MOTORCYCLE LODGE , TELLICO MOTORCYCLE OUTFITTERS, CHEROHALA MARKET AND EXXON, CHEROHALA WELCOME CENTER IN TELLICO PLAINS, TWO WHEEL INN, 411 BIKER DEPOT IN MARYVILLE, SKYWAY CONVENIENCE at US 129 and NC 143, TOPTON GAS STATION at US 129 and US 19, and PARTONS TRADING POST on US 19/74. Our products ARE NOT sold at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort.
ALL IMAGES & TEXT (GRAPHICS, PHOTOS, VIDEOS, TEXT) ON TAILOFTHEDRAGON.COM ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT. TAIL OF THE DRAGON IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK.