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 DRAGON INFO |
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| CHEROHALA INFO |
| MOONSHINER 28 INFO |
| DEVILS TRIANGLE INFO |
| OTHER AREA ROADS & THE TAIL ON TOUR |
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MISC STUFF
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TOD in Iraq
CUSTOM DRAGON T'S FOR YOUR GROUP
OTHER LINKS |
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FRIENDS OF THE DRAGON
Tell them you saw it here. |
ACCOMMODATIONS |
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. |
HAMPTON INN LENOIR CITY TN Located a mile east of I-75 exit 81. Within an easy 30 mile ride to the Dragon and convenient to the Devils Triangle 35 miles to the north |
CHEROKEE REALTY Located in Robbinsville NC. Offering sales and vacation rentals on Lake Santeetlah, near the Dragon |
HUNTS LODGE MOTORCYCLE CAMPGROUND Located south of Tellico Plains TN on Hwy 68. Camping and sleeping cabins. |
HIGHLAND MANOR TOWNSEND
Peaceful Tennessee location near all the Great Smoky Mountain attractions. Reasonable rates, great views. |
BIG SNOWBIRD CREEK CABIN
Located directly on the trout stream near Snowbird Backcountry. Paved access. |
FOUR SEASONS CABIN RENTALS
Located near the Nantahala Gorge and Topton NC on US19/74. |
MOUNTAIN IVY RENTALS 4 Cabins near Robbinsville/Deals Gap, different size cabins, garages, plenty of parking. |
A HOLIDAY MOTEL Maggie Valley biker friendly motel. Covered parking, restaurant, pool, grills, fire pit, group discounts. |
SWEET BERRIES B and B Only minutes from the Dragon with spectacular mountain views, covered cycle parking. All new in 2010. |
GSM MOTORENT Guided and selfguided tours, dual sport motorcycle rentals. Cabin/camper rentals on Little River in Townsend, TN. |
CHEROHALA COTTAGE Near Cherohala Skyway and Tellico Plains TN, off Hwy 360. Two plus bedroom newly remodeled private country cottage. Paved access and garage. |
FONTANA FOR LESS FONTANA VILLAGE NC Just 10 miles from the Dragon. Stay in Fontana Village for less. |
RELAX INN in downtown Bryson City. Walk to the Smoky Mountain Rairoad. |
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS KNOXVILLE STRAWBERRY PLAINS I-40 east of Knoxville. Convenient for Great Smoky Mountains attractions. |
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. |
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. |
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, ALCOA TN Located near the Knoxville Airport (TYS) off US-129 (Alcoa Hwy) Just 30 minutes to the Dragon. |
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FAIRFIELD INN, ALCOA TN Located near the Knoxville Airport (TYS) off US-129 (Alcoa Hwy) just 30 minutes to the Dragon. |
MISCELLANEOUS |
MOUNTAIN MOTORS
Located in downtown Robbinsville. Specializing in HD service. Lots of biker gear, leathers, stickers, and gifts. TAIL OF THE DRAGON OUTLET. IMMEDIATE SERVICE. |
BADDASSCHAPS for some great leather gear. |
WILDWOOD DESIGNS Custom Tail of the Dragon art including this custom picture frame.
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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.
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CHEROHALA MARKET Gas and food stop in Tellico Plains TN on the Cherohala Skyway.
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OES ACCESSORIES One-Eleven Sportbike Accessories custom made for your bike. Frame Sliders, KneeSliders, Clip On Bars, and much more.
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TIME WARP TEA ROOM This biker hot-spot in Knoxville features motorcycle decor, game room, and good food.
No alcoholic beverages served. |
National Geographic Traveler Magazine nailed one of the local great roads but missed another .
CLICK FOR STORY |
How about BMW
Motorcycle's ad?
CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE |
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The Official Web Site for US129 Deals Gap, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, Devils Triangle
and other incredible roads. |
EMAIL: INFO @ TAILOFTHEDRAGON.COM
17555 Tapoco Road
Robbinsville, NC 28771
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Current image from our camera at the Tail of the Dragon. |
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Summer Contest. Tell us the location of this classic sign showing two road options. The easy way to the left and a road less travelled to the right. First correct answer gets a free T-shirt. Be specific.
EMAIL: INFO @ TAILOFTHEDRAGON.COM
August 30, 2010: We just returned from Washington DC where we attended the Restoring Honor rally at the Lincoln Memorial. It was quite an experience just being in the crowd of 500,000 people. We will be doing an article on the event in the coming days. SEE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE
Saddly we have to report the first death on the Dragon in 2010. A 44-year old man went off the road near Parsons Branch on Saturday and died from internal injuries.
TotD just rode the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive and will be publishing a detailed article in the coming weeks. Many of our visitors inquire about this unique scenic highway so we'll investigate in depth from Cherokee NC to Front Royal VA. We found some interesting sights and some great places to stay.
Here are some basic points about the BRP and Skyline:
If you are looking to make good time you need to find another route. Speed limit is 45 on the BRP and 35 on the Skyline with limited passing zones. Weekdays traffic is okay ... on weekends the many sightseers might just drive you nuts.
Watch-out for fog in the mornings. Watch-out for deer all day! Great scenery along the entire route and many places of interest. GPS really comes in handy when you need fuel, food or a place to stay. There is limited access to this scenic road.
We recently made a trip to the Devils Triangle to check conditions first hand. Sunday we rode the loop clockwise and Monday we rode counter-clockwise. The pavement on TN 116 is much better in the counter-clockwise direction, but the switchbacks are easier going clockwise. There are four steep, sharp switchbacks that are difficult going counter-clockwise. Two of these tighty-righties are places where you don't want to meet oncoming traffic, especially a coal or logging truck. CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE REPORT
Enforcement continues. Crossing the double yellow and speeds over 40 mph just might get you an unwanted invite back to Blount County. Need an attorney in Tennessee? Call David M. Boyd, Esq. at 865-246-1800. He is a rider who specializes in injured bikers, but can also handle traffic violations.
Come on down and ride the Dragon, Cherohala and Moonshiner 28. All roads are open now. FTP
Many people are now finding the Moonshiner 28. READ ABOUT IT HERE US 19 from Cherokee to Maggie Valley has been repaved.
The Tapoco Lodge is now officially planning to open in March of 2011. Watch for updates on coming changes to the historic inn.
Recently added to our tour page .... Cherohala Skyway, TN68, Joe Brown Highway Loop READ ARTICLE
TWO LANE TWISTIES MAP OF OTHER GREAT ROADS IN THE AREA CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE VERSION
CLICK HERE TWO LANE TWISTIES MAPS & INFO FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA, NORTH GEORGIA, AND DEVILS TRIANGE.
Our Recent Trip to Charleston Read about one of the most interesting restaurants you will ever hear about. Bowens Island Restaurant on the way to Folly Island is something out of the past. CLICK HERE |
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. |
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.
READ ABOUT TODs latest tour... CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE STORIES |
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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 |
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DANS MOTORCYCLES Finally a place to rent great touring bikes just three hours from the Dragon. Honda Goldwing, Honda ST 1300, Yamaha FJR, Kawasaki Concours. CALL 404-512-6666 |
CHEROHALA SKYWAY HARLEY DAVIDSON is now open in Tellico Plains TN. Also visit Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson in Maryville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg TN. |
FINALLY .... SPORTBIKE RENTALS
AT THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON
Sportbikes delivered to you CLICK HERE |
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WHEELERS PERFORMANCE If you break it he can fix it !! Full service motorcycle shop, located on US129 between Robbinsville and the Dragon. Dyno Runs too !! |
MOUNTAIN MOTORS Parts & Service all makes and models, gift shop, info, Roadside Pick Up & Towing Service. Downtown Robbinsville on US129 across from McDonalds. |
WHEEL JOCKEY Check out this new product, a simple tool for rotating motorlcycle wheels. Use it for cleaning, tire inspection, chain maintenance, etc. Small enough to take with you on the bike. Product brought to you by BLUE STRADA TOURS motorcycle rentals & scenic tours. |
TELLICO MOTORCYCLE OUTFITTERS Gear 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. |
THUNDER MOUNTAIN DELI & CABIN RENTAL Located on the Cherohala Skyway near Robbinsville NC. General store, gas, deli, souvenirs, cabin rental. Thunder Mountain no longer has KLR rentals, we recommend GSM MOTORENT for area dual sport rentals. |
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Lee Parks Total Control Riding Clinics are now offered near the Dragon.
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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 |
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TRACK DAYS IN THE SOUTHEAST. Cheaper than a speeding ticket and a great place to test your skills. |
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Dragon art by Pete Mancuso. His metalwork is awesome .... gates, statues, railings. CLICK HERE |
Lakes End Diner on Wayah Road at Nantahala Lake. Great home-made burgers including the Bigfoot Burger. Friendly people and a great view off the rear dining deck. CLICK HERE |
From ThePeopleofWalmart.com Find the cycle. |
At least she's having fun ..... |
... and so are they. |
Great form and position here. |
Fist and thumbs up .......
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.... and another fist. |
Good thing the Mercedes is on the white line. |
All the way from New Mexico and it rains.
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Ready to camp and take picts. |
Patriotic bike of the week. |
A kiss and a stay back. |
Line em up for a photo shoot. |
Travel in style. |
Great angle on this shot KB. |
Be careful on our mountain roads. You never know when you might encounter a tree across the road in a blind corner. This one recently fell mid-day in good weather on Joyce Kilmer Road. |
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View of the Dragon from 50,000 feet in January of 2009.
CLICK HERE for large image.
Thanks to Paul for the pict |
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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. |
And yet another Lawless Leo! HASSLED BY THE LEOs ?
EMAIL US THE DETAILS
CHECK OUT THE VIDEOS HERE
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NOW AVAILABLE !!!
TAIL OF THE DRAGON DVD VOLUME 5
... CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
This has more Dragon action packed into it than ever.
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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 Hazzard are in. Also new is a "wicking", warm weather super light T shirt. |
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LET TAIL OF THE DRAGON DO YOUR EVENT OR BUSINESS T-SHIRTS 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. |
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TREETOPS, THE RIDGE, THE POINT by 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, foosball, 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.
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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. |
SANRAN MOTEL located in Robbinsville 20 minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala. American Owned, Motorcycle Friendly, Reasonable Rates, Clean. Covered Cycle Parking. |
LUXBURY INN located in Maryville TN, convenient to the Dragon, Cherohala, and Devils Triangle. All suite hotel offers spacious rooms with private bedrooms and full kitchens. Near Smoky Mountain HD and restaurants. |
COUNTRY HEARTH INN Conveniently located near all the great roads of western North Carolina in Andrews. Continental breakfast, picnic area with grills, pool, free wireless Internet, frige, micro, meeting room. |
HIDDEN SPRINGS RESORT Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Many options to suit any family or group. Hotubs, fireplaces, full kitchens with 1 to 5 bedrooms. Pet friendly. |
ABBEY INN Each 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. |
THE MAGNUSON HOTEL - SWEETWATER TENNESSEE MC 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. |
SNOWBIRD LODGE Luxurious rooms, unbeatable views, gourmet meals, fireside bar, beer sales. On the Cherohala near Robbinsville. MC friendly, rider owned first class inn. BMWMOA discount available. |
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 |
SMOKY MOUNTAIN MANSION Located near the Cherohala Skyway. Bring the whole club and stay in this ultimate private get-away. |
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. |
EUCHELLA MOUNTAIN/LAKE CABINS features cabins with 3, 4, 5 and 6 bedrooms in the Nantahala area of western North Carolina near the great roads. Many conveniences. |
FONTANA VILLAGE has something to offer everyone from camping to cabins. Located only 10 miles from the Dragon. |
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. |
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 |
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. |
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And the trucks keep coming. |
The bicycles like this road too. |
Ride, paddle, camp. Paddle fast if you hear banjo music. |
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This one will catch your eye. |
Skull helmet, pink leathers.
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Skulls tank.
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Skulls on this chopper tank too.. |
Purdy pooch. |
Horny Dragon driver. |
Man Truck .... |
.... Girly Car.
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Get your bike tuned at Poopy's Cycle Shop. |
Lots o'red |
RUN AWAY !!!!! |
Attack of the Dreaded Scooters. |
On the way to a Jimmy Buffet concert? |
Ya'll behave now. |
Squirrel Crossing ahead. |
Vegas paint job on this cruiser. |
And the best for last ......... |
The latest technology. Tail of the Dragon and Moonshiner 28 T-Shirt in a bottle Vending Machine. Use your credit card and get a shirt. Located at Last Chance Saloon just north of Walhalla, South Carolina on Moonshiner 28. |
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Old post card showing the famous Loop on US 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains. |
Next time your heading to the Tail of the Dragon be sure to stop and see the new Bike Barn located north of Blairsville GA on US 129. Say hello to Brad and Lori and check out their great biker souvenirs and gear. |
A guy up in the tree took this photo for us at the Restoring Honor Rally. It was a moving experience. 500,000 people and not one arrest or disturbance. |
Lots of other riders attended too.
They had much easier parking than cars did. |
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NEED A LAWYER in North Carolina? 
