We left Robbinsville bright and early heading south on US 129 to Topton. The Topton Gas Station/Store is a friendly place to stop and they also sell official Tail of the Dragon souveniers.
Turning left at the stop sign we headed north on US 19/74 a few miles before turning right onto Wayah Road (SR1310) at the Beechertown Nantahala River White Water Rafting Put-in. There are convenient restrooms here in the parking area.
Wayah Road, some 27 miles in length, is one of our favorite rides. It is off the beaten path with very little traffic.
Wayah Road consists of three different sections. The first, heading east from US 19/74, climbs along the beautiful Nantahala River with soothing rapids and an occasional waterfall. The road is twisty and in average condition. You might encounter a few patches of gravel here and there. Be very careful of oncoming traffic on the narrow roadway.
Not too many miles after leaving the river you'll encounter the lake section. There is only one place to eat on Wayah Road; the Lakes End Diner which we cannot vouch for the food as we have not eaten there. Stop at several pull-offs where you can take a gander at Nantahala Lake. There are a couple of tricky hair-pin corners along this section so stay alert.
Leaving the Lake you begin the mountain section. The climb to the turn-off for Wayah Bald has some more exciting twisties. Watch out for hair-pins and patches of gravel.
The more adventurous riders might like to take the 4.5 mile gravel road out to Wayah Bald to take in the views.
After the Wayah turn-off the road descends steeply for a few miles heding toward Franklin. Here again you need to be wary of switchbacks, gravel patches, and steep corners.
NOTE: Wayah Road is not for racing. It can be treacherous and passes by several residential communities. Speed limits are 45 and slower. The gravel patches are something to watch-out for, but shouldn't keep you from riding this exciting route.
Wayah Road Ts at Old Murphy Road (SR1442). Take a left for a slow backroad cruise into Franklin and then take a right on NC 28. Or you can turn right on Old Murphy Road and then take a quick left onto the 4-lane US 64 east.
From Franklin take US 64 and NC 28 east. You will soon be passing though one of the scariest sections of roadway in the mountains, at least in appearance. Don't take your eyes off the road for long to pear down into the Cullasaja River Gorge. The low metal railing offers little protection from flying over the edge into the 400 foot abyss. Ride carefully past this very short stretch. A very small parking area big enough for about 2 cars is available for a photo op of Cullasaja Falls.
From here on the road to Highlands has some excellent twisties and is not near as scary looking. A few miles farther and you come to the parking area for Dry Falls. Stretch your legs and hike under this beautiful natural attraction.
A few more miles brings you to Bridal Veil Falls. Nancy took a chance and parked under the falls just a few feet from where a hugh boulder dislodged from the top a few years ago and tumbled to the roadway below. The area is blocked off, but Nancy zipped in for a quick photo. UPDATE: They removed the boulder in July 2007 and found no bodies
Approaching Highlands there is a scenic view of Lake Sequoyah. Highlands offers some good restaurants and a quaint downtown for shopping of a good cup of coffee. It is usually quite busy with tourists.
The road from Highlands to Cashiers is not in the best condition. There are some heaves and steep corners. There is also heavy traffic and many large trucks. Ride with care.
NOTE: US 64 from Highlands to Cashiers is no high speed road. Traffic is heavy and the pavement can be broken or uneven. There are also some tricky corners.
Continue east on US 64 through Cashiers and Lake Toxaway and take a left onto NC 215. Traffic will lighten-up as you climb through some great twisties to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heading north on the BRP there are many scenic pull-offs for photo ops. Watch out for fog and even ice at some times of the year. The Parkway can actually be closed in severe weather as late as early May and as early as late October.
We like to stay at the Pisgah Inn which is located right on the BRP some 14 miles north of NC 215. We always try to get the Delux Room. At under $100 a night it is a bargain. The food at the Pisgah Inn is excellent and reasonably priced. They offer wine, but their beer selection is rather minimal with only a few local beers to choose from.
Having dinner at a window table as the sun sets over the distant mountains is quite a treat. Remember to bring your jackets .... it can get chilly even on summer evenings at these 4000 foot elevations.
NOTE: Be aware that excessive speeds on the Blue Ridge Parkway can result in stringent fines up to $500. The speed limit for most of the parkway is 45 mph. It is no place to race.
