August 4, 2018


After a few rainy days, the sun reappeared for Miatas at the Gap and the Eastcoast Sand Rails Rallies. Quite a crowd at the Tail on Saturday morning as both rallies attracted a large group. The parking lot was full most of the morning. A bonus was the white water release on the Cheoah for all to see. Be sure to let us know when your group, big or small, is headed this way so we can have some custom signs and free stickers on hand.

July 4, 2014

Hope you all have a great 4th of July in celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Be safe and enjoy. 

Area Road Conditions

The road conditions in far western North Carolina are good. There is some trash from downed trees that have been cleared, but there are no road closures that we know of. Most of the heavy rains and flooding has occurred in the Asheville, Tryon, Bat Cave area 100 miles east of us.  Most of the area dams are flowing strong which makes it quite scenic. Cheoah Dam in photo above Saturday June 2, 2018.

This week is the HOG Rally with many Harley Owners challenging the roads. Also a Viper Rally and many Slingshots around.

Come Join the fun.

May 18 2018

May 2018 The weather has warmed. We went from winter to summer with spring missing.  High temps in the 80s. Remember, in the summer months the weather reports often show rain which usually comes in a late afternoon shower or two with rapid clearing. 

The roads are all clear and the area scenery is spectacular this time of year. Now is a great time to tour the mountains.

April 2018


Well, we were wishing for an early spring and now we are wishing for an early summer. The weather has been teasing us with several perfect days with temps in the 60s and then another cold wave with snow showers. Forecasts seem to look for the same in the coming few weeks.

Anyway, pick your days for riding. Cars can make the best of the low temperatures and the snow flurries don't stick or last long on the Tail. But be leery of the higher elevations above 4000 feet such as the Cherohala Skyway and US 441 Gatlinburg to Cherokee. Snow can linger on those roadways.

All the area restaurants and accommodations are now open for the season. The trees and wild flowers are blooming and it is still a great time here in the Smokies.

March 2018

NC28 is open !! Crews from our local Graham County Land Company worked 24 hours per day since Dec. 22  to open a lane of traffic between Fontana Dam and N.C. 143.

In other news, our Tshirt Shack is now open for the season.  We will be open on favorable weather days during the month of March.  Early spring in the Smoky Mountains can bring temps reaching the mid 60's to extreme cold and snow storms.  If you plan a visit, make sure to check the current weather forecast.  Area resorts and restaurants will start to open in March and everyone should be open by the first week in April.

December 2017

Moonshiner28 Rock Slide as of Jan 15, 2018

The recent rock slide on NC 28 has caused some detour problems for Fontana Village during the holidays. It will likely be several weeks before the area is cleared for traffic due to the instability of the entire slope. Visitors can still access the Tail of the Dragon via US 129 either direction. 

The coming week looks like sub-freezing weather for the area. At least there are no winter storms predicted at this point. Stay tuned to the weather as this can change at any time here in the mountains. 

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas. Wishing you a safe and prosperous New Year. - The Tail of the Dragon Gang

End of Season

Looking for a place for a late fall/winter escape from the crowds? Plan a trip to the mountains.

There are plenty of options to enjoy even in the winter months. Bring some warmer clothes and experience a unique vacation away from all the city traffic. Rental rates are much lower than summer rates. Our roads remain safe and passable for standard vehicles most days in the winter months. But stay alert for any severe weather that might change conditions.