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Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Tail of the Dragon Motorcycle Ride
The Tail of the Dragon is perhaps America’s most famous motorcycle road, and 'slaying' it has long become a rite of passage for riders both domestic and international. Boasting 318 curves in just 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon, officially Route 129, is a very special and unique highway. There are no intersecting roads, no driveways, and no businesses along the route.
Each and every curve of the road is different. Many of the curves are banked like a racetrack, and quite a few people ride it as such. Be forewarned: this is not a road to sightsee on, it's a road meant to be ridden with full concentration. At times there can be a lot of pressure on the roadway, from local sportbike riders itching to improve their times on the 318 curves, to sports car drivers who cut the corners and come over the double yellow. Not to mention local law enforcement attempting to keep everyone safe. Here it's best to focus on your surroundings at all times.
Twisting through the Great Smoky Mountains between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Tail of the Dragon is popular among motorcycle riders as well as car drivers. Although the road’s turns may excite you to twist the throttle, be extremely careful. There are many accidents on this stretch of road, and there is even a “Tree of Shame” at the top of Route 129 at the Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort. The Tree of Shame has motorcycle parts dangling off its branches to pay tribute to those that were bitten by the Dragon.
The road is open year-round, but the best time to experience it is late April to early October. This stretch gets super busy with riders and car drivers on weekends, so aim to ride early in the day on a weekday to avoid traffic. On the other hand, on weekends, photographers like Killboy are stationed at strategic curves, taking photographs of motorcyclists zipping up and down the Dragon, and you can later visit their website and purchase a high-quality photo of yourself slaying the Dragon.
Veteran riders would advise you to ride the down the Tail of the Dragon slowly once to get acquainted with the road’s curves, then ride it a second time enjoying it at a higher speed. Most riders go down the Tail of the Dragon for their first time, then ride back up as it’s easier to master the corners this way. Watch out for wild turkeys, deer, and even an occasional black bear that may wander into the road.
Places to Stay
One of the most iconic motorcycle stays is right at the top of the Dragon at the Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort. This is where bikers gather to see, be seen, meet up with other riders, and grab a bite to eat at the Dragon's Den Grill. It's worth a walk-through the building just to see the phenomenal amount of T-shirts, stickers and Tail of the Dragon memorabilia in their gift shop. There are motel rooms as well as camping sites available, and this is also where you can gas up before or after your ride. There's a lot going on here all the time, and their rooms book up well in advance.
The other really popular place to stay near the Tail of the Dragon is the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge & Resort in Stecoah, on the North Carolina side. It's a large compound with cabins, lodge rooms for rent, and camping. There's also a reasonably priced bunkhouse option available for those riders who aren't fussy about where they sleep. The Iron Horse features is a friendly, low-key place to stay. It has a large community room plus bar/lounge where you can sit and chat to other motorcyclists. The lodge serves food, too, so this is a popular place to stay. No matter the time of year or day of the week, there will be several motorcycles parked at the Iron Horse, most of them bearing Tail of the Dragon stickers.
If you cannot find a room at either of those two popular places, down the mountain on the Tennessee side in Maryville, the Dragon Pitt Inn is another biker-friendly option, offering rooms with a rustic vibe in addition to covered motorcycle parking.
Motorcycle Roads and Attractions Nearby
While the Tail of the Dragon is an incredible ride, it is very short. So you may want to plan a few other routes in the area. For scenic mountain vistas with breathtaking views, head over to the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile route with plenty of big sweepers and panoramic views. The Cherohala Skyway is lesser-known than the Dragon, and it this rider's personal favorite. There isn't as much traffic here, the views are breathtaking, and you can relax and ride while observing the scenery.
To extend your motorcycle trip, ride Blue Ridge Parkway is a spectacular road running along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains. For a special treat, head on over to Maggie Valley and visit the Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum, boasting a vast collection of retro, vintage, and rare motorcycles from the past century.
Route: view in Google Maps
Scenic ride length: 11 miles
Ride duration: 40m
Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Cherohala Skyway, Southern TN Motorcycle Ride
If you don’t have the time to ride the entire Blue Ridge Parkway but want to get a taste of it, the shorter and lesser-known Cherohala Skyway is the perfect route to take. The Skyway connects Robbinsville, North Carolina with Tellico Plains, Tennessee, and follows the ridgeline for most of its length. A concentrated version of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cherohala Skyway packs a punch with endless switchbacks, thrilling curves, and incredible scenery around every bend of the road.
One of the best motorcycle roads in the Smoky Mountains, the Cherohala Skyway is a fabulous ride for all motorcyclists and can make a great prelude to your Blue Ridge Parkway or Tail of the Dragon adventure. The Cherohala Skyway offers a glimpse into what the pristine wilderness of the Smoky Mountains has to offer, traveling through both the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests.
There is little traffic on this road, and there won’t be any gas stations or facilities along the way except for a few basic restrooms. Pack a warm layer as the elevation will rise to over 5,000 feet (1524 meters) above sea level, and it may be a little cooler as you climb higher.
Although the road beckons you to twist that throttle with so many fabulous sweeping curves, ride cautiously as occasionally there is wildlife in the road. Often there is thick fog on the Cherohala Skyway as well, creating the feeling of riding in the clouds, and when conditions are wet, as it rains here often, the road can get a bit slippery. Don't let this keep you away, however. The breathtaking mountain scenery that reveals itself on this route is more than worth it.
While there aren’t any places to eat or fuel up, you will see numerous pullouts and scenic lookout points as well as designated picnic areas. The Cherohala Skyway itself is a very short route, spanning only 43 miles, so stopping and admiring the views often will make the ride a relaxing experience. Plus you'll get some phenomenal photographs.
If you aren’t in a rush, take the detour to Indian Boundary Lake to take a break, stretch your legs, and enjoy the serene lake views. There are a campsite and a picnic area you can use if you'd like for a $3 fee.
History imbues the area, and an old wagon road crosses the Cherohala at the North Carolina/Tennessee State Line. If you're on an adventure bike, it's a great ride down this 30-mile gravel Forest Service Road. Winding through Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests in North Carolina and Tennessee, Cherohala Skyway is a beloved route among local motorcyclists.
Receiving little traffic, this road is a terrific motorcycle ride for anyone on two wheels.
Route: view in Google Maps
Scenic ride length: 43 miles
Ride duration: 1 Hour 20 min