Tail of the dragon trip

[sk47]

Hello; since I last posted in this thread there has been another fatality on the dragon. I heard the report in the background some days ago. If I recall correctly took over thirty minutes to get emergency services to the scene.

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[David Schmidt]

If you're into motorcycles too, the Wheels Through Time museum in Maggie Valley is a short hop from there. All the bikes on display run, and they take one out each day and ride it around (or just start it up on rainy days).

 

[LxMike]

Hello; since I last posted in this thread there has been another fatality on the dragon. I heard the report in the background some days ago. If I recall correctly took over thirty minutes to get emergency services to the scene.

Deer ran out onto the road in front of a motorcycle Thursday the 11th.

 

[VictorH]

I just got back from running the Tail of Dragon this morning (Friday, 7/10). I've lived in the SE for more than 30 years and never been there before. Traffic in my direction (coming from TN side) was negligible, had to only let one car by and nothing else.
I didn't know I was on the Dragon, until I started seeing multiple camera stations. My impression.
It's very scenic, the pavement is fantastic, there are a lot of corners but from a driving perspective, I don't really get it.
The corners are really tight, for many you'd be hard pressed to maintain the speed limit since they are so tight. To me it's more like a go-kart track with banked turns. Every turn is an understeer corner, unless you've got really huge front grip. It is fun and nice, but I'd prefer a wider variety of corners. Other roads in the area provide more variety and just as much scenery.
I'm definitely NOT down on the Dragon, but it's not a destination I'd need to run too many times. Plus it's a public road and I'd rather stretch the legs of my car on a track. Now, maybe on a group run it might be a bit more entertaining.
The only question I have for the experienced folks is why is this road so popular with motorcyclists? At the gas station, at the start/bottom, at least 80% of the vehicles, parked there were motorcycles. And, if you are going to ride a motorcycle, why pick a Harley-Davidson for this road?

 

[Snakebyte]

I just got back from running the Tail of Dragon this morning (Friday, 7/10). I've lived in the SE for more than 30 years and never been there before. Traffic in my direction (coming from TN side) was negligible, had to only let one car by and nothing else.
I didn't know I was on the Dragon, until I started seeing multiple camera stations. My impression.
It's very scenic, the pavement is fantastic, there are a lot of corners but from a driving perspective, I don't really get it.
The corners are really tight, for many you'd be hard pressed to maintain the speed limit since they are so tight. To me it's more like a go-kart track with banked turns. Every turn is an understeer corner, unless you've got really huge front grip. It is fun and nice, but I'd prefer a wider variety of corners. Other roads in the area provide more variety and just as much scenery.
I'm definitely NOT down on the Dragon, but it's not a destination I'd need to run too many times. Plus it's a public road and I'd rather stretch the legs of my car on a track. Now, maybe on a group run it might be a bit more entertaining.
The only question I have for the experienced folks is why is this road so popular with motorcyclists? At the gas station, at the start/bottom, at least 80% of the vehicles, parked there were motorcycles. And, if you are going to ride a motorcycle, why pick a Harley-Davidson for this road?

The ToD is a bit technical, and while I enjoy every once in a while, I prefer the Cherohala Skyway. It has been a while but back when I ran the Skyway, there were no photographers for those seeking pics. What I like best about the Skyway is the long sweeping curves, elevation changes, and beautiful lookouts. As for the lookouts, be ESPECIALLY CAREFUL around them as they generally are on blind corners where people from the opposing direction may be crossing your path simultaneously.

 

[skinnyb]

I agree, the TOD is VERY technical, I love to go on a weekday, mid morning when there is little traffic. I don't ever go too crazy but it is nice to feel the curves and see the scenery. I agree, Cherohala is really nice. I like to make the loop, Cherohala to Tapoco for lunch, then back the TOD.. Really nice way to spend a day. And understeer is a given on that road. Helps to have MASSIVE front and rear tires

 

[TonyNJ]

@skinnyb if not too much trouble, would you please share a link of this route? The exact way you go, please.

"Cherohala to Tapoco for lunch, then back the TOD."

 

[skinnyb]

@skinnyb if not too much trouble, would you please share a link of this route? The exact way you go, please.

"Cherohala to Tapoco for lunch, then back the TOD."

Sure, I am coming from Knoxville so I go down interstate 75 to exit 60, then I take hwy 68 to Tellico Plains, turn left onto the Skyway... Take the Skyway into Robbinsville, then turn left onto 129. That takes you right to the Tapoco Lodge. Come out of the lodge and continue on up to Deals Gap and the TOD back to Maryville and Knoxville. An alternate is at TN end of the TOD, turn right onto the foothills parkway and go back to Townsend and Pigeon Forge. I will work on Google maps to make a route and post when I get a minute..

 

[RTR077]

Don't pass the mustard

 

[skinnyb]

@skinnyb if not too much trouble, would you please share a link of this route? The exact way you go, please.

"Cherohala to Tapoco for lunch, then back the TOD."

Here is a route I had Google maps make for me.. Really a great route, if you are staying in Pigeon forge, Gatlinburg, or Sevierville, it makes for an all day loop by the time you stop to eat lunch, stop at overlooks for pics, etc.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/MsSvD5ueJfuT1CNf7

 

[VictorH]

Thanks for posting that. Super helpful and will be great for the next trip.

No one has answered, but what's the deal with all the motorcycles or did I just catch it on an unusual day?

 

[skinnyb]

Thanks for posting that. Super helpful and will be great for the next trip.

No one has answered, but what's the deal with all the motorcycles or did I just catch it on an unusual day?

Motorcycles are VERY popular on that road. The sport bikes FLY across it, Harley's usually just go slow and clog up traffic and refuse to use the pull off's Yeah I said it. Some not all I might say, but it can be very frustrating...

 

[TonyT930]

Hey all, planning a trip next summer for the tail of the dragon. We wanted to go this year, but my FIL is having an operation, so pushed back a year. We live in central Indiana. Just looking for tips. Currently my plan is to stop by the NCM in bowling green. Eat lunch. Then head to Robbinsville NC or Maryville TN to stay the night. Day 2 wander the area and some back roads. Return home day 3. I currently run E85, so I did track out stations along the way to help ensure fuel isn’t an issue. Is retuning to 93 a possibly safer option given availability? Any recommendations on stays or places to check out?

There is a group local to me that goes in July, but $1400 to go to steak restaurants and hang out with people I don’t know seems a bit steep to me.
Any advice is appreciated!

I would also check out Black Hills Parkway and Cherahala Skyway. Both super great roads and close by

 

[TonyT930]

If you're into motorcycles too, the Wheels Through Time museum in Maggie Valley is a short hop from there. All the bikes on display run, and they take one out each day and ride it around (or just start it up on rainy days).

I second this. Great motorcycle museum and worth a look

 

[sdskinner73]

I would also check out Black Hills Parkway and Cherahala Skyway. Both super great roads and close by

After comments here and a few in person, I think I’m going to aim for a 4 day trip to include cherahala skyway and have time to enjoy the area. I don’t want to just drive down and be there for a day, turn around and leave.

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