Round trip from Iron Horse Lodge Stecoah along the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 12-02-2021
Route Summary
This ride of approximately 290 kilometers goes through the Great Smokey Mountains, Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. Starting and finishing points are at Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Resort.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
4h 44m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
292.39 km
Countries
The Tail of the Dragon
RouteXpert Review
The start of this ride is at Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Resort. We turn the NC-143 in the direction of Robbinsville, which is a nice drive with many turns. From Robbinsville we take the US-129, which for a large part runs along the Cheoah River and the Santeetlah lake. Many curves and occasionally some bridges where you have a nice view over the river and the lake on your left and right. At RP2 you drive over the Cheoah dam.
The legendary "Tail of the Dragon" starts from RP3, but first take a picture at the large metal statue of the Dragon, score a souvenir or a T-shirt in the souvenir shop and possibly have a drink and / or dinner in the restaurant.
Here is also the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, which also houses the monument "The Tree of Shame", to which we do not want to donate parts !!
There is also a motorbike rental company here.
"The Tail of the Dragon" or "Deals Gap" is a popular and internationally renowned destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts, as the 11-mile (18 km) stretch in Tennessee would have 318 turns.
Some of the sharpest curves have names such as Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Shade Tree Corner, Mud Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Beginner's End and Brake or Bust Bend. The road earned its name because it resembles the tail of a dragon.
At RP4 you can stop for a moment to enjoy the view of the "The Dragon".
With RP5 you have reached the end of "The Dragon". Possibly turn around and enjoy again.
At RP6 is Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson dealer. A good place for fans to stop and score a T-Shirt.
You can refuel at RP7 and eat and drink at Hardees. After this short break we drive to Tellico Plains (RP9) where you can visit Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center or eat something at one of the local restaurants that serve everything from Southern barbecue, sandwiches to pizzas made in wood-fired pizza ovens and traditional American dishes.
In Tellico Plains also begins the Cherohala Skyway, which is definitely one of the most picturesque routes in The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.
The Telliquah Bridge is located at RP11, this is one of the most beautiful and recognizable attractions of Tellico Plains. Hundreds of tourists stop here every year to photograph the bridge. It is perhaps even the most photographed bridge in the state of Tennessee.
At RP12 we view the nearly 30 meter high "Bald River Falls" which is seen as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region.
In Robbinsville (RP15) you can stop at Lynn's Place to take a break and have a drink.
Stop RP16 to view the Big Wesser's fall.
This route with many beautiful views in the mountains is truly breathtaking. Stop at one of the many small parking spaces (overlooks) to enjoy or to go for a walk and picnic.
The "Dragon" and the Cherohala Skyway are rightly favorite routes for motorcyclists and sports car drivers due to the many curves and the beautiful landscape. Take your time and stop en route to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
I have not driven this route yet, but still get 5 stars, because of the many positive messages on different forums and holiday sites.
The Telliquah Bridge
Bald River Falls
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Disclaimer
Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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