Day 4 Roundtrip Great Smoky Mountains The Tail of the Dragon north to south and Cherohala Skyway
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 12-02-2021
Route Summary America is pre-eminently a country to explore on a motorcycle. There are many travel organizations that offer organized tours, but the charm is also to map out routes and drive on your own.
Good motorbike rental companies can be found throughout the country and the bikes are often of the latest model and well maintained.
We drive on the beautiful roads in the states of Nashville and North Carolina and this area is characterized by the beautiful idyllic landscape with provincial two-lane roads that wind through the landscape with many curves, you can visit beautiful towns, villages and places of interest.
Be careful though, because the roads are sometimes of very poor quality and hardly or not lit up in the dark.
For each route there is a more detailed description in the review.
The route is suitable for TomTom, Garmin, Harley-Davidson BoomBox 2 (2019 model) and MyRoute-app Navigation.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
6h 5m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
365.54 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review This is a day with many beautiful winding roads including the world-famous Tail of the Dragon (U129) an 11-mile (17.7 km) road with 318 turns! We drove south to north on day 3 and today we drive north to south.
We also drive the Cherohala Skyway in the opposite direction as on day 2 and even though they are the same roads, when you drive them in the other direction it is yet again a new and wonderful experience.
After approximately 25 kilometers you will arrive at Nantahala Outdoor Center and River's End Restaurant (RP2) in Bryson City. Here you can (for the enthusiasts) participate in outdoor activities such as, mountain bike, rafting, canoeing, Zipline or hiking on the Apalachian Trail. There are also lodges and some shops and a restaurant. It is located on the Nantahala River.
From Bryson City we continue through the Nantahal Forrest to Topton. A beautiful dual carriageway through the forests and mountains of North Carolina. At Topton we turn right and continue on the 129 a beautiful winding mountain road to Robbinsville, where you can stop at RP4 to take a break and have something to eat or drink at Lynn's Place, a favorite place among motorcyclists.
Lynn's Place is a soul food neighborhood restaurant that serves home-made American dishes, they have a great salad bar with freshly cut vegetables, seasonal fruit, steaks, hamburgers, delicious home-made desserts and much more! Everything is prepared to order to guarantee the highest quality. Experience a warm atmosphere with delicious food, southern culture and hospitality where family and friends can sit back, relax and feel at home.
After a short or slightly longer break we drive further west, at RP7 the Cherohala Skyway begins, one of the famous scenic Skyways that is rich in America and crosses this road through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forrest, hence the name "Chero ... hala ". The Skyway is becoming increasingly well-known in motorbike and sports car circles because of its long, exciting curves, beautiful views and cool summer breezes. This enthusiast's dream connects Robbinsville, North Carolina with Tellico Plains, Tennessee.
After 65 kilometers enjoying the succession of turns, we turn left on the River Road, which runs along the banks of the Tellico River, to the Bald River Falls (RP9), this is a waterfall of about 90 meters and is one of the most spectacular in this area.
We continue on the narrow and winding River Road and Bald River Road through the forests of Tennessee to Tellico Plains. Shortly before this small town at RP11 is a Harley-Davidson Dealer, a grill restaurant, Iron Works Grille and the beautiful old covered Telliquah Bridge. An ideal place to stop and stretch your legs. This is also almost the end of the beautiful Cherohala Skyway that ends just before Tellico Plains, here we turn right and take the TN-360 towards Vonore (RP17). In Vonore we can stop for a cup of coffee at Hardee's and if necessary to refuel.
We drive a short distance on the highway to cross the Tellico River and then turn right on the TN72 to continue to the Tail of the Dragon, but first we stop at RP19 Smoky Mountain Harley Dealership for a T-Shirt or other scoring a souvenir from The Dragon.
At RP20 the time has come for "The North Entrance" of the world famous Tail of the Dragon, an 11 mile (17.7 km) road with 318 turns! This road is a pleasure for motorcyclists. Note that it can also be busy with cars and other motorcyclists, so watch out for oncoming traffic. There is a catch-up ban and you are not allowed to drive on the other side of the road, checks are often made and the fines are substantial. More information about this great road can be found in the link at the bottom of this review.
En route on the Tail you should definitely stop at RP21 where you have a beautiful view of Calderwood Lake and the Dam of the same name in the distance. At RP23 we have come to the end of the Tail and here you can stop at the souvenir shop, restaurant, nice big statue of a dragon and not to mention the Tree of Shame that is full of engine parts of riders who have underestimated this road.
The last 50 kilometers to the resort run along the Cheoah River and Lake Santeetlah. At RP24 you can stop to take a photo of the Cheoah dam, where you can also take a good look when we drive RP25 for a long time. Via Robbinsville we drive back to the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Resort where we can share our experiences with other Bikers while enjoying a drink and a good plate of food.
This day was again worth 5 ***** stars. Riding a motorbike in the Great Smoky Mountains is a true pleasure. The roads and panoramas are beautiful and there are plenty of other sights or activities along the route to stop for.
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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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North Carolina
About this region
North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the 50 United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and Tennessee to the west. Raleigh is the state's capital and Charlotte is its largest city. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated population of 2,569,213 in 2018, is the most-populous metropolitan area in North Carolina, the 23rd-most populous in the United States, and the largest banking center in the nation after New York City. The Raleigh-Durham-Cary combined statistical area is the second-largest metropolitan area in the state, with an estimated population of 2,079,687 in 2019, and is home to the largest research park in the United States, Research Triangle Park.
Earliest discoveries of human occupation in North Carolina date back to 10,000 years ago, found at the Hardaway Site. North Carolina was inhabited by Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan speaking tribes of Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans. North Carolina was established as a royal colony in 1729 and was one of the Thirteen Colonies. North Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England who first formed the English colony, Carolus being Latin for "Charles". The Halifax Resolves resolution adopted by North Carolina on April 12, 1776, was the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies during the American Revolution.On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States constitution. In the run-up to the American Civil War, North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, becoming the tenth of eleven states to join the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, the state was restored to the Union on July 4, 1868. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina's Outer Banks. North Carolina uses the slogan "First in Flight" on state license plates to commemorate this achievement, alongside a newer alternative design bearing the slogan "First in Freedom" in reference to the Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves.
North Carolina is defined by a wide range of elevations and landscapes. From west to east, North Carolina's elevation descends from the Appalachian Mountains to the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain. North Carolina's Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 m) is the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone; however, the western, mountainous part of the state has a subtropical highland climate.
Read more on Wikipedia
Earliest discoveries of human occupation in North Carolina date back to 10,000 years ago, found at the Hardaway Site. North Carolina was inhabited by Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan speaking tribes of Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans. North Carolina was established as a royal colony in 1729 and was one of the Thirteen Colonies. North Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England who first formed the English colony, Carolus being Latin for "Charles". The Halifax Resolves resolution adopted by North Carolina on April 12, 1776, was the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies during the American Revolution.On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States constitution. In the run-up to the American Civil War, North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, becoming the tenth of eleven states to join the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, the state was restored to the Union on July 4, 1868. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina's Outer Banks. North Carolina uses the slogan "First in Flight" on state license plates to commemorate this achievement, alongside a newer alternative design bearing the slogan "First in Freedom" in reference to the Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves.
North Carolina is defined by a wide range of elevations and landscapes. From west to east, North Carolina's elevation descends from the Appalachian Mountains to the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain. North Carolina's Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 m) is the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone; however, the western, mountainous part of the state has a subtropical highland climate.
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Route Collections in this region The Original Southern Dozen Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee Virginia and North Carolina
The Southern Dozen; hit the throttle and hold on tight!
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
View Route Collection
The 10 most downloaded routes in the USA from RouteXpert Hans van de Ven
Hello and welcome to this collection of the Top 10 MyRoute app downloaded routes in USA.
There will be a great new event to be announced soon, where all these routes can be driven.
Download them all now and place them in a new "Top 10" folder, so that you always have them at hand.
If you are going to drive one of these routes in the meantime, track them with the MRA Mobile App or with MRA Navigation. Take some photos (moments) along the way as these will come in handy.
Create a travelogue of your Top 10 driven routes and add the recorded track to it.
There will also be some great prizes on offer, so keep an eye on the MRA-RouteXperts page and your mail.
The 10 routes are:
1. D13 Estes Park Denver
2. D03 Chadron Custer
3. D01 Pigeon Forge round trip through the Smokey Mountains
4. D08 Kalispell Sandpoint
5. D10 Colville Wenatchee
6. D09 Sandpoint Colville
7. D04 Custer Wall
8. D11 Wenatchee Seattle
9. D08 Cody Yellowstone NP
10.R13 San Francisco Monterey
There will be a great new event to be announced soon, where all these routes can be driven.
Download them all now and place them in a new "Top 10" folder, so that you always have them at hand.
If you are going to drive one of these routes in the meantime, track them with the MRA Mobile App or with MRA Navigation. Take some photos (moments) along the way as these will come in handy.
Create a travelogue of your Top 10 driven routes and add the recorded track to it.
There will also be some great prizes on offer, so keep an eye on the MRA-RouteXperts page and your mail.
The 10 routes are:
1. D13 Estes Park Denver
2. D03 Chadron Custer
3. D01 Pigeon Forge round trip through the Smokey Mountains
4. D08 Kalispell Sandpoint
5. D10 Colville Wenatchee
6. D09 Sandpoint Colville
7. D04 Custer Wall
8. D11 Wenatchee Seattle
9. D08 Cody Yellowstone NP
10.R13 San Francisco Monterey
View Route Collection