The start of this ride is at Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Resort.

We turn the NC-143 towards Robbinsville on what is already a beautiful piece of driving with many curves. From Robbinsville we take the US-129 that runs for a large part along the Cheoah River and the Santeetlah lake. Many curves and now and then some bridges where you have a beautiful view of the river and the lake on the left and right.

We ride the legendary "Tail of the Dragon", but first take a picture at the big metal statue of the Dragon, score a souvenir or T-shirt in the souvenir shop and maybe have a drink and/or something to eat in the restaurant. Here is also the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, where the monument the "Tree of Shame" is located, to which we do not want to donate parts!!

"The Tail of the Dragon" or "Deals Gap" is a popular and internationally known destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts, as the 11-mile (18 km) stretch in Tennessee is said to have 318 curves. 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 a dragon's tail.
There are several parking areas along the route where you can stop briefly to enjoy the view and take some pictures. If you have the time I would turn around at the end point and ride “The Dragon” in the other direction which is a whole other dimension.

Stop in the town of Vonore for a bite to eat and a drink at Hardees. After this short break we drive to Tellico Plains, where you can visit the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Centre, if you are still hungry you can eat something here 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 begins the Cherohala Skyway, which is definitely one of the most scenic routes in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. We stop briefly at the Telliquah Bridge, 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.

We briefly leave the Cherohala Skyway to visit the nearly 100-foot-high "Bald River Falls," considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the region.
In Robbinsville you can stop at Lynn's Place for a break and a drink, a popular stop among motorcyclists.

This route with many beautiful views in the mountains is truly breathtaking. Stop at one of the many small parking areas (overlooks) to enjoy or to walk a bit and have a picnic.

The “Dragon” and Cherohala Skyway are rightly favorite routes for motorcyclists and sports car drivers because of the many twists and turns and the beautiful scenery. Take your time and stop often along the way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.