Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway
Perhaps the best known motorcycle ride in the Smokey Mountains is the highly acclaimed Tail of the Dragon - US Hwy 129. It is considered by many as one of the world's foremost motorcycling and sports car roads. This 11 miles stretch of Hwy 129 boasts 318 curves. Some of the Dragon's sharpest curves have names like 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 from its curves being said to resemble a dragon's tail. The speed limit on the Dragon was 55 mph prior to 1992; it was reduced to 30 mph in 2005. The presence of law enforcement on the Tennessee portion has dramatically increased since 2007.
The road is desolate and can be a real adventure, especially during poor weather conditions. We may also have to deal with bears, turkeys, deer, and wild boars on the road along with bad drivers. It is not a road for the squeamish, nor a road to sight see on. The attraction is the road itself, not the scenery... at least for the drivers.
This is a very special and unique highway. There are no intersecting roads, no houses with driveway, and no businesses. Each and every curve is different. There is very little elevation change and many of the curves are banked like a race track. After riding many other twisty roads, you'll probably rate the Tail of the Dragon as one of the best there is.
If we survive the Dragon our next adventure awaits us on the Cherohala Skyway:
The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after planning and construction for some thirty-four years. It is North Carolina's most expensive highway carrying a price tag of $100,000,000. Winding up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 18 miles in North Carolina and descending another 23 miles into the deeply forested back country of Tennessee. The road crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala". The Skyway is becoming well known in motorcycling and sports car circles for it's long, sweeping corners, scenic views and cool summer breezes.
This road enthusiast's dream connects Robbinsville, North Carolina with Tellico Plains, Tennessee. There are no facilities other than a couple of restrooms for the entire 36 miles so make sure you have enough gas to make the crossing. There is little evidence of civilization from views that rival or surpass any from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
It can be cold and cloudy riding the mountain ridges, so make sure we dress properly, even in the summer months. Others have been caught in pea soup fog, thick clouds, and bone chilling temperatures even in July. The mile-high ride is always a new and unforgetable experience.
Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway: 205 miles 5 hours saddle time