I've been wanting/needing a nice trip and have been thinking about a trip to Deals Gap area of NC.... Cherohala Skyway, and The Tail of the Dragon.
Its gonna be in the next 2-3 weeks (hell maybe this weekend if I feel like it!) I was up there late last Dec. Weather was predicted to be great and I left solo fromOrange County NC (near Durham) took 40 west and stayed in Maggie Valley. I was going to do the "loop" 120 miles following the Skyway into Tenn. and The Dragons Tail back to NC. My plans were foiled when I ran into Ice on the Skyway!
I am figuring it like this:
Early Sun AM- leaving home and either catching the Blue RidgeParkway at Meadows of the Dan, VA (somewhere around Mile Marker 180) and riding the parkway about 270 miles to Maggie Valley.
OR Leaving Early Sun AM and following 40 to Asheville and catch the Parkway at Mile Marker 380 and taking it into Maggie Valley.
Its about the same distance but much faster if I take 40 into Asheville.
I'll begetting a room for Sun,-Mon nite. and do "the loop" on Mon, come home Tues.
It might be nice to hook up with some folks from in here, but weather, and other factors might make it tough to plan too far out. It is muchbetter to ride the Dragon during the week, less cops, less crazies! If anybody might be interested there is lots of lodging, good eats, and an AWSOME motorcycle museum (Wheels thru Time) in Maggie Valley. I will certainly make a post before I head out.

 

sounds like fun

 

I just got back from Maggie Valley last week. I'm already going through withdrawals too... Wish I could go man.

---Chris

 

I just got back from there last night. Rode all over the mountains for 9 days. Had a blast and I am also going through withdrawls. We rented a cabin in Wears Valley and rode about 1200 miles while there. You will have a blast!

 

What part of Orange Co are you from? We are from Hillsborough- did the dragon last year- stayed at Fontana Village- we were there in October- beautiful weather but boy did it get colder as we went up the Cherohala....what incredible views!! Hope to go back soon- holler at us, maybe we can meet up and ride!

 

Hillsborough NC here too...86 north...do ya know where the "Farm & Garden is?

 

If the weather looks good, I'll prolly be heading to Maggie Valley Early Sun Oct. 7th. I called a couple of motels and they said reservations would not be needed. Do the Dragon and Skyway on Mon, come back on Tues the 9th.

 

Hey FireResucue :
Got back on the 17th had a great time took you list with me you where right on cue with your suggestions

 

Glad it was a help. I got to thinking right after I left that I never gave any directions to those places so I'm glad you were able to find them.

---Chris

 

i think so- still kinda new here- we are in town- the historic district- hang at the wooden nickel on the weekend....