Interesting video. But it doesn't show much of the actual town of Maggie Valley. The town is a stretch of wide road about 2 miles long with a long series of small motels, restaurants, and gift shops. No big crowds to deal with here. Prices are moderate. Things close up early. So late dinners and night life are scarce. As far as being centrally located? Central to ...what? You can stay in Gatlinburg, Robbinsville, Franklin, Cherokee, and still be central, depending on your point of view. Other than the riding itself, your satisfaction of places to stay depends on the environment you prefer after a day of riding. Some like isolation. Some like lots of activity, shopping, etc. Others like the quiet. Either way, it's all here someplace.

 

Bingee, "Central to ...what?"

The point is that you are located in a spot that is closer to more of the best roads. You can go in any direction and do more great roads.

Close to BRP (best section of the parkway)
Close to BRP north of Asheville.
Close to 80
Also roads 276, 107, and 215
209 to Hot Springs.
Close to Asheville.
Wayah Road
Highland waterfalls
Walnut Creek Road
Pine Creek Road
Charlies Creek Road
Big Laurel Road
Close to road 441 through the Park
And you are still close enough to the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway to ride them within a day.
Close enough to Diamondback, Linville Falls, Mt. Mitchell

To answer your question, Maggie Valley is central to all these places and roads.

 

I would spend at least 3 days there, but not in the area of the Dragon. Head up the BRP and see the stuff away from the squids on crotch rockets.

 

I was just in the Smokeys two weeks ago. My folks retired to Sevierville. My trip was 5 days, 747 miles one way, plus almost 1000 miles in the three days down there. 2400 miles total. I would suggest taking the Blue Ridge Pkwy North from Cherokee. Go about 50 miles and cross the intersection of Hwy 276. About 3 miles down the road you'll come to the intersection of Hwy 151. That was even better than the dragon. When it straightens out turn around and do it again. Don't forget the Foothills Pkwy and the Cherohala Skyway.

 

Thanks for the tip on 151. I guess that is the road right before the closure on BRP. I will be down there in mid-June and I will be sure to check it out. How far did you go on 151 before you turned around?

Next time you are down that way, don't pass by 276. It is a great road both north and south of the BRP.

 

This is a great ride......

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps/outlets2008.pdf

 

Yes it is, but you will need to wait until they open up the road north of the dragon in order to do the ride as a loop.

 

the dragon, the skyway, and the snake are all great!

 

I agree - add in the foothills parkway and the BRP and you have several days of riding - all fun

Ride on

 

If you want to ride,,not visit the tourist trap area's then contact one of the riders that live here. On the NC side that is. You can find great roads to ride that are off the grid for most all riders. To many go to the tenn, side and spend half of there time in traffic and tourist'y area's and don't see the best parts of the mountians. Not just the smokey mountian national park with its limited roads and traffic. To many get all hung up on the dragon too. Nothing special about that road except some joker there try'n to get you on a camera and other riders try'n to crash. Buy the tee shirt so you can impress your friends and then go , Find some moutain roads thatare not on the regular maps. Lots of great small motels , restraunts, places to stop and enjoy all off the paths beat'n to death .It is nice to ride ,maybe all day sometimes with out see'n another rider. Atleast no crowds of followers. Just so many great roads to ride to get all caught up in the dragon and gatlen/ pigon area's only..