THAT'S the reason I doubt I'll ever waste my time or money on the Dragon. In its pristine state, it'd be a good place to ride, but I've seen the video(s) of the brain-dead crotch-rocket crowd riding out there, and the semis that block the road and run people off the road. Not for me - one incident like that and it would spoil my trip.

 

My understanding now is they no longer allow ANY semi's through there?? They now have to take an alternate route. We rode it on a Saturday - only thing we saw were souped up cars, crotch rockets, and various brands of cruiser & touring motorcycles. I will say only one sport bike couple came up fast but they were courteous and passed when it was safe. And I got behind a toyota pick up and he pulled off the first chance he had on a turn-out and waved me to pass him. When I got to Deal's Gap I heard someone say in a conversation that large trucks are now prohibited to go through there?

We REALLY had a GREAT experience there - no issues except my buddy's wife she had a little fit when we had to go back through the other way - she was scared - the irony is she is usually the tuff sailor of the group. My wife and my other buddy's wife were like - eyh it was nothing piece of cake and commented on the scenery - they thought nothing of it.

 

If you get a chance take 28 down to Franklin and check out the several water falls around the area. Highway 28 was a terrific road with a lot of twisties. Enjoy your trip!

 

I agree with all the great advice posted so far. I go to that area once a year and find more and more great trails each time.

At the NC end of the dragon, I like taking 28 south, then cut over to Robbinsville to ride the Cherahola, but you also don't want to miss 129 south from the dragon.

You will go right by fugative dam on 129 and pass within a mile of Fontanna dam on 28. It is well worth the detour to check out fontanna dam.

Fontanna village is a great place to stay, but it is rather expensive. They have a huge lodge and individual cabins. I rented a cabin that I could back my bike right up to the door.

You just can't go wrong in that area.


Dennis

 

I'm a frequent flyer on the Dragon. Depending on the direction you are approaching, the Foothills Parkway is a nice warm up before smacking that Dragon in the face. Then the Cherohala Skyway for a cool down lap. The Hell bender is also a nice twisty and scenic ride.

 

Ride the Dragon for the T-shirt... Ride the Cherohala for the fun. 50 miles of fast sweepers and awesome views. IMHO, It's one of the best roads East of South Dakota

 

My wife and I were there 2 years ago. We were told to be careful because there was a Nissan rally that day around noon time. We rode up at exactly the speed limit. Coming back down we had the video camera going and were dragging floorboards all the way down. 3 Nissan's went flying past us going up. didn't know there was a 4th car and we meant him right in a hard left turn dragging the floorboard. He lost control and passed across our lane and missed us by a few feet. Luckily he hit a retaining wall instead of flying over the cliff. Guess it wasn't my time because if he had been a fraction of a second earlier we would of nailed him or more correctly he would of run us over. Since it was in the middle of a hard turn if I'd of tried to slow down it would of made me high side right into him. I've been riding for 45 years and I know I was going to fast but you really have to watch out for others coming into your lane as I was clearly in my lane.
Good luck and watch out for EVERYBODY!!!

 

This will be my 3rd year vacationing on 2 wheels in TN. The Dragon is a must to say "You did it" There are so many other nice roads and just as challenging. Yes a new law was passed this spring limiting the length to 35' for trucks. So no semi's to get in yoour way. However watch out for the rouge cage that decides to push there limit. Sport Bikes have never been an issue. They are curtious and ususally slow down and in respect I pull over and let them pass. Ride the 35mph limit and know your bike and enjoy the ride.

Must rides also.

Hellbender.
Devils Triangle
Cherohalla Pkwy.
BRP and Skyline Drive

Enjoy and remember your rain gear those mountain storms come in quick and poof there gone and your wet!

 

[quote=timberland;9689731]Ride smart and you'll be fine. I prefer the Cherohala for riding. If you all think the Dragon is bad...try 32 out of Cosby. Same 10 miles long without the idiots. It's twisty...but VERY fun, you'll never see a semi and 53' trailer, I'll guarantee it.

What he said!!!
Do NOT miss the Cherohala Skyway. Open, excellent condition, long and room to move (think FAST!).

Be safe & have fun

 

Just don't ride over your head. Don't gawk at the scenery or you'll become part of it. You can't watch the pretty mountains and the road at the same time. That said it is a cool ride. Just don't push yourself.