Hey Carolinians,

I'll be driving west from Durham, NC, and am looking for some route suggestions. I've been reading a bit about "The Dragon," so that's a possibility. I guess I'd take highway 40 to 19 to 129. Am I right in thinking that the best part is the part that borders the national park?

Right now my route options are pretty open. I can skip the Dragon and go north through VA, WV, and KY, which is what Google Maps is telling me is the quickest route. But if I dance with the dragon, does anyone know anything about highway 56 through Tennessee or I-75 North?

Other than twisty roads, I might also be interested in roller coasters, BBQ joints, and other fun stuff along the way. I've never been to this part of the country, so I'm open for suggestions!

thanks,
Andrew

 

what the ****???

 

Nothing is worth skipping the Dragon.... but if its your first time down it. Be smart, be careful, and DO NOT CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW! <- That kills people..... literally.

 

If you have never been there, you definitely owe it to yourself to drive the Dragon. On your way out, catch the Cherohala Skyway. You won't regret it.

 

If you dance with the dragon for the first time, do a waltz or a slow ballroom step. Get to know it first before you try anything agressive. NEVER I SAY NEVER CROSS THE CENTER LINE.
It's the most fun you can have with you clothes on.

 

Thanks for the tips. If anything, it will be a Fox Trot (a Charleston at most).

Here's the route so far:
40 -> 19 -> 129 north
backtrack and take 129 south (2nd Dragon run)
129 south to 143/165 (Cherohala Skyway)

After that, I can take highway 56 to I-24 or I can take I-75 north. Anyone recommend one over the other?

 

Ha Ha he thinks he can drive the Dragon only twice and leave it behind

 

Well, I drove the Dragon twice, got stuck behind some cruiser bikes both times, met a couple in a BMW 645 and had lunch with them at Deal's, then got stuck behind an SUV on the Skyway. Still a great drive - western NC is incredibly scenic. Hope to be back someday!

 

Personally, I would avoid 19 unless you're looking for the "scenic" route through the touristy parts of Maggie Valley & Cherokee (which can be fun if you're into that). Also, if you stay on 19 to 129, you'll go through Nantahala, which is pretty cool with all the whitewater rafting, etc, but also very crowded.

If you're looking for more direct to the Dragon, take I-40 to Hwy 74 south, and turn right on Hwy 28 just past Bryson City. Hwy 28 will take you right past Fontana Dam (a nice stop) and dead end at the base of the Dragon at Deal's Gap. Stop and have a Dragon burger for lunch if the timing's right. (Just don't park in the gas station lot, park across the street. It's a motorcycle resort and they get a bit touchy about cars taking up space that 2-3 bikes could take.) It's a fun place, and is the social "heart" of the Dragon.

Have fun!