The Dragons Tail....

ks-waterbug

Group Buy Guy
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Ok folks, need some help in this department. Looking for an affordable, clean, & spacious place to stay while visiting The Dragons Tail. Planning a trip to this location next year around the May/June time frame. Any suggestion would be appreciated. I've researched the dragonstail website extensively, looking for some fresh ideas. Would also like to hear from some of you who've done this road. Suggestions on places to see, eat, & wouldn't want to miss. If anyone else is interested in coming out post here. Maybe we can put something together for Hayabusa.org
Tail of the Dragon
 
I have been there only once but plan to go again. I live fairly close so it is not that bnig of a deal. We stayed in Gatlinburg when we went. There are many many places to stay in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. That puts you about 1.5 hours from the Dragon. Plus there are many other things to see and do in Gatlinburg (Smokie Mts.). So that is my recommendation. Vague I guess, but there is much to choose from there from motels (as low as $50) to cabins ($105 and up). In fact great deals can be had at many cabins for groups of any size.

The Dragon's Tail site mainly only lists places directly in the area and I don't think even mentions the fact that Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is so close to it (relatively). However, if you choose to get to 129 from say Chattanooga, Gatlinburg is out of the way from there so it depends on which way you come to the area.

If you have any specific questions I can try to help (albeit with my limited experience of one trip). And I would possibly be interested in going myself depending on schedule of course.
 
ks-waterbug,

My friend an I stayed at the Tapoco Lodge. We ran the Tail of the Dragon in June of this year. Tapoco is right on US129, at the start of the Dragon. From the Lodge, you can run the Dragon, then the Skyway, make a large circle, and back to the Lodge. It is the ONLY place to buy BEER.

I highley recommed it.

Stealth.
 
If you're coming there to party, stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. If you're there to ride, stay at the Tapoco Lodge or the Crossroads of Time, or some hotel in Robbinsville (about 15 miles away). They have some rooms to rent right at the eastern start of the Dragon. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are a pain in the ass to drive from down to the Gap. You'll do at least an hour of stop and go driving and get stuck behind slow cars that you can't pass because of the tight curves until you get to Townsend. Much more fun to get a room right at the Gap and spend all your time riding.

Also, be sure to do NC 28 all the way over to Highlands, NC, the Cherohala Skyway, and maybe some of the Blueridge Pkwy since you're in the area. Too many good roads to pick from in the area.

I'm sure a bunch of us from the Southeast would love to meet up and ride as well.
 
If you're coming there to party, stay in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.  If you're there to ride, stay at the Tapoco Lodge or the Crossroads of Time, or some hotel in Robbinsville (about 15 miles away).  They have some rooms to rent right at the eastern start of the Dragon.  Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are a pain in the ass to drive from down to the Gap.  You'll do at least an hour of stop and go driving and get stuck behind slow cars that you can't pass because of the tight curves until you get to Townsend.  Much more fun to get a room right at the Gap and spend all your time riding.  

Also, be sure to do NC 28 all the way over to Highlands, NC, the Cherohala Skyway, and maybe some of the Blueridge Pkwy since you're in the area.  Too many good roads to pick from in the area.

I'm sure a bunch of us from the Southeast would love to meet up and ride as well.
What he said     If you do decide on Pigeon Forge keep in mind that a part of the Foothills Parkway is closed but there is a very long/ bad detour.
 
Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'm taking notes........ What is the best time of year to visit the Dragon? I'm concerned about weather, traffic, and anything else that might impede my mission to have fun....
 
I agree that the traffic can be bad from all the tourists in Gatlinburg but I most certainly do not go there to party, nor does anyone I know. It is a family destination. You guys are misinformed.You do have to take a crappy detour off of the Foothills Parkway to get to the Dragon but the rest of the ride over is pleasant.

If you are going only to ride, then stay at the Tapoco Lodge but do not count out staying in Gatlinburg if you also want to make a vacation out of it. Great shopping & amusement can be found there such as Dollywood, plus the large water park, go carts galore, plus a real nice aquarium. My girlfriend and I had a great time. Just MHO.

Either way have fun.
 
Gatlinburg/Pigeon FOrge is VERY crowded and there is no off season. Traffis there is horrid (to me). If you don't want to stay right at the dragon, and want more stuff around without the crowds of Gatlinburg/Pigeon FOrge (and a gocart track or outlet mall every 100') then Cherokee NC may be better. Generally, its not as crowded and they have a casino. Its also pretty close, but I can't recall just how close.
 
I will be up near the Dragon's Tail all next week, may even get some riding in :cool: , I'll get you a list of hotels in the general vicinity.
 
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