Quick Links

April Discounts

 

Road Construction & Closures

 

TailoftheDragon.com 

 

Cherohala.com 

  

Moonshiner28.com 

  

DevilsTriangeTN.com 

  

SixGap.com  

 

TheDiamondbackNC.com 

 

Area Accommodations

 

Motorcycle Rentals, Repairs, Accessories  

 

Touring Routes & Descriptions 

  

Area Maps 

  

Event Calendar  

 

Plan your Trip    

 

Other Things To Do 

 

Area Web Cams  

 

Photos by Killboy.com 

Photo by Killboy.com, where you can find and purchase your Tail of the Dragon photos.


THE RIDING SEASON IS HERE

  

Spring is in the air and warmer days are coming. Road conditions this time of year can vary widely because of the elevation differences in these mountains. We can have a late snow in the lower elevations below 2000 feet (such as the Dragon) right into mid-April. The good news is it is rare and gone in a day. The higher elevations above 3000 feet can see snow even into May. We have seen the Blue Ridge Parkway closed in sections because of a May snow event. Good news again ...  it is rare. And it melts fast.

  

The best advice for those planning to visit in April is to watch the weather (SEE WEBSITE) on the Internet (zip code 28771). Tail of the Dragon will report any extreme weather changes on the front page. If you have any doubts give us a call.

  

We drove the Cherohala on March 31 and the roadway was clean with temps in the low 40s. Snow on the hillsides made the dense fog a little unnerving. But you can see the "pea soup" up there anytime.

  

Odds are we will see some great weather in the next month.  

  

 

PLAN YOU SPRING TRIP TODAY see APRIL DISCOUNTS & SPECIAL EVENTS 

 

 

Keep current with REGIONAL ROAD CLOSURES & CONSTRUCTION. Road construction and closure information, and website links for up-to-date conditions. 

  

2013 Tail of the Dragon Map Brochure is now available for you to download and print.

New Tail of the Draggon Store
"LOOK FOR THE BIG TAIL"


Planning your trip...
Visit PLAN YOU TRIP for great hints on how to get started planning your next visit. Also visit OTHER THINGS TO DO for some "off the road" activities during your time in the area.

Take a break from the pavement and enjoy our mountain lakes - Lake Santeetlah and Fontana Lake. Santeetlah Marina has everything you need from docking your own boat or hourly/daily rentals.  Lake Santeetlah boat and jet ski rentals also available at Deyton Camp Boat Rental. Fontana Marina has a full line of boat and jet ski rentals for Fontana Lake.
ROAD
REGIONAL ROAD CLOSURE UPDATES

Websites with up-to-date road conditions:   
 
Blue Ridge Parkway Real-time Road Closures
Smoky Mountain National Park Road Closures
Smoky Moutain National Park Real-time Twitter Feed
Tennessee DOT Real-time Map
Western North Carolina DOT Real-time updates


Closures still in effect include US 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains which is quite extensive. As of now there are no estimates for how long that closure will last, but there are incentives to get it done ASAP. They are working 24-7 and hope to be done in May/June.

 

Cherohala Skyway is open, a landslide took out one lane near the state line.

 

Dual Sport Roads: Tatham Gap from Robbinsville to Andrews is closed to through traffic, but you can still ride to the summit at Joanna Bald from Robbinsville. Winding Stairs from US19 to the top of the Nantahala Gorge is closed indefinitely. The Tellico OHV thru road from TN to NC is closed indefinitely. Balsam Mountain Road and Heintooga Ridge Road, both in the Smoky Mountain National Park, will be closed for 2013. Parsons Branch will be open by the end of April.

 

DISCOUNT
APRIL DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS:

A Holiday Motel Maggie Valley NC - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: TOLL FREE 877-686-4386 OR 828-926-1186 Email
Biker owned one level motel with covered porch pa+rking in front of each room, bike wash area, rocking chairs, fire pit, laundry, free trailer parking and much more. Our very clean rooms have fridge/micro/coffee/Wi-Fi & HBO and pillow top mattresses. Restaurant on site serving great breakfast and lunch. 1/4 mile to the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Room rates in the spring start at $39.00.
Alpine Inn Little Switzerland NC - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 828-765-5380 Email
Spring Special stay 2 nights get the 3rd night free until May 23rd, 2013. Also, mention this ad and get a free gift!!!
Best Western Cades Cove TN - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 865-448-9000 or 865-448-9254
Mention WEB10 coupon code and get 10% off regular rates.
Biker Barn North Georgia - Motorcycle Service & Accessories
Visit Website Phone: 706-781-6729 Email
Biker Barn would like to wish everyone a safe 2013 riding season. Our summer hours are Wed. thru Sat. 9:30-5:00, Sun.10:00-4:00 and we're closed Mon. and Tues. We have an in store special on most motorcycle parts 50% off and $50.00 off Go Pro 2 cameras. Please fan us on facebook @ facebook.com/bikerbarn and our new on-line store will be coming soon!
Carolina Mountain Retreat Franklin NC - Vacation Home(s)
Visit Website Phone: 828-421-0352 Email
Base your vacation from our Motorcycle Friendly Home (sleeps 8), paved roads to paved drive. Enjoy all of Western NC and return to comfort. Great summer dates available. Book 6 nights and get the 7th night FREE (a $295 value, mention this Tail of the Dragon Newsletter when booking). Located just off Moonshiner 28 (between Franklin & Highlands) RideFranklinNC.com
Copperhead Lodge North Georgia - Hotel/Motel, Lodge, Cabin(s), Entertainment, Dining
Visit Website Phone: 706-835-RIDE (7433) Email
Dragon Slayer deal for April - stay two nights or more in April and get 20% off, use PROMO CODE DGSL
Here is our Spring line up:
April 4-7 - Gauntlet Thunder in the Mountains Rally - 3 day motorcycle rally with Live Music every night at the Amphitheatre, Bike Games, Vendor Village, Bike Show, Cannonball Treasure Hunt, Daisy Duke & Boots and Wet-T Contest, Burn Out Contest, Escorted & Self-Guided Rides. Rooms, Cabins, Camping & RV available. gauntletga.com or copperheadlodge.com
Live Music every Friday and Saturday begins March 30 and continues until November
Live Music for April 2013:
  • 4/4 - Danny Rhea
  • 4/5 - GRIP, 4/6 - High Noon Band
  • 4/12 - Paul Constantine
  • 4/13 - Modern Vinyl
  • 4/26 - Plowboys
  • 4/27 - Audio Alliance
Weekly specials - Free Poker on Monday, BOGO free entrees on Tuesday, Wine Down Wednesday's, Crab Legs Thursday, Prime Rib Friday. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday with a Sunday Brunch just $14.95. Ride to Eat, we are your destination.
Make plans now to join us for Memorial Day. Three days of live music, rides, fun with old friends and new with a fabulous fireworks celebration.
Courtyard by Marriott Airport, Alcoa TN - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 865-977-8333
ASK FOR SPECIAL $89 RATE (rates subject to availability and exclude special events).
Dragon Retreat Maryville TN - Vacation Home(s)
Visit Website Phone: 856-504-6688 Email
10% discount Mention that your found AJ's Dragon Retreat on the Tail of the Dragon Newsletter.
Dragons Rest Cabins Robbinsville NC - Cabin(s)
Visit Website Phone: 828-479-4726 (8am - 9pm est) Email
Now Open for the 2013 Season. Offering 10% off for all guest booking for the month of April.
Fairfield Inn, Alcoa TN - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 865-984-9350
ASK FOR SPECIAL $69 RATE (rates subject to availability and exclude special events).
Fontana Village Resort minutes from the Dragon - Hotel/Motel, Lodge, Cabin(s), Campground, RV Hookups, Entertainment, Dining
Visit Website Phone: 828.498.2211 Toll Free 800.849.2258 Email
Fontana Village Spring Lodging Special: stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night free (valid Sun-Thurs. only, based on availability, expires April 30, 2013).
April Groups/Events:
  • April 4-7 Gen Coupe Spring Run On The Dragon
  • April 4-7 R32 Rally
  • April 4-8 Chrysler Crossfire Spring
  • April 10-14 Honda S2000 "Rockin' The Dragon"
  • April 14-21 Dam Kids At Fontana
  • April 18-210 C30s Conquer The Dragon
  • April 26-28 BMW MOA
GSM Moto Rent, Townsend TN - Cabin(s), Motorcycle Rentals
Visit Website Phone: 865-448-6090 Email
GSMmotoRent is now open for the season in the Smokies featuring several new bikes. We along with Dual Sport Touring will be hosting a Tech Day at our shop in Townsend on April 13th. Check out our website for more details at GSMmotorent.com
Hampton Inn, Alcoa TN - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 865-983-1101
REQUEST TAIL OF THE DRAGON SPECIAL RATE $89 (not available during home UT football weekends).
Highland Manor Inn, Townsend TN - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 800-213-9462 Email
"Early Bird Special" stay two nights get the third night free, now through April 15, 2013.
Hilton Knoxville Airport - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 865-970-4300
Please request the special $89 "The Shed" rate when making reservations. (Rates are subject to availability and excludes special event weekends).
Luxbury Inn, Maryville TN - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 865-983-9839, or 800-780-9839 Email
ASK FOR TAIL OF THE DRAGON 10% OFF (Sunday - Thursday, depending on availability).
Main Stay Suites, Alcoa TN - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 865-379-7799
Mention Tail of the Dragon and get a queen suite for $69.99 a night. Biker friendly.
Mountain Motors Robbinsville NC - Motorcycle Service & Accessories
Visit Website Phone: (828) 479-4488 Email
The Original Biker Shop of Dragon-Slayers, Since 1991
Servicing all makes & models of motorcycles
10% Discounts on all parts and retail items to all bike clubs, AARP and AAA Members.
Quality Parts & Service Guaranteed!
Events: Saturday, May 18th, 2013. American Veterans Poker Run
At Mountain Motors in downtown Robbinsville, NC, home of the world famous 'Dragon' road.
All money goes to our Veterans. This is a non-profit event.
First bike out at 10am, last bike back by 4pm.
Registration starts at 8am on the day of the event.
Cost is only $10 per hand, no limit.
Trophies & Cash Prizes will be awarded.
Show your support to the Veterans that have supported you!
Mountain View Cabin Rentals Tellico Plains TN - Hotel/Motel, Lodge, Cabin(s), Vacation Home(s)
Visit Website Phone: 423-519-2000 Email
Seven new cabins are set up for bikers!! Prices are $39.95 and $49.95!!!
Relax Inn Bryson City - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: TOLL FREE 855-488-2127 TELEPHONE 828-488-2127 Email
Mention Tail of the Dragon and get 5% off Friday, Saturday Sunday nights and 10% off Monday through Thursday nights.
Riders Home - Vacation Home(s)
Visit Website Phone: 828-414-1587 Email
Special rate: $150.00 Off weekly rental. $100.00 off 4 nights rental.
River Cove Cabins, Murphy NC - Cabin(s)
Visit Website Phone: 828-644-9979 Email
3 Nights Dragon Special $165.
Simple Life Campground Robbinsville NC - Campground, Camp Cabins, RV Hookups
Visit Website Phone: 828-788-1099 Email
20% Military discount.
Sleep Inn Bryson City NC - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 828-488-0326 TOLL FREE 866-939-0998 Email
Special 1 night stay save 15%, 2 night stay save 20%.
Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, Maryville TN - Motorcycle Rentals, Motorcycle Service & Accessories, Entertainment Visit Website Phone:865-977-1669 Email
Visit SHED WEBSITE for detailed concert event line-up. There's always a $5 ride-up discount at the gate! Eat on-site at Stinkers BBQ, and enjoy a great show. The Shed is located at our flagship location: 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN, Tel 865-977-1669.
Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson and The Shed are excited to announce the kickoff of 2013 Shed Season on Saturday, April 6, 2013. The first show of the 2013 Shed Series will be a Shed favorite The Jompson Brothers with special guest The Cathouse Prophets. The 2013 Shed Concert Series will run April - October.
The April concert lineup includes:
  • April 6 - The Jompson Brothers w/ The Cathouse Prophets
  • April 13 - Elizabeth Cook from SiriusXM® Radio Outlaw Country w/ The Barstool Romeos
  • April 20 - The Flatlanders w/Joe Pug
  • April 27 - Big Gun AC/DC Tribute

Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson Outposts official Harley-Davidson apparel and motorclothes, as well as custom Harley-Davidson apparel, regional maps, and tourist information: Cherohala Skyway Harley-Davidson. Take a load off, rockers on the porch or in the lounge upstairs. Located at entrance to Cherohala Skyway on the Tennessee side. Tel. 423-253-7432. Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-5pm
US129 Dragon Harley-Davidson, just north of the Dragon and Foothills Parkway on US129! Tel. 865-856-5942 Fri, Sat, Sun 10am-5pm

Snowbird Mountain Lodge Robbinsville NC - Bed & Breakfast, Lodge, Cabin(s), Dining
Visit Website Phone: 828.479.3433 or Toll Free 800.941.9290 Email
Offers 25% discount to BMWOA members, or 10% to all motorcycle riders for stays of two nights or more.
Sportbikes 4 Hire - Motorcycle Rentals
Visit Website Phone: 888-914-4473 or direct 865-809-9147 Email
Three, two, one.... SPRING SPECIAL: 3 days, 2 bikes, 1 price. Choose from 2 DRZ400SMs or mix and match with our 02 SV650 for $499.
Sweet Berries Bed & Breakfast Maryville TN - Bed & Breakfast
Visit Website Phone: 865-856-6762 Email
Located just off US hwy 129 on a 120 mile loop to the Cherohala Skyway. Your experience starts with a spacious room, a large comfortable bed, and a spectacular gourmet breakfast at our inn. Enjoy the excitement of cruising the mountains and valleys of Tennessee. At days end come back, take a hot shower, relax and be pampered with a complimentary snack and beverage before bedtime. Pavement from your home to our front door, covered parking for motorcycles, trailer parking. Four spacious rooms, free WIFI and phone service, HD-TV, and much more. Any guest who books online, CODEWORD : Dragonless , will receive 20% off the regular rate - 2 night minimum. Stay four nights and get fourth night free. Guests must stay between April1, 2013 and May 15, 2013.
Switzerland Inn Little Switzerland NC - Hotel/Motel, Lodge, Cabin(s), Dining
Visit Website Phone: 800-654-4026 LOCAL 828-765-2153 Email
Just finished a major remodel and offering $20 off weekdays in April and May on all rooms except the Diamondback Lodge which are $79 all the time.
Two Wheel Inn Robbinsville NC - Hotel/Motel
Visit Website Phone: 828-479-4248 Email
Two Wheel Inn is now open for the 2013 season. Our rates are are the same for 2013, now the same for six years in a row!!
FIND MORE ACCOMMODATIONS HERE

About Tail of the Dragon:  

 

Tail of the Dragon LLC: We promote twisty, two lane tourism in the Smoky Mountain region of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia and the surrounding area. Ron & Nancy Johnson are the owners and webmasters and live in Graham County, North Carolina.  

 

Telephone us toll free at 800-768-7129 (8am - 6pm)
Canada and Other Countries 828-479-8400

 

Email us at info@tailofthedragon.com 

 

We have an outlet shop at the Dragon "The Shack", open daily 9am - 6pm (or later), April - October. Look for the BIG TAIL at US 129 and NC 28. Click here for TAIL OF THE DRAGON OUTLET MAP for other locations that sell Tail of the Dragon gear. You can also purchase at our on-line secure store at TailoftheDragonStore.com 

 

NEED DIRECTIONS? check out TailoftheDragonMaps.com

 

WEBSITES:

Cherohala.com 
TailoftheDragon.com 
Moonshiner28.com 
DevilsTriangleTN.com 
SixGap.com 

TheDiamondbackNC.com
TailoftheDragonResorts.com
TailoftheDragonTours.com
TailoftheDragonMaps.com

Killboy.com  

 

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