Cherohala Skyway and the Tail of the Dragon

The Cherohala Skyway climbs above 5,000 ft between Tellico Plains and Robbinsville with long open views and little traffic. Nearby Deals Gap is the start of the Tail of the Dragon, 11 miles of tight bends on US 129. Both are for confident drivers; the Dragon is slow and heavily patrolled. It suits motorbike riders, sports-car drivers and weekend explorers.

The stops

1. Start

   Tellico Plains, TN

2. Town

   Tellico Plains

   Start, with a skyway visitor center.

3. Viewpoint

   Bald River Falls

   Short roadside waterfall stop.

4. Hike

   Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest

   Old-growth forest loop, a detour near the NC end.

5. Town · Overnight

   Robbinsville

   Small town with food and fuel before US 129.

6. Viewpoint

   Deals Gap

   Start of the Dragon; a motorbike shop and photo stop.

7. Viewpoint

   Calderwood Dam

   Dam near the north end of the Dragon.

8. Town

   Maryville

   Finish near Knoxville, with places to eat.

9. Finish

   Maryville, TN

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Robbinsville / Deals Gap

  Deals Gap motorcycle resorts · Nantahala-area cabins

When to go

May–Oct; the skyway is high and can ice over in winter

On the road

The Dragon's speed limit is 30 mph and police patrol it. Emergency response can take an hour. The skyway closes in ice and snow; check TDOT and NCDOT.