Walhalla SC – Highlands NC – 30 Miles-3 States
The ThreeState28.com motorcycle ride Start in Walhalla, SC and head north on route 28 for 32 miles. Cross the SC/GA border, stay on route 28, cross the GA/NC border, and head into Highlands, NC. Blacktop S turns, sweepers and hairpins wind up and down the hills with glimpses of the mountains and the valleys throughout the ride along with twisties and elevation changes. This ride runs through the Sumter and Nantahala national forests with mountains, rivers and waterfalls and crossing through three states. Not a lot between Walhalla and Highlands, so, fill up before you leave Walhalla. No restaurants or other facilities for miles.
There are three rides on highway 28, the first section riding from South to North is the ThreeState28.com. This motorycle ride is 32 miles from Walhalla SC to Highlands NC, the second part is the Moonshiner 28 from Highlands NC to Franklin NC and the thrird part is TheHellbender28.com is from Franklin NC To Deals Gap NC 22 miles.
Get your souvenirs here… T-shirts, patches, pins, and more at motorcycleridershop.com
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.
Since 1954, McDonald’s has been dedicated to serving quality food and quick service at an affordable price for our customers. Visit your nearby McDonald’s and choose from a full menu of favorites, including McCafé® coffee, All Day Breakfast, juicy burgers like our Quarter Pounder®* with Cheese and more!
Restaurants nationwide offer numerous amenities to ensure every customer has an enjoyable experience. Find out if your local nearby McDonald’s is open 24 hours, offers drive thru or McDelivery®**, has a PlayPlace and more from our restaurant locator. Plus, order ahead in the App and get your food when you arrive at the restauraunt with Mobile Order and Pay†, available exclusively on the McDonald’s App!
Next time you’re looking for a tasty treat, head to a McDonald’s nearby. For information on deals, download the McDonald’s App today!
*Weight before cooking 4 oz.
**At participating McDonald’s. Value menu and promotional pricing not valid for delivery. Delivery prices may be higher than at restaurants. Uber Eats delivery fee, service fee and small order fee apply. See Uber Eats app for details.
† McD App download and registration required. Mobile Order & Pay available at participating McDonald’s.
Two Rivers Lodge is an American,family owned,nostalgic,Mom & Pop Motel on the on the Oconaluftee and Tuckaseegee Rivers. We provide a relaxing casual environment from our homey rooms,deep porches, and outdoor spaces to our large pool and kiddy pool. This is the perfect base camp for your motorcycle group,sports car club,family reunion,river adventure or hiking trip with easy access and central location to all of the best roads and attractions. We provide memorable experiences. Great Reviews !
Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort is located in western North Carolina, this secluded, 39-acre resort on Stecoah Creek is surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The area has some of the best motorcycle riding in the world.
Iron Horse is minutes from the famous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, the scenic mile-high Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee, Fontana Dam, and the Nantahala River Gorge. Whether you are on a cruiser, sport bike or dual sport, Iron Horse is where riders stay and play.
Reflecting the free spirit of the old west and of modern motorcyclists, Iron Horse is designed with a western flair offering a wide range of accommodations and facilities, including motorcycle camping.
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC, Nantahala Village Resort is the ideal North Carolina vacation and Cabin Rental destination – perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, weddings, and group events. Choose from a variety of lodging options including well-appointed Lodge rooms, mountain suites, and cozy rental cabins. We offer complimentary bagged breakfast including a granola bar, muffin, apple, bottle of water and a juice carton. Call Nantahala Village Resort for details. Should you wish to explore this beautiful Smoky Mountain area, there are whitewater rafting outfitters, zip-lines, miles of hiking and biking trails, premier trout streams, The Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City shopping and Bryson City dining just minutes away. Or test your engines on the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway or many other nearby scenic mountain roads. Visit the towns of Bryson City and Cherokee for authentic handcrafts, dining and historic experiences.
Nantahala Village Resort was established in 1948, when the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was new and a visit to the western North Carolina Mountains was a true retreat from the world. Now over 60 years later, Nantahala Village Resort continues to provide an opportunity for family and group getaways. With our variety of lodging choices, full service restaurant, indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, swimming pools, game room, fitness center and horseback riding the Village caters to individuals and groups.
We are nestled deep in the Great Smoky Mountains on the NC/TN state line and are known as the home of “The Dragon” motorcycle ride with over 318 curves in 11 miles. We are open from March 1st through late November and provide you with all of the amenities needed for a comfortable overnight stay. You will find many scenic and beautiful places to stop and take in all of the natural beauty that our area has to offer. Without a doubt, you will have one of the best motorcycling experiences one could have
Fresh mountain air and wide open spaces make it easy to disconnect to reconnect. Retreat to the terrace rocking chairs, where the sounds of nature, the panoramic views of the Snowbird Mountains, and the southern breezes set the tone for a getaway like no other. TV’s are intentionally absent at Snowbird Mountain Lodge; it’s all part of the mountain retreat experience to free your mind and body of stress, and embrace nature’s elegance.
Sit in front of our massive stone fireplace, study our area’s rich cultural heritage, or partake in one of our specialty events such as birding or a wine dinner.
Have your first cup of coffee in our main lodge and our staff will guide you in tailoring your visit. We are here to cater to your relaxation, but will never impose on your privacy.
Many amazing adventures await you right outside our door. Explore Lake Santeetlah, hike secluded forest trails, and discover area waterfalls and rivers. For a slower paced activity, take a scenic drive along the Cherohala Skyway and Moonshiner 28 for stunning mountain vistas.
Hike our Snowbird Mountain Lodge trails without ever having to leave the property. Rest stops, picnic areas, and mountain views highlight two sets of trails. The Point Trail takes you to our Sunrise Deck, while the Santeetlah Trail traverses alongside our fire pit, tennis courts, and gardens, and ultimately arrives at the Sunset Deck.
Inside the Main Lodge, The Mountview Bistro at Fontana Village Resort boasts both great food and amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy a great meal in an elegant, relaxing, atmosphere while sharing stories of the day’s catch, wildlife seen on your hike, and the many other highlights of your Smoky Mountain vacation.
The Mountview Bistro offers a savory menu featuring the freshest local vegetables and meats, baked goods, and desserts plated to perfection. No matter your taste, the Mountview Bistro is the front row seat for every meal
Centrally located in the middle of the Fontana Village Resort, the Wildwood Grill offers a warm and charming ambience, wonderful food, and friendly service. Whether you dine on the lively patio or settle into a cozy table inside, the Wildwood Grill delivers an unequaled mountain view with music, food, and great friends!
Join us for lunch or dinner. Stay close and relax after a casual meal near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Grill is the front door to everything happening in Fontana Village Resort. The Wildwood Grill is open seasonally from Spring through Fall.
Gather your group for the daily recap and tell tales of disc golf wins, fish pulled from Fontana Lake, and the amazing sights of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Bring the amazing food of the Grill to your camping hotspot by calling for take-out.
Guests who stay at Fontana Village Resort see the world differently because they find inspiration in unexpected places. From mountain biking and hiking trails, to time spent out on the lake, our adventures and activities are united not by what makes them the same, but by the remarkable things that make them different. For those who crave fresh air, a quiet atmosphere, authenticity and destination immersion, Fontana Village is where you can explore the outside inside you amidst the best of the Smoky Mountains and all its natural beauty.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is part of the Nantahala National Forest, approximately 3,800 acre tract of publicly owned virgin forest in Graham County, NC, near Robbinsville as a living memorial to the writer/poet Joyce Kilmer. Veterans of the Foreign Wars asked the government to set aside a fitting stand of trees to serve as a living memorial to Joyce Kilmer, who was killed in action during World War I. Although Kilmer was both a soldier and a poet, he is most remembered for his poetry about common, beautiful things in nature
One of the largest contiguous tracts of old growth forest in the Eastern United States, the area is administered by the U. S. Forest Service. The memorial is a rare example of old growth cove hardwood forest, a diverse type unique to the Appalachian Mountains. In 1975 the memorial forest was joined with a much larger tract of the Nantahala National Forest to become part of the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness.
Due to a devastating disease of the American chestnut tree that caused a rapid, widespread die-off of the once plentiful tree from its historic range in the Eastern United States, the American chestnut, once the dominant tree of the forest, was affected by the chestnut blight. Although the last of the Kilmer chestnuts had probably died by the late 1930s, their wood is so rot-resistant that remnants of the massive logs and stumps are still visible.
Another more recent loss is that of the giant hemlocks due to an infestation of an exotic insect, the hemlock woolly adelgid. For safety of visitors from a falling limb or tree, Forest Service managers decided to bring down dead trees near the memorial trail in a way they believed would mimic natural blowdown. In November 2010, the Forest Service blew up the trees with explosives, making the lower loop trail much lighter and drier.
The best way to enjoy the impressive memorial forest is by doing the easy 2-mile hike to see the majestic Trees such as Sycamore, Beech, Basswood, Red and White Oaks and Hemlock. Some of the trees are over 400 years old and the oldest Yellow-Poplars are more than 20 ft (6.1 m) in circumference and stand 100 ft (30 m) tall. Aside from the trees there are also other variety of shrubs, vines, ferns, mosses and other plants to see. This popular family hiking destination features an easy two-mile, figure-eight trail and has two loops: the 1-1/4 miles lower loop passes the Joyce Kilmer Memorial plaque, and the upper ¾ mile loop swings through Poplar Cove, a grove of the largest trees.
The trailhead parking area has a flush toilet and picnic tables. No camping or overnight parking is allowed.
The only way to see the impressive memorial forest is on foot. The figure-eight Joyce Kilmer National Recreation Trail covers two miles and has two loops: the 1.25-mile lower loop passes the Joyce Kilmer Memorial plaque, and the upper 0.75-mile loop swings though Popular Cove – a grove of the forest’s largest trees. The trailhead parking area has a flush toilet and picnic tables. No camping or overnight parking is allowed.
Located about 15 miles from Robbinsville. Take Highway 129 North for 1½ miles to the junction with Highway 143 West (Massey Branch Road). Turn left on Highway 143 and travel approx 4 miles to a stop sign/T intersection. Turn right and drive for approx 7.3 miles and bear to the right at the junction of Santeetlah Gap and the Cherohala Skyway. Continue for another 2½ miles to the entrance of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest on your left.
It is our goal to provide a comfortable, peaceful, restorative and joyful experiences. At The Heart Center, we invite you to reclaim your own inner peace, physical and emotional harmony, innate wisdom and power, strengthen your personal relationships, and rediscover your unique connection to nature and the Divine.
Tapoco Tavern offers incredible outside dining experiences adjacent to the world famous Cheoah River. Indoor and private room options for groups also available.
Open Daily from 11 am to 8 pm
Perched on the banks of the world famous Cheoah River, Tapoco Tavern combines the very best of classic pizzeria and all American flavors with a view and environment unmatched in all of Western Carolina. Order up a wood stone oven pizza for the family or indulge in the house favorite, “Bloody Mary” from our full-service bar. From steaks, burgers, salads, and local Carolina Mountain trout, there’s something for everyone.
Tapoco is situated on 120 acres in the lush mountain region of the Nantahala National Forest on the banks of the cascading Cheoah River. Adventures like hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and winding roads are plentiful. After your day of adventure, experience sanctuary in one of our historic rooms with modern conveniences. Later on, enjoy riverside dining or an evening by the fire pits.
We are nestled deep in the Great Smoky Mountains on the NC/TN state line and are known as the home of “The Dragon” motorcycle ride with over 318 curves in 11 miles. We are open from March 1st through late November and provide you with all of the amenities needed for a comfortable overnight stay. You will find many scenic and beautiful places to stop and take in all of the natural beauty that our area has to offer. Without a doubt, you will have one of the best motorcycling experiences one could have
Tourist attraction in Swain County, North Carolina
Ok so this wasn’t on MY bucket list .. but was on my husband’s so it was on our anniversary trip to-do list! And it really didn’t disappoint ether! 318 turns in 11 miles with steep drops and no guard rails! This road is not for inexperienced drivers… But if you drive slow and take the turns carefully it is a pretty amazing experience. There are some cool shops just before you drive into TN that mark the beginning of your drive, and they have memorabilia and stuff. Look for the dragon statue to your left– he is all made of metal! Just beware.. it isn’t for people who don’t like heights or who can’t navigate turns well.
318 turns in 11 miles, one of if not the best drive I’ve ever been on! If you love curvy, challenging mountain roads and amazing views, this is the route for you! I drove through completely by accident on my way to the Foothills Parkway but I’ve always wanted to drive the tail of the dragon and I got to its something you must do if in the area!
The Dragon is popular and internationally famous destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts since 1981. Known as America’s number 1 motorcycle and sports car road, famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles (18 km). The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble a dragons tail. The stretch bears the street name Tapoco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway in Tennessee and is signed entirely by US 129 (hidden SR 115).
Deals Gap, also known as Tail of the Dragon, is a portion of U.S. Route 129 in Blount County, Tennessee, situated in a gap in Swain County, North Carolina, United States. It was publicized as one of the most scenic drives in USA. This road is appealing to those who are looking for adrenaline rush and excitement. With hundreds of blind curves, long blind crests, and high degrees of camber, this road presents plenty of opportunities to leave the pavement both laterally, and longitudinally, and will provide a challenge even for the most seasoned drivers/bikers.
The Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest border the Dragon, there is no development along the 11-mile stretch, this adds to safety as well as natural beauty. The Dragon stretch of US 129 is double-lined as no passing (there are pull offs you can use to allow tailgaters to get ahead of you.) There are also pull-off points along the route for scenic overlooks. The road is certainly breathtaking, but has a fearsome reputation, speed limit was posted at 30 mph in 2002 and still in effect today. Trucks are also prohibited to enter the road due to previous accidents and incidents involving trucks and semi-tractor.
The best time to drive this road is between March and November. Winter months can be hard to predict. The weather on this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy snow fall. This road had a reputation for being extremely dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, and driving under these conditions, can be challenging. This road is not for the faint hearted, but if you are looking for a little excitement and adrenaline pumping journey, dont miss this one.
The Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort is located at Deals Gap, North Carolina and is nestled deep in the Great Smoky Mountains on the NC/TN state line. We are also known to many as Deals Gap, the home of “The Dragon” or simply by the locals as “the Gap”. We hope that our website will provide you with helpful & useful information about the resort and surrounding southern region of the Appalachian mountains.
The resort is open Early March (before Daytona Bike Week) through Mid November and provides you with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay overnight or a quick fuel up to get back on our twisty roads. With the world famous Dragon literally outside our doorstep, you can encounter one of the most technical & challenging roads in the country. Of course, people come to the attraction of 318 curves in 11 miles, but they soon discover all the best kept secrets of the many great roads leading you here. Like the land that time forgot, you will not find any driveways, gas stations, subdivisions, or mini malls. In place of all the hustle & bustle of big city life, you will find many scenic & beautiful places to stop & take time to soak in all the natural beauty that our area has to offer.
Without a doubt, you will have one of the best motorcycling experiences one could have. The staff here at DGMR is committed to helping you in planning & experiencing one of the best vacations that you will ever have!
In 2004, the addition of the Dragon’s Den Grill was added to the resort allowing 65 guests to sit, relax, and have a great meal. Four years later, the addition of the beer on tap was installed, so one can enjoy a cold beer with their meal if desired. Three TVs set on weather, news, & SPEED Networks are positioned around the Grill to keep you updated on current conditions & race day shouting at the tv. The grill is air conditioned for our hot summer days & heated for our cooler early spring and late fall travelers. We offer 6 speciality burgers (don’t worry regulars, you can still have our original Dragon burger too!), a daily deli, homemade desserts, & much more. We also offer window bar seating overlooking the parking lot and Wheelie hill, which are the best seats in the grill!! Come check it out!!
We serve breakfast starting at 8AM every morning, considered by many to be the best there is in the area. Lunch starts by 11AM, serving our famous dragon burger, chicken, BBQ, sandwiches, and many more items available on the menu, along with daily specials.
If you want to ride the same roads as the Prohibition Era moonshiners, put the “Moonshiner 28” run on your touring calendar. This 103-mile route begins at US 129 at the “Tail of the Dragon,” and meanders southeastward through North Carolina and into upstate South Carolina. In contrast to The Dragon’s non-stop twists and turns, Moonshiner 28 offers a 55-mph speed limit for the majority of your ride.
As you cruise along, you’ll encounter a nice mix of twists and turns, sweeping arcs, and memorable scenery. Shortly after you begin the trip, for example, you’ll arrive at the massive Fontana Dam. Here, you’ll enjoy a bird’s eye view of beautiful Fontana Lake and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Heading toward Highlands in southern North Carolina, you’ll see the notable Cullasaja Falls that cascades downward in a 250-foot drop. Further along, you’ll encounter Dry Falls, a popular destination for travelers of all ages. Enjoy an easy hike from the parking lot, and wind your way downward to the impressive 75-foot waterfall. For an experience you won’t forget, stand under the roaring falls and take in the sights and sounds.
Finally, Moonshiner 28 takes you on a leisurely trek through Georgia and South Carolina, with the quiet town of Walhalla marking the end of your trip. Throughout your ride, you’ll find basic to super-nice accommodations and an enticing assortment of antique and craft shops. If you’re looking for a hearty meal to fuel your travels, you’ll find plenty of options to suite your tastes.
160 Curves-12 Miles-Elevation rise 2000 ft.
The Devil’s Whip Route 80 motorcycle ride is an exhilarating and adrenaline-fueled journey that takes riders through the captivating landscapes of North Carolina. Trucks are not allowed and there is a sign stating, “Steep Winding Road”. This ride is known for its twisty and challenging roads, making it a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts seeking an exciting adventure. This road is 12 miles with 160 curves, some switchbacks, and rising in elevation 2000 feet in those 12 miles. The Devil’s Whip Route 80 offers riders a thrilling experience as they navigate through tight hairpin turns, steep inclines, and breathtaking mountain views. As riders conquer the winding roads, they will be rewarded with awe-inspiring scenery, including lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. Whether you’re a skilled rider looking for a thrilling challenge or a nature lover seeking to immerse yourself in the beauty of North Carolina, the Devil’s Whip Route 80 motorcycle ride promises an unforgettable journey filled with excitement.
Get your souvenirs here… T-shirts, patches, pins, and more at motorcycleridershop.com
Two National Forests-114 Miles-1 Grisly Murder
The Murder Mountain Run motorcycle ride is an exhilarating and thrilling adventure that takes riders through the picturesque yet mysterious landscapes of North Carolina. This ride combines the adrenaline rush of motorcycle riding with the intrigue of exploring the infamous Murder of Charlie Silvers took place in 1830. Riders will navigate winding roads, dense forests, and breathtaking vistas, all while immersing themselves in the captivating history and legends surrounding this enigmatic place. Thus calling the ride “Murder Mountain Run”, as the motorcycle travels by the church were there are three headstones for different body parts found after the incident. The ride is 114 miles long and meanders from the Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland area, south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to NC 80. After a short ride on US Hwy 19E, it turns north on NC 80 through Kona, where the infamous murder happened before Christmas in 1831. The legend is told that Frankie Silvers wife to Charlie Silvers, killed her husband with an axe in a fit of jealous rage. Murder Mountain Run motorcycle ride promises to deliver an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, beauty, and a touch of mystery.
Get your souvenirs here… T-shirts, patches, pins, and more at motorcycleridershop.com
Two National Forests-114 Miles-1 Grisly Murder
The Murder Mountain Run motorcycle ride is an exhilarating and thrilling adventure that takes riders through the picturesque yet mysterious landscapes of North Carolina. This ride combines the adrenaline rush of motorcycle riding with the intrigue of exploring the infamous Murder of Charlie Silvers took place in 1830. Riders will navigate winding roads, dense forests, and breathtaking vistas, all while immersing themselves in the captivating history and legends surrounding this enigmatic place. Thus calling the ride “Murder Mountain Run”, as the motorcycle travels by the church were there are three headstones for different body parts found after the incident. The ride is 114 miles long and meanders from the Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland area, south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to NC 80. After a short ride on US Hwy 19E, it turns north on NC 80 through Kona, where the infamous murder happened before Christmas in 1831. The legend is told that Frankie Silvers wife to Charlie Silvers, killed her husband with an axe in a fit of jealous rage. Murder Mountain Run motorcycle ride promises to deliver an unforgettable journey filled with excitement, beauty, and a touch of mystery.
Get your souvenirs here… T-shirts, patches, pins, and more at motorcycleridershop.com
6500 Acre Reservoir-98 Miles-Elevation 1200 feet
The Lake James loop motorcycle ride is a scenic and captivating journey that takes riders on a picturesque route around Lake James in North Carolina. The Lake James, located in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a 6,510 acre reservoir lake in western North Carolina with 150 shoreline miles. This ride offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and thrilling riding experience. As riders navigate the winding roads, they are treated to stunning views of the sparkling lake, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills at an elevation of 1200 feet. Lake James is named for tobacco tycoon and benefactor of Duke University James Buchanan Duke.
Along the way, riders can take breaks at various scenic spots, such as overlooks and picnic areas, to soak in the breathtaking views and capture memorable photographs. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the Lake James loop motorcycle ride promises a delightful and unforgettable experience, combining the joy of riding with the serenity of nature. There are marinas, restaurants, hiking trails and a state park for camping. The Lake James loop is known for its smooth pavement and well-maintained roads, making it an ideal choice for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Get your souvenirs here… T-shirts, patches, pins, and more at motorcycleridershop.com
