Complete end-to-end coverage of the Blue Ridge Parkway, north Georgia, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a series of easy to fold pocket maps which show EVERY great ride in the mountains. I seek out the best two lane mountain back roads then show you the best ways and shortcuts to link them all together.
Stay on the best roads, see the best sights. We focus on ALL the good roads, not just the well known tourist routes. Of course you’ll find detailed coverage the famous named routes like the Dragon, The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Cherohala Skyway, etc., but you don’t have to ride a hundred miles on the highway to get to the next great road – we show you the good connecting roads so you can stay on the backroads and avoid the highways and towns and see the hidden sights most others miss.


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.

Our unique tiny house style cabins are perfect for family vacations, motorcycle tours, romantic getaways, and camping adventures. Cabin rates start at $38 per night. You can also choose to stay in our campground. We welcome tents, RVs, and campers. Escape to the mountains and enjoy our general store, concrete driveway, covered bike parking, WiFi, firewood, ice, and a clean, warm bathhouse. We are honored to offer a 15% military discount (ID required @ check-In).



Fuels
Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines
Diesel
- ATM-IN
- Food Offerings
- Air
- Loyalty cards
- 24 Hour
- Restaurant
- Loyalty program
- MCX
- Other Loyalty Cards

All the comfort you need plus amenities you’ll love
By staying with us, you’re getting a comfortable stay plus plentiful amenities that add to a great value. You can fuel up for a day of hiking, watersports, or sightseeing with our free hot breakfast and free coffee. While you’re in the hotel, you’ll stay connected with our free WiFi. If you’re here on business, you can use our print station. Unwind by our bonfire pit.
When you’re ready to head back to your room, you can relax in front of the flat-screen TV. Enjoy in-room conveniences like coffee makers and refrigerators. All our rooms offer premium mattresses and linens plus plenty of fluffy pillows.
Whether you’re in Robbinsville on business, visiting friends and family, or just enjoying a mountain getaway, you’re sure to get your money’s worth. Located off Interstate 40 in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest. The area’s natural beauty is everywhere around our hotel — you’ll love experiencing the picturesque sites nearby such as the Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountains, and Santeelah Lake.

We are a family owned & operated restaurant. Freshly hand patty hamburgers to fresh vegetable & home cooked dinners.

he San-Ran Motel, an American owned and operated business since 1968, is located at 253 Rodney Orr Bypass (US 129) in Robbinsville, North Carolina in the heart of Graham County. We offer newly renovated, quality, clean rooms at reasonable rates. We provide secure off-street private parking with room for trailers and covered parking for motorcycles. A grocery, drug stores and several restaurants are with-in walking distance.
The San-Ran is only 20 minutes from the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. Also nearby is the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, the Appalachian Trail, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Dam, Fontana Lake, the Blue Ridge Parkway and whitewater rafting. Many other attractions such as the Cherokee Gambling Casino and the Smoky Mountain Railroad are within an hours drive.
Each room is equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, BBQ grill and Direct TV and are spacious enough for all your riding gear. Park your bikes outside your door under our covered porch.

Barbecue restaurant in Robbinsville North Carolina drive and self service food.

El Pacifico Restaurant is a family-owned and operated business that started October of 2003 located in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Our goal is to offer delicious, made-from-scratch Mexican food at a reasonable price with family-style dinning.
We are warmly embraced by locals and tourists who are seeking for a unique dinning experience, authentic taste of Mexico along with art and culture.
We take pride with our made-from-scratch dishes, each made from the heart and crafted with pride and cooked according to honored family recipes. We use the freshest, finest ingredients from our scratch made salsas, sauces, guacamoles, tortillas, beans, sides and we use traditional Mexican items to ensure the best quality.
We also take pride with our excellent and fast customer service. We are passionate to ensure you enjoy your dinning experience with us.
We invite you to visit us! Celebrate traditions, enjoy the company of family and friends, share laughter, create memories and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine that will tickle your taste buds and bring your senses to the bright and colorful kitchens of Mexico.

Hello, My named is Chef Shea Blalock Anderson. I was raised in Western North Carolina and attended collage at Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina where I earned a Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management, Associate of Science in Culinary Arts. That’s were I developed my true passion for southern comfort foods.
My distinctive brand of cooking is a brilliant juxtaposition of rustic flavors with refined, classically inspired preparations. Willow Tree Catering and Baking reflex’s childhood food memories and traditions growing up in the North Carolina Mountains.
My Refreshing approach to Southern Cuisine, with its blend of gourmet flare to create dishes like White Cheddar Grit Puppies, Pan-Seared Local Rainbow Mountain Trout with Tomato Jalapeno Jam and my mama’s Cornbread Salad.
At its heart, Willow Tree Catering and Baking combined with the celebration of local ingredients and vibrant food culture and Southern upbringing. Brimming with flavorful dishes and memorable stories to showcase the very best that Robbinsville, North Carolina has to offer.

Fernwood Cottage offers a different type of mountain lodging in the Andrews, Murphy, North Carolina area — a vacation rental mountain lodge divided into two separate suites. Each suite is private with its own large living/dining/bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom with shower, handmade king-sized bed, plus queen sofa bed for additional guests and dining table for four. Separate heat and air-conditioning, free WiFi, satellite TV with DVD and VCR. Totally furnished, beautifully decorated and immaculately clean.
Don’t worry about rushing to the grocery store on arrival. A continental breakfast will be waiting for you on your first and second days. You have the privacy of your own cabin, but also the option to bring along friends and family and have the place to yourselves.
We’re Pet Friendly


Manor is a family operated business. We take pride to provide the same quality of care, friendliness and courtesy as guests would receive in our personal residence. A new experience in vacation living, we want our home to be your mountain home away from home!
Choose from our 1- and 2-bedroom spacious and tastefully decorated suites that sit just beneath the hill of Olde Towne Robbinsville. All suites are furnished with comfortable beds, ensuite baths, fully equipped kitchens, satellite television, high speed Internet, central heat/air along with free local telephone calls, free parking for large trailers, buses or other recreational vehicles. Laundry facilities and gas grills on site.
An ideal location and within walking distance to gift and discount shops, restaurants and a wide variety of entertainment as well as many natural area attractions. A haven for those seeking the cool, casual, unhurried pace of a mountain retreat!


Gas Station Robbinsville NC


“Homemade and carefully crafted, served with extraordinary hospitality.”
Since March 2003, this family-owned restaurant has been making gustatory impressions in Robbinsville, NC, making it a favorite hang-out spot for both locals and tourists.
Located at the heart of Downtown Robbinsville, Lynn’s Place is a soulful neighborhood restaurant, dishing up homemade American cuisine rooted in the Carolina Mountains honoring family recipes.
Enjoy the great salad bar with freshly cut veggies, seasonal fruits, proteins and grains. Mouth-watering homemade desserts, hand-cut steaks, fresh hamburgers and much more! Everything is cooked to order to ensure the highest quality.
Experience a warm atmosphere with great food, southern culture and hospitality where family and friends can sit back, relax and feel at home.
Cherokee National Forest-43 Miles-NC & TN
The Cherohala Skyway motorcycle ride is a thrilling and awe-inspiring adventure that takes riders on a breathtaking journey through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. This 43-mile scenic byway offers a perfect blend of sweeping curves, stunning vistas, and pristine wilderness. As riders ascend the Cherohala Skyway, they are treated to panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. The road itself is well-maintained and offers smooth pavement, making it a dream for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking a thrilling and enjoyable ride. Along the way, riders can stop at various overlooks and pull-offs to take in the majestic beauty of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, rivers, and dense forests. The Cherohala Skyway motorcycle ride is an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of riding with the tranquility of nature, making it a must-do for any motorcycle enthusiast.
Get your souvenirs here… T-shirts, patches, pins, and more at motorcycleridershop.com
Rivers Edge Treehouse Resort offers comfort and style, feel at one with the trees in an outdoor, “back to nature” setting.
Located on the Cheoah River near Robbinsville, North Carolina, this vacation experience is surrounded in all directions by scenery that would make a professional photographer envious.
We are excited for the chance to once again share the beautiful part of the North Carolina Smokies we call “home” with our guests. This year we will celebrate our 8th season and we look forward to greeting returning guests and meeting new friends who will be staying with us for the first time. To make your “river experience” more fun, we’ve added rock steps down to the Cheoah… easy access for any who want to cool off after a day of adventuring. Also new this year, “Grab and Go Lunches” from our favorite restaurant, The Willow Tree! Order your sack lunch ($11) or gourmet hiker’s pack for two (starting at $40) by 9pm the evening before and pick up Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays between 10am and noon at The Willow Tree. Full details and menus coming soon!

With over 5,000 Sunoco gas stations across the country, it’s easy to fill up close by.

Fill up before riding the Tail of the Dragon or the Cherohala Skyway
Papa’s Pizza To Go offers carry-out, delivery and dine-in
Papa’s Pizza To Go found its niche in small town U.S.A. The company currently operates franchised locations in four states. Papa’s Pizza To Go provides a diverse menu featuring pizza, breadsticks, hot and cold subs, chicken, salads, pastas and desserts. With over two decades of success, Papa’s Pizza To Go remains committed to serving customers an expanded menu with quality products to satisfy all appetites at a reasonable price. Order online at papaspizzatogo.com for carryout or no contact delivery
Pizza, subs, salads, bread sticks, wings, desserts
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


Whether you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape or an exciting outdoor adventure. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. We’re nestled along the shoreline of picturesque 2,800 acre Santeetlah Lake in the lush Nantahala National Forest. Blue Waters Mountain Lodge puts you in the heart of one of the nation’s most beautiful areas. Known for its natural splendor, activity filled outdoor lifestyle and deep serenity, this majestic setting offers a wealth of activities or the perfect backdrop to do nothing at all.
This unique combination of relaxation and action packed fun starts at the Lodge itself. Here you’ll find a game room complete with billiards, cards, darts, and a variety of indoor games. As well, there is croquet and horseshoes outdoors. For a quiet alternative, the Lodge offers a well-stocked reading library and plenty of decks. Enjoy outstanding lake and mountain views that invite you to settle in and relish the solitude.


We found and purchased our first cabin in Andrews, NC in 2007. Since that time, we have added two more cabins for our guests to visit and enjoy what the area has to offer. Andrews is located in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Andrews is a beautiful and peaceful small town located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing spot to escape the pressures and stresses of everyday life, you have found your dream getaway. Take in the views of nature from your own private deck or relax in the hot tub while listening to the tranquil sounds of the water flowing down Collett Creek.


Down-home pit stop dispensing a range of Southern classics & BBQ in cozy, rustic quarters.

In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The good times are guaranteed when you explore the area around the Quality Inn® in Andrews. Our hotel sits minutes from Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino. You’ll have all the comforts you’re after at our hotel but you won’t have to spend too much to get them. After all, we know you want to save your money for the fun that’s ahead.
Adults on their own or with the kids along for the trip will want to get up early to get out the door to the nearby attractions. But our free hot breakfast provides a perfect reason to stay in the hotel for at least a short time longer. Then put the energy from our famous waffles to work to spur you on throughout your day. Try white water rafting or zip lining. Or for the truly adventurous, drive the nearby Tail of the Dragon, one of America’s craziest roads thanks to its 318 turns over 11 miles. Not up for it? We understand.
There are plenty of other options in our corner of North Carolina. For those with an adventurous palate, plenty of wineries are waiting. Find your new favorite wine at Calaboose Cellars or Ferncrest Winery. Beer lovers will want to head straight to Hoppy Trout Brewery (and your kids will love the brick oven pizza).


Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. began as an obsession with home brewing. Years of experimentation with ingredients and development of recipes prepared Brewmaster, Tom Rodeck, for brewing on a commercial scale. Hoppy Trout is a community brewery that mainely brews beer for consumption in the taproom, however this specialty, small batch beer can also be found on tap in a select few restaurants and bottle shops. Over the years Hoppy Trout beers have continued to garner accolades for their superb flavors, unique beers, and one-of-a-kind styles that set it apart from other breweries .
In addition to its distinguished beer Hoppy Trout’s kitchen features a custom made Sicilian style brick oven that bakes unique and delicious pizzas. The secret to this savory pizza is twofold-Hoppy Trout makes fresh homemade pizza dough daily and uses only fresh ingredients. In addition, customers will delight in savory panini sandwiches, fresh salads, and an array of diverse and delectable appetizers.
Hoppy Trout is not only a brewery and restaurant, but a place where locals and visitors alike come together for community and fun. Events during the week include a weekly Trivia Night where patrons test their wits and compete for prizes every Wednesday at 6:30pm. On Thursdays, the beer cascades from the taps a reduced rate of $4 per serving all day long! Other events such as comedy shows, home brewing competitions, and holiday parties makes Hoppy Trout a great place to visit for the whole family.


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.


Discover really good food at Snowbird Mountain Lodge.
Innovative menus and enticing surroundings await you on the mountain.
Embrace The Nostalgia of Simpler Times
with a crackling fire in a historic lodge, walls lined with books, and a Mountain View beyond measure. Add in really good food with ingredients from farms and growers close by, sitting in classic rockers on the deck, or sipping your favorite cocktail while sharing laughter, and you have found Snowbird. A place where connection, intention, and nature are abundant and welcome you with open arms.

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.

The essence of the perfect North Carolina family mountain vacation, this smoky mountain cabin sets the standard for family lodging. Situated in the heart of the Snowbird Mountains on Snowbird Creek the outdoor enthusiast will be as close to paradise as they can get on this earth. You can catch your limit of Rainbow or Brown trout without starting your car. Hike to waterfalls or a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Tranquility and seclusion on a private road affords long quiet walks and a safe place for the kids to act like kids. Our lakes and creeks will give you memories your family will cherish for a lifetime.
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.

Enjoy a complimentary award winning country breakfast served in your own private room. Four decks with creek views for your enjoyment. Gas grill, campfire area, hot tub, hiking trails just to name a few of the amenities right out the front door. Private entrance, fridge and microwave and tv in each room. Jetted bathtub and outdoor hot tub.
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.
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.

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!