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
With over 60 cabins and vacation rentals near Bryson City, Sylva, Cullowhee, Bear Lake, and Tuckasegee, NC — Sundog Vacation Rentals is one of the largest rental companies in Western North Carolina and the surrounding areas. The Great Smoky Mountains have so much to offer. Browse our vacation properties, book online today, and rest easy knowing your mountain vacation is on the horizon. Interested in a mountain resort vacation? Several resort destinations are conveniently located to all the outdoor activities and excursions you expect to find in the Blue Ridge mountains. Not ready to book online? Kick start your mountain vacation by speaking to a knowledgeable reservationist today.
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.
A favorite of tourists and locals alike, the Fryemont Inn’s dining room is open to the public for both dinner and breakfast from mid-April through Thanksgiving. If you’re a lodging guest at the Fryemont during the spring, summer or fall, both daily meals are included in the price of your stay. The dining room is closed during the winter months.
Dinner is served 6 PM to 8 PM Sunday – Thursday
6 PM to 9 PM Friday & Saturday
All dinners include soup of the day, mixed green salad, entree of your choice, family style side dishes and dessert. You’ll have a choice of five different fresh, local mountain trout entrees; as well as lamb shanks, prime rib, NY strip, sirloin, chicken dishes, Virginia ham and country ham. There’s even a children’s menu.
Gleaming hardwood floors reflect the glow from the huge stone fireplace on cool mornings and evenings. Overhead, brass and wood paddle fans hang from the raftered, vaulted ceiling. It’s the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a group event.
Two Bedrooms, one bath beautiful Lake Nantahala lakefront cabin with all the extras. Queen Bed in Master, Twin Bunk Bed in Second Bedroom. Full Kitchen and Living Area with electric fireplace. Spacious porch. Beautiful outdoor covered Hot Tub, Grill, Outdoor Fire Pit and Private Dock. Enjoy a large private deck with plenty of space.
Beautiful mountain area, with all the needed conveniences at your fingertips.
Enjoy the facilities of Lakes End to include Café & Grill, Boat Rentals and Marina, Adventure Store, Volleyball, Horse Shoes and more. Free WiFi and local phone, and satellite Television in the living area.
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
They are known as the “Museum That Runs” because of their unique goal of offering their visitors an experience unlike any other by starting some of the motorcycles daily. This is home to the world’s foremost All-American Vintage Motorcycle Collection, with over 300 historically important motorcycles displayed in 24 marquees.
Wheels Through Time Museum is home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique “one-off” American automobiles. Located just 5 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Maggie Valley, North Carolina our museum houses a collection of over 300 rare machines.
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.
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.
Welcome To Nate & Nick’s
We want our customers to know that for over 15 years we proudly use only the finest whole milk mozzarella cheese, quality meats, and the freshest vegetables we can find. Our pizza sauce contains no citric acid or preservatives, and our dough is aged for optimum flavor. We feel you can definitely taste the difference! One bite and you’ll know why it’s Nate and Nick’s!
WHY HAND-CRAFTED BEERS?
A lot of people have asked why we choose to only offer handcrafted beers instead of the typical beers that everyone is used to. We decided to stick to the small breweries that only make a few thousand barrels a year instead of millions. They still pay attention to detail and use the finest ingredients they can find. We get them within days of being brewed instead of months, so the freshness is at its best. We feel the quality of the beers compliment the freshness of the food we offer. From light to dark, we have something to suit your taste. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Gas Station Robbinsville NC
Recently featured in Our State: North Carolina, River’s End Restaurant boasts a mouth-watering American-style cuisine. Start your morning with a savory sausage and egg biscuit or try the loaded down Fontana Hash-browns. Lunch and dinner won’t disappoint. Choices range from the appetizing burgers, the always-fresh sandwiches and salads, or the Appalachian Trail hikers’ favorite: Sherpa Rice. Stay awhile and choose from a large selection of beer and wine. Every seat has a view of the river, enjoy views of passing rafting guests and kayakers. River’s End is a dining experience not to be missed during your next NOC or Nantahala Gorge trip. For more information and to-go orders call 828.488.7172.
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.
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
Lake View Drive, more commonly known as the “Road to Nowhere”, begins just outside Bryson City and runs approximately 6.5 miles inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its construction is like that of the Blue Ridge Parkway with many gentle curves and some beautiful vistas. Its destination is, literally, nowhere. The road was never completed after the construction of Fontana Dam, and it ends at the entrance to a tunnel. It’s a fun, short motorcycle ride that leads to some beautiful hiking trails. One set of trails is reached by walking approximately 1200 ft. through the tunnel. Another trail, Noland Creek, begins at a trailhead just before the end of the road. There is ample parking at the trailhead and at the tunnel.
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.
Fine Dining Italian Cuisine:
Dinner Menu
Pasta Dishes: All Come with Soup or Salad and Bread Basket
Soup: Pasta E. Fagioli, 2 soup of the day
Salad Dressing: House Balsamic Italian, Ranch, or Caesar. We also have Bleu Cheese, Thousand Island, and Honey Mustard.
-Spaghetti (marinara, alfredo, meatsauce, meatballs, or italian sausage 9.95-10.95
-Tortellini: 1) Baked with Meatsauce and Alfredo
2) Alfini: alfredo tortellini with mushrooms and green & red peppers 13.50
-Vegtable and Meat Lasagna* 12.95
-Blackened Pasta: Alfredo sauce, peppers and tomatoes 1) Cajun Style Chicken with Penne Noodles* 2) Cajun Shrimp with Fettucini Noodles 14.95
-Artichoke Fettucini Pasta with Mushrooms and Tomatoes with a Garlic and Olive Oil Pasta 13.50
-Pasta Primavera: Alfredo Penne with carrrots, mushrooms and peppers
ENTREES:
Sterling Silver Steaks:
12-14oz 18.95 Ribeye, NY Strip, Prime Rib*(Friday/Saturday Only)
10-12oz 23.95 Filet Mignon
Chicken Dishes: 14.95
Hand-Breaded Chicken Parmigiana*, Pasqualino’s Famous Chicken, Chicken Cacciatore, Chicken Puttanesca, Chicken Marsala, and Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Veal Marsala 18.95
Our Marsala’s come made with a strong Marsala Wine. Taste doesn’t suit ALL.
All Entrees come with your choice of Soup or Salad as well as Spaghetti with Marinara or Spaghetti with Alfredo. Choice of Baked Potato to substitute Spaghetti on Friday/Saturdays Only.
DESSERTS: New York Cheesecake, French Silk Pie, Tiramisu, and Cannoli
We Do not Make our Desserts but they are the BEST quality.
FULL SERVICE BAR INLCUDE:
Mixed Drinks, Wine, Fresh Made Sangria, and Beer
Beer: 3-3.50
Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Michelob Light, Bavaria, Odoyls, and Bass.
Ask about our Drink Specials.
OUR TEAM:
We are dedicated to our Customers and their Satisfaction. We as a TEAM will do our best to ensure that your visit to our restaurant will be not only be the BEST, but Definitely not your Last. If you are in need of service, let Any of our Servers Know. As a Team, we can ensure Better Service than an individual. As for the Owners, Nancy and/or Pascual are there for you at All times to ensure that your Dinner will be what you deserve.
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.
Down-home place offering straightforward American meals & barbecue, plus a patio by the river.
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.