If you’re intrigued by the idea of traveling eastern Tennessee’s patchwork of two-lane roads, plan to take on “The Devil’s Triangle” this season. This memorable 72-mile route, winding through Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, is meant for experienced riders ready for the region’s simply maintained roads and challenges around every curve.
If you enjoy traveling gently curving rural roads dotted with houses, farm scenery, and random ATV’s, you’ll find those vistas here. On the other hand, you’ll encounter plenty of switchbacks and twisted turns that closely resemble The Dragon’s challenges.
As an added bonus, The Devil’s Triangle throws in roadside rock-filled gullies, impressive rocky cliffs, mangled guardrails, and rutted roadways. Keep a watchful eye for trucks, as some parts of the route don’t leave much room for pull-offs and other evasive maneuvers. Finally, let’s not forget the route’s notorious climbs – including at least one section with a 1600-foot change in just 1.5 miles.
Finally, you won’t find competing tourist attractions along The Devil’s Triangle route. However, you will encounter the now-closed Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, a notorious regional facility that opened in 1896 and closed in 2009. This maximum-security prison, located in a nondescript two-story building, held the “worst of the worst” criminals during its lifetime. Today, travelers are invited to tour the prison, visit the facility’s museum, and buy some “End of the Line” Tennessee moonshine (which is actually distilled and bottled onsite). Paranormal tours are also available – if you dare.
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.
Fantastic little pineapple whip stand. Was a pleasant surprise to come across this after driving the Cherohala Skyway. The owner was very friendly and recommended the pineapple float which was awesome and refreshing! Lived the pieces of pineapple mixed in. Definitely a must stop if you are in the area.
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.
We are a family owned & operated restaurant. Freshly hand patty hamburgers to fresh vegetable & home cooked dinners.
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.
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.
Our philosophy is to “Eat with Integrity – Live with Gratitude.” Our intention is to carefully and continuously craft a menu that allows you to have as close of a relationship with your food as possible. We start by selecting responsibly sourced ingredients with a focus on organic, local, sustainable & seasonal fare. Our chefs artfully blend this fresh concept with a twist on traditional southern influences. Indulge yourself with our savory & sweet signature dishes that are simply and respectfully presented to engage your senses.
With a charming rustic atmosphere, attentive service and contemporary American cuisine we hope that you enjoy an exceptional dining experience. Cheers Y’all.
Stay at one of the oldest private campgrounds in Western North Carolina. 80 plus years of peaceful relaxation. Tucked up in a valley at 2,000 ft. above sea level you will be next to a beautiful state stock Panther Creek that falls into Lake Fontana. Catch Rainbow trout , Brook trout, and Brown trout right from your camp site. Where the star’s are bigger and brighter because you are no where near city lights. No highway noise, just creek and crickets. Hiking trails from campground.
Feel the peace of God’s great Earthly Creation as your Cares float down the creek. Off the beaten Path, our valley is home to Panther Creek. We can’t wait to meet you!
We are just minutes away from some of the best things to do in the smokies. Fishing, water skiing and tubing in Lake Fontana, fast cars in Deal’s Gap and Tail of the Dragon, Whitewater rafting in the Nantahala river, The Smokey Mountain National Park, Deep creek tubing, Shopping in Bryson City, The Smokey Mountain Railroad, Joyce Kilmer Forest, Cherokee NC, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Tsali Mountain Bike recreational area and The Appalachian Trail.
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.
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.
The Cabins in the Woods is a gorgeous property nestled above Stecoah Valley just off NC-28. With some of the most spectacular scenery in Western North Carolina, we are situated in the center of all the outdoor activities you could want. The views are fantastic, and the laid back atmosphere makes your cares float away on a gentle mountain breeze.
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!
Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, fries
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.
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.
Nelson’s Nantahala Hideaway is nestled in the heart of the Nantahala forest at Topton, NC. Fidely Nelson settled our family here in the late 1800’s and we invite you to experience true Southern Appalachian hospitality at our campground and cabins surrounded by hiking, trout fishing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, horseback riding and more. After an exciting stay in the Nantahala gorge… enjoy rustic living and spend a relaxing evening around your own private campfire. Walk in the footsteps of the great Cherokee Chiefs and discover “what Fidely did” in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains.