The highest and longest continuous route in the Appalachians, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia. It has 26 tunnels, 168 bridges, and 6 viaducts. The Southern end of the Parkway is just 10 miles from Bryson City at Milepost 469. The 90 miles between there and Asheville is thought by many to be the most scenic. There are many overlooks where you can stop and enjoy the amazing vistas, and the Parkway has a 45 MPH speed limit which makes this ride very relaxing.
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.
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.
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.
One of the most visited tourist attraction near Robbinsville, NC by road enthusiasts, nature photographers or anybody who is just seeking for a relaxing ride and nature-inspired adventures. Cherohala Skyway is known for its spectacular scenic overlooks, beautiful mountain views, world class hiking trails and pristine waterfalls. It was also featured in Discovery Channel’s Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America.
The Cherohala Skyway is a 43-mile (69 km) National Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina in the southeastern United States. Its name is a portmanteau of Cherokee and Nantahala, the two national forests through which it passes. Along with multiple vistas and overlooks, the skyway provides easy vehicular access to various protected and recreational areas of the Unicoi Mountains, including the Citico Creek Wilderness, the Bald River Gorge Wilderness and old growth trees in the interior of Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.
Mile High Legend – 43 mile National Scenic Byway from Robbinsville NC to Tellico Plains TN
The Cherohala Skyway was completed in the fall of 1996 after planning and construction for some thirty-four years. It was North Carolina’s most expensive scenic highway carrying a price tag of $100,000,000. It winds up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 18 miles in North Carolina and descends another 23 miles into the deeply forested back country of Tennessee. The Skyway is well known in motorcycling and sports car circles for its long, sweeping corners and breathtaking scenic views.
It could be extremely dangerous at night and in the winter months. There are no facilities other than a couple of restrooms for the entire 41 miles so make sure you have enough gas to make the crossing. There are also picnic tables with mile-high views along the way that visitors can enjoy.
Vehicles can turn around at one of the overlooks or continue down the ridge in Tennessee. At the state line, the descent starts into the Tellico River basin. If continued into Tennessee, take a detour to Bald River Falls on paved Forest Service Road 210 to see the 100-ft. waterfall from the car (or motorcycle).
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.
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).
Seats are filling up fast! Make sure to get a reservation especially on the weekends! We have worked to package our meals in a way that lets you bring the quality of our meals into your home. We always love to see you in person, but even when we can’t we ensure that your dining experience is top notch!
subway sandwiches
DRAGON’S REST CABINS & LODGING Affordable cabins and vacation rental on Tallulah Creek. Located near the Cherohala Skyway, Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, and Moonshiner28. Only minutes from Robbinsville, North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. Stay a day or a week and enjoy the southern hospitality !!
Choose on of our 6, large One Bedroom Cabins with private porch and full bath, or reserve the Creek House for a private creekside home with three bedrooms and two baths. All of our cabins include plenty of parking for extra vehicles and trailers, covered motorcycle parking, picnic pavilion with gas grills, game room, WiFi, and access to Tallulah Creek. Linens are provided with all of our rentals. All cabins are non-smoking.
Dragon’s Rest Cabin are located just 3 miles south of Robbinsville, North Carolina on US 129. Paved, level access from US129. Cabins have hard packed, level gravel driveway and parking areas.
From adding more balanced options to our Happy Meal®, to serving up fresh beef Quarter Pounder® burgers that are cooked when you order, we’re always finding ways to show our commitment to our customers and our food.
Fuels
Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines
Diesel
- ATM-IN
- Food Offerings
- Air
- Loyalty cards
- 24 Hour
- Restaurant
- Loyalty program
- MCX
- Other Loyalty Cards
We are a family owned & operated restaurant. Freshly hand patty hamburgers to fresh vegetable & home cooked dinners.
Barbecue restaurant in Robbinsville North Carolina drive and self service food.
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.
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.
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.
“Experience a unique dinning experience
at Cafe de Olla”
Our family-owned and run business opened November 2019. Located at 810 Tallulah Road Robbinsville, NC, we serve Italian fare like pizza, pasta and calzones. We took our inspiration from classic Italian cuisine and added creative twist to deliver a menu that is innovative and inviting.
Experience Italian fare with a Mexican twist, featuring our Cafe de Olla, a traditional Mexican coffee using a traditional earthen clay pot to give special flavor to our coffee. It is made with ground coffee, cinnamon and “Pilloncillo” (raw dark sugar). Enjoy our deliciously sweet, cinnamon-infused coffee that will surely tickle your taste buds.
We are committed to provide highest food quality and use fresh Italian ingredients with reasonable rates.
Whether you are in the mood to indulge in something new of just want to enjoy classic Italian favorites, we promise to provide you a unique and pleasant dinning experience.
