Page 17 - TRC Website Guidebook 2022
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Cherohala Skyway — 43 miles


     This National Scenic Byway is aptly named as it crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests. With elevations as high as
     5,400 feet, you will look down on the clouds and the Tellico River where Cherokee tribes and early pioneers travelled and settled in these
     majestic mountains. Motorcyclists especially enjoy this Skyway for its long-sweeping corners. Experience mile-high vistas and the 100 ft Bald
     River Falls along your drive. Hiking trails and picnic spots make this drive the perfect spot to experience the southern Appalachian National
     Forest.

     East Tennessee Crossing — 83 miles


     East Tennessee Crossing (Hwy 25E) stretches for 83 miles in Tennessee from the Cumberland Gap, heading southeast to the Cherokee
     National Forest. This road has lots of fascinating history as well as beautiful scenery. It has been known by several names, including the
     Cherokee Warriors’ Path for the bison & Native American tribes who called the territory home, the Wilderness Road for the settlers moving
     west, and the Thunder Road for the moonshiners during the prohibition in the 1920s.

     Tail of the Dragon — 11 miles


     Crossing Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line is the Tail of the Dragon. It is considered by many as one of the world’s
     foremost motorcycling and sports car roads. Anyone looking for an exciting highway will enjoy this 11-mile stretch of US 129. It is not a road
     for the squeamish, but if you’re looking for a lot of excitement, don’t miss this one. Beware …. it is not a road to sightsee on. The attraction is
     the road itself, not the scenery. No need to look at the wooded roadside when the curves are coming at rapid fire. There are 318 curves in
     this 11 mile drive.

     To some, the Dragon begins on the North Carolina side at Fugitive Bridge with a view of the Cheoah Dam
     where Harrison Ford jumped from in the movie The Fugitive. The dam and old single lane bridge were also
     in the 1974 movie Two Lane Blacktop. The Dragon ends 14 miles across the mountain in Tennessee at the
     Tabcat Creek Bridge. US 129 climbs through The Slide, a steep series of “S” curves where one would not
     want to meet a tractor-trailer. The road then levels and slightly straightens until a series of curves
     approaching the intersection of Moonshiner 28, another great road in itself.


     Take a break and stop at the Tail of the Dragon store. Look for the Big Dragon Tail at the intersection of US
     129 and NC 28. Next comes Deals Gap and the Tennessee State Line where the real action begins. This is
     a very special and unique highway. There are no intersecting roads, no houses with driveways and no
     businesses. Each and every curve is different. There is very little elevation change. And many of the curves
     are banked like a race track. Many remember curve after curve after curve and surviving the run of their
     lives with a hoot and a big smile on their face.











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