Heading to the Dragon this weekend!!!

[BradValk48237]

Hey All,

 Heading out of Michigan this Thursday for a long weekend trip to hit the Dragon!...

Going to run the Superslab (I-75) to Cincinatti or more until the roads get good.... Maybe until the Lexinton area to make some miles.

Question is, what would be the best 2 lane route to the Gatlinburg area from around there?

Been to Gatlinburg several times, but only ran the Dragon once. Plan on hitting it Saturday and any other recommended roads between here and there, the Dragon being the furthest south we care to go (Have to back in Michigan/Detroit by Monday night!). Like to make a nice loop down and back to the Lexington-ish area...... want to end up close to Cinci Sunday night.

Any suggestions would be welcome and would love to meet some of you in the area if your going to be around... most likely staying in Gatlinburg Friday night, First rounds on me!

Brad

[stormrider]

Maybe this link will help. Not familiar with the area, just an idea.

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Cincinnati&1s=OH&1y=US&1l=39.1619&1g=-84.456902&1v=CITY&2c=Gatlinburg&2s=TN&2y=US&2l=35.714199&2g=-83.5103&2v=CITY#mqPgSt4

[BradValk48237]

Thanks Storm,

I've got the map and some ideas.....

But hopin' for some first hand knowledge from those that have been there.....


Anyone?

[Dave Weaver]

A side trip to Cumberland Falls is well worth the trip, 25 down thru Tennessee is a good ride thru state forests and across the dam at Norris Dam.  I can also give you a good ride thru Townsend and into Great Smokey Mtn. Park to Gatlinburg if you want to avoid the Pigeon Forge fiasco.  Depending upon your time constraints, grab the Blue Ridge Parkway somewhere and take it into Cherokkee, NC which is across the park from Gatlinburg.  If you want a spirited ride on the Dragon, go early.  Law enforcement will arrive mid-morning.  I was there last Saturday and they were there in force. Call me sometime at 812-216-4573 after 5:00pm if you want more info,

[BradValk48237]

Thanks Dave!!!

 I will try to call later.

Anyone else with some nice twisties to hit?

Brad

[stormrider]

If you're gonna land at Gatlinburg, then take 441 over the mtn to Cherokee, then 19 west towards Bryson City. Then on to NC 28 up to the Dragon. 28 is a heck of a ride. Really sharp 180 curves. Nice views. Smokin Joe and many others can give some tips on this area. Any of the roads south the Smoky's offer lots of twists and turns. US 64 from Franklin over towards Interstate 26 is killer.

Best advice here, is if you see a road you think may be fun, take it.