Cherohala and the Dragon

Last week, we took a drive on the Cherohala Skyway. From Tellico Plains, Tennessee, this mountain road passes through national forest to a mountain top that is almost 6000 feet above sea level. It's an excellent road with plenty of places to pull off and enjoy the view.

We crossed into North Carolina and had lunch by a mountain stream.

On the way back we drove over a mountain pass on a road known as "The Dragon." It is a crooked road made up of one steeply banked curve after another. There are over 300 curves in about 12 miles. Motorcycle riders come from all over the country to ride The Dragon. They are not deterred by the high accident rate. We met one rider who was on the centerline. Actually the wheels were in his lane, but he was leaning into a turn so that he, and most of his motorcycle were in our lane. We missed him. The drive is fun in a car, so I can imagine that it is a real thrill on two wheels.

I don't recommend this road for scooters, but if you must, go on a weekday when the traffic is lighter. There were plenty of motorcycles on a Thursday, so I'm sure it's a zoo on weekends.

We finished the trip driving along Tellico Lake on the way home.
Howard