cops at the tail of the dragon

If you haven't been before, also check out the cherohala. It's much faster, longer, more scenic, and imo much more enjoyable than the dragon. It might be part of the triangle cited above.

I didn't see cops when I went last year (Monday midday) but it was way too crowded for me to enjoy it.

I have never been there but, weekends are when it is patrolled heavily, going midweek is the best option to avoid a large police presence, I would make sure my bike is legal before going, it is a great road according to folks who have ridden it, it was pure nirvana before it got famous from Internet hype. There will be lots of riders of varying skill levels on it, watch for cars and bike going left of center, also there is no cell service there so if you crash, it takes awhile for help, According to folks who are local and frequent another forum there are many great roads in the area with less traffic and police presence. Remember you’re on the street and not a racetrack, ride with some reserve for the unexpected.

Im looking to take my first trip to the dragon around that timeframe as well. Just waiting on a good weather report really, they are calling for a good amount of rain over the next few weeks. 

Last July I rode the dragon and there was a patrol car parked in a driveway bout half way down. My guess He must have been shooting the radar and then would radio to his partner that was on a bmw patrol bike up ahead to give him heads up. So be careful!

You've got some really good twisties pretty close to you over in Cloudcroft,  NM. Those are some of my favorites in this area. Maybe we should meet up and ride over there. I too will never make it to the tail off the dragon. My back would never let me ride that far again.

I live about 30 minutes from the base of the Dragon which is Tabcat Bridge on the Tennessee side. BTW most of the Dragon is in Tennessee. Only a mile or so is in North Carolina which is also where Deal's Gap is located. I ride it often. People will tell you it's all hype and that the road is no big deal. Don't listen to them. The Dragon will lull you into thinking it is just another twisty road. It's not. It got it's reputation from the many accidents that happen there. It averages about 2 deaths a year with many more injuries. That being said don't let that keep you away. It is an experience that you should do a few times. Simply take it easy; do NOT sightsee; keep your eyes on the road at ALL times; when rounding very sharp blind curves (there are a lot of them) do NOT look at oncoming traffic. Ride at your own pace. Do not feel pressured to keep up with the bike in front of you or to go faster because someone is on your tail. Anytime faster traffic comes up behind you whether it be a bike or a car look for one of the many paved pull off areas and when you feel you can safely do so - pull over and allow the traffic to pass.  As to law enforcement - there are no times to expect them as they set up at random times.  Weekends during the summer they can be expected.  However just a couple of weeks ago I rode up mid morning on a Saturday which was sunny and warm and I didn't see a single cop.  The Blount County Sheriff's Dept will sometimes give you a warning but not always.  A Tennessee State Trooper will not.  They are not friendly and are intent on padding their resumes and adding revenue to the state's coffer's.  Just my humble opinion.  Look for oncoming riders to give you the "head tap" which is a warning that cops are ahead.  Be sure to do it yourself if you see Johnny Law.  It will save someone a ticket.  Most sport and sport touring riders will do this for you but the cruiser guys, Harley's mostly, usually will not.  There are exceptions of course.  Once at Deal's Gap stop in and take a break.  Get a cold drink and walk around.  You will see bikes from all over the nation and you will meet many interesting people - some from other countries.  The Dragon is mecca for motorcyclists.  Once you have finished your break at the Gap there are many other areas and roads to explore.  The Cherohala Skyway is for sure one of them and it is not that far from Deal's Gap.

I know I'm getting kind of technical here but for there to be a driveway there must be something there that needs a driveway.  There are numerous paved pull off's along the Dragon and there is a gravel road that comes in from Cade's Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Parson's Branch) but it is one way from the park only and has signs to that effect.  No doubt you saw a cop set up off the side of the roadway running radar, but he was not in a "driveway."  I know - I should not even have replied since this is such a minor issue but that's just me.

Hey gang, a cousin from Miamii with several bikes and a trailer invited me to go to that area, so it looks like I might make it after all. Ha ha. I'll fly to Miami and we'll drive to Deals Gap/Asheville (2 days each way), and ride that area from Mon (Sep 16) to Thursday (Sep 19). If somebody familiar with that area has nothing better to do and want to help , I'd like suggestions of a 'central' place to stay where it's safe (and has the space) for trailer and tow vehicle, and which roads to hit on those 4 days. Asheville is only close to the Blue Ridge Parkway (not mentioned here yet), so maybe the Deals Gap Resort makes more sense... unless there was a central place with good food around. The most recommended places I found are: Blue Ridge Parkway, Deal's gap/the dragon, Cherohala Skyway, plus these 3 unknown to me: Black Mountain Rag to Chimney Rock, The DiamondBack, and Copperhead Loop. Don't know if we'd be able to ride them all in 4 days, or if something better can substitute some of those.

I'm open to suggestions which roads you (who know the area) would ride those 4 days, whether they're mentioned above or not (I just found them on the internet). Since we both want to stay in just one location, it'd limit how much we can ride, but feel free to suggest staying locations too . And as far as riding, it's hard to state mileage without knowing the place, but we don't want to push it too much, so maybe 250 miles a day max. Thx.

Hey Dayton, thanks a million for that help. Will scrutinize that site tomorrow, but looks awesome, and exactly the cenral location we were looking for. But there're a lot more rides than we can cover in 4 days. We could maybe stretch it to 5, until Friday, depending how we feel staminawise. So which ones would you ride if it was your first (and only) time there, in order of preference? I ask because that will be my only time there; hope you don't mind that extra help. Thanks again brother. Have a great weekend gang.