James,
Yes either the route you suggested or through the Smokey Mtn. National Park and through Cherokee.
I would say the route you suggested is the quickest and shortest way to the lodge.
The Dragon will be closed just south of the foothills Pkwy so the is no way to the lodge via the Dragon at this point in time.

Danimal and a few other are looking at new routes for our runs on Saturday and Sunday to avoid the spot on US129 that is closed.
The Dragon (twisties part) is said to be open by the time we arrive but just for runs back and forth with a turn around at the north end where it is closed.