Runs, Routes and Such
Here are some maps of possible runs as well as points of local interest. As the event draws near, run leaders will make their plans for what they will be offering. Not shown below are: The British Run, Bridal Veils Fall Run, Classic Franklin Run, Modified Classic Franklin Run, Franc's Off Road Adventure and many others. ANYONE who volunteers to lead a run is welcome to do so.
Driving style or 'class'
Most of our runs are suitable for most drivers, but you will have the most fun if you stick with groups that drive like you do. We have four general classifications and you can use "Pizza's Sunset Cruise" to gauge your preferred style. More information is offered at the Driver's meeting - but please know that EVERYONE is welcome at the Tail of the Dragon meet and you WILL have a good time!
To be clear: Our "Pants on Fire" runs have resulted in multiple citations at
every event in the last two years; some drivers have received multiple citations at the same stop. If you go with those groups, be prepared and consider it part of the fun.
Pizza's Sunset Cruise
Pizzaguy came up with this one by accident, some six or more years ago. There is no map, and the run lasts under an hour. This one is offered most days at 5pm. If you dont know your 'driving style' or skill level, this run can safely help you determine just what group you belong in.
The Cherohala Skyway / Dragon Run
If it is your first time, no trip to the Dragon is complete without this one. You drive the entire length of the Cherohala as well as come home thru the Dragon. There are several options for this trip, you may visit a popular waterfall, a winery or "The Lost Sea" (where you take a boat ride on an underground lake).
https://www.tnvacation.com/local/tel...ld-river-falls
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cher...a/?recid=35130
https://thelostsea.com/
Wheels Thru Time
"Wheels thru Time" is a motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley. You can preview this destination on Youtube - even if motorcycles are not 'your thing', this is a very enjoyable day of driving and time with friends. We usually spend only 1-2 hours in the museum - but I, personally, could spend a day here.
https://wheelsthroughtime.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/wheelsthroughtime
The Devil's Triangle
This one is super fun, but can be a LONG drive. We often start out from "K" and go right to "J", as that cuts two hours from the drive (and the Cherohala Skyway is a run all it's own, as described above). In fact, there are at least three variations to this run, but all end up doing "I-F-G-H-I" on the map, which is essentially the actual "triangle". The Devil's Triangle is named for the fact that you may wreck your car on the "triangle" but its still a fun day - just ride back to the lodge with someone else! (Ok, just kidding - the triangle is NOT that bad, now that they have repaved the road - but in the days where 1/2 of the outer lane was missing, oh boy......................)
https://devilstriangletn.com/
The Church Run
The Church run started in 2018 in Honor of Johnathan and his Sunday morning devotionals he led for many years until his passing in 2015. Each year we choose a different denominational church.
Stay tuned for details on this year's activity.
Skylift Park / Skybridge Run
This one is about a 2 hour drive / 75 miles from Fontana lodge near Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg can be a very congested area but this new attraction might just be worth the trip. The Skylift ride is about $20 per person to take you to the top where you can then walk across the suspension bridge with no additional cost.
https://www.gatlinburgskylift.com/skybridge
Other Attractions
Look Rock Tower
This is something we visit every year, either on the Cherohala Skyway Run, the Devils' Triangle Run or as a Friday or Sunday Morning quicky destination. You leave the lodge and head thru the Dragon, then turn up the Parkway and go to the top of the hills. It's about a 25 miles drive one way, ending in about a 1/2 mile walk uphill to the base of the tower.
The Foothills Parkway and Look Rock
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Only a few miles from the Lodge, this forest was set aside long before any of us was born to honor a poet killed in World War I who penned the poem "Trees".
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsn...a/?recid=48920
Bryson City, NC and "The Road to NoWhere"
This is simply a beautiful lunch/shopping destination. We often go to the end of "The Road to NoWhere" on Friday, and stop in Bryson City for shopping and lunch. This gets up back to the lodge by 2pm to greet those arriving on Friday afternoon. The story of this famous road is below in the link.
https://www.greatsmokies.com/road-nowhere/