Tail of the Dragon

[Ultrakid8]

I am planning to ride the Tail on or about July 1st. Can anyone tell me if the rock slide has been cleared yet so I can complete the Cherohala loop. The Tail website is not very up to date on the news.

[DarrellV]

I haven't been down there the past month and half so I don't know myself. But If I was heading out I would call the store/gas NC side and ask if it is open.

[moscooter]

 
I believe the I-40 rock slide got cleared up several weeks ago,  saw it in the news.

[Ultrakid8]

I did read that the I 40 slide was cleared. That is good so there should be less trucks taking the good motorcycle routes between states. Thanks Darrell that is a good idea.

[Snorth]

According to the Deal's Gap website ( http://www.dealsgap.com/ ) the dragon is still closed with no official update to reopening before the end of July

[mark61]

Near the top of the page you linked to.

"The Dragon" is now open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. seven days a week until the rockslide on US129 is cleaned up."


mark61

[Bigs]

Rode the Dragon May 16th. You can ride the Dragon the full length down to the bridge and then it's blocked off. The workers said the rock slide should be cleared by July 31st - maybe. It's sort of nice not having to deal with any trucks or campers.
   Bigs

[pa_ryder04]

Just there this past friday, rock slide is not cleared up, entrance on NC side, road blocked around 10 miles in and you must turn around and return to NC side
Tim

[Ultrakid8]

Appreciate it. Looks like I will just have to double back on the Dragon then head to the Cheroha from the Carolina side. Anyone have suggestions where to eat in Tellico or in the area.

[Showdog75]

Appreciate it. Looks like I will just have to double back on the Dragon then head to the Cheroha from the Carolina side. Anyone have suggestions where to eat in Tellico or in the area.

From the gap head over to US19 and turn right heading towards Bryson City. When you get to the bottom of the whitewater run there is a little restaurant on the left , right on the nantahala river called Rivers End. It's a must stop for me as I've been eating there for years. Good breakfast and lunch/dinner.It's right next to the NOC[Nantahala Outdoor Center]store.Btw if you have room try the ice cream with granola.To die for.

[Boe Cole]

TDOT has offered the contractor a nice bonus if he is done and gone by 7/01.  They are hoping that it will happen.  Unfortunately they ran into some issues last week which may slow down the work.  Rode by there last weekend and it is definately still closed on the TN side.  Went to the NC side and it was open but only went so far as Deal's Gap.  Was not interested in riding it.  Will wait for it to completely open and run the loop.

[Ultrakid8]

Thanks Guys, Hey showdog I just wrote the address down and will stop there. I have made that run several times just didn't know about the eats. Thanks.