Ride the Tail of the Dragon: Asheville to Cherohala Skyway Weekend Motorcycle Tour
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Riders should be comfortable spending 5–7 hours in the saddle each day with sustained focus and core endurance.
Overview
Two days, two legends: the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. This guided Asheville weekend pairs tight, technical riding with big-sky vistas, local history, and the kind of mountain weather that keeps you honest.
Ride the Tail of the Dragon: Asheville to Cherohala Skyway Weekend Motorcycle Tour
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Morning light slides down Asheville’s brick facades as engines warm and visors click shut. You follow your guide west, the Blue Ridge fading into layers, the road waking up beneath you. By Bryson City, coffee steam mingles with mountain air. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad whistles, and the Tuckasegee River urges you onward. NC-28 winds toward Fontana, where the dam’s concrete spine holds back green water and wartime history—built in the 1940s to power aluminum plants, it still hums with purpose.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Ride your own ride
Pace behind the guide that matches your skill. The Dragon rewards smooth throttle and vision more than speed.
Mind the corners
Expect decreasing-radius turns, shaded patches, and camber changes—set entry speed early and look through the exit.
Prepare for fast weather shifts
Fog, rain, and 15–20°F temperature swings are common at elevation; carry layers and an anti-fog visor insert.
Respect rules and pull-offs
Obey posted limits, use turnouts to let faster traffic pass, and avoid crossing the centerline on blind corners.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black bear (rarely seen roadside—use caution at dawn/dusk)
- Wild turkey along grassy shoulders
History
Fontana Dam (1942–44) powered WWII industry and reshaped regional rivers; the Cherohala Skyway opened in 1996, linking Cherokee and Nantahala forests with a high-elevation scenic route.
Conservation
Stay on paved surfaces at pullouts, pack out all trash, and keep noise and speed in check to protect wildlife and reduce erosion and roadside damage.
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Adventure Hotspots in Asheville, North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Full-face DOT/ECE helmet with clear visor
Maximizes protection and visibility on shaded, tight mountain roads.
Armored jacket and gloves
Impact and abrasion protection for technical pavement and variable temps.
Packable waterproof layer
Mountain squalls roll in quickly—stay dry without adding bulk.
spring specific
Hydration pack with electrolytes
Easy sips help maintain focus on long, twisty stretches.
summer specific