by Martin Ward Jr.

Created on: January 28, 2009   Last Updated: February 28, 2009

Two States, and over 120 miles of road can turn a nice day into one of the best "Road Trip" you have ever taken. You will not only travel one of the best roads in America; you get to drive on two of the best roads in America.

Just the words "The Tail Of The Dragon" could say it all, but wait, there is much more to this trip than a legendary beast tail. You will also want to include Cherohala Skyway on this trip. Both are in the States of Tennessee and North Carolina and the best part is you can drive them both in a day, if that is all the time you can squeeze in. Of course, that is a day without rushing.

The best way to go is to make a loop; Personally, I went Highways 411 to HWY 129, which gives you plenty of opportunities for gas, as well as scenic areas. Then HWY 143 though this high way changes to 165 as you approach Cherohala welcome center you must take scenic 360 to get back on HWY 411.

I found a map of this on the Internet and it does point out some of the points of interest along this route that you may find helpful. You can fine the map at; http://www.tailofthedragon.com/maps_loop.html

There are plenty of places along the way to stop and inhale some of that fresh air and give those legs a stretch when needed. If you find that you do that a few to many times, you may just want to stay in a motel/hotel, or a cabin or maybe even spend the night at the campground. I have listed some of the places below:

* Tapoco Lodge

* Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge

* Dragons Rest Cabins

* Sanran Motel

* KOA Camping

With gas prices falling once again, this is one of the places that you will feel you get more value for those gallons. If you not sure your car is up for such trip. Many car rental places will be happy to give you a new look and it may stretch those gallons a little further too. Many rental companies are having discounts for weekends and even weeklong rentals, check out one of these if you interested:

* Budget Rent A Car

* Thrifty.com

* Hertz

After you get back to HWY 411, you might just want to stop in at the Dragon Pit Restaurant. For lunch or dinner, they also serve breakfast if you need to fuel yourself up before you get started.

I have lived in Tennessee. and made this trip in a car and on a motorcycle several times. I would recommend it to anyone that loves road trips and no mater what time a year you go, you will not be disappointed. In early/mid spring, the flowers are blooming and in the fall, the trees have more color than you can imagine.

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