25 Years Ago – October 2001, Issue No. 4
This is the very first “all California” issue. The total transfer probably accounts for the extra month between this issue and the July 2001 magazine. This article is about the 5th annual Miatas at the Gap which was Donna and my last full attendance at the event; we just passed through in 2005 with a brief look around.
Tail of the Dragon
Running the Famous Deal’s Gap
By Dr. Phil Wolfson
Once in a great while, a sports car event takes place that defies all that we know about staging large regional and/or national Miata gatherings. The event I am referring to has no clever themes, prizes, or incentives; no guest speakers or celebrities. It exists for no other reason than Miata enthusiasts want it to. This year, 376 MX5s representing 28 states and Canada flocked to Deal’s Gap on the Tennessee and North Carolina border to drive a stretch of road on US 129, also known as the Tail of the Dragon.
This memorable stretch of asphalt contains 318 curves in the first 11 miles and has become one of the most popular runs for sports cars and motorcycles in North America. In addition to the curves and white knuckle driving excitement, this truly unique road stretches 14 miles with only one intersection—NC 28 to Fontana Dam. There are no buildings other than those situated at the Crossroads of Time. It is interesting to note that the Calderwood Dam Outlook on the Dragon is where the filming of “The Fugitive” took place.
Although there is very little traffic on this road, and those that do use it are primarily motorcycles and sports cars, it can be dangerous. Fortunately, there was only one minor fender bender during the course of the entire event weekend. Taking into consideration the Dragon’s remote location, mostly surrounded by United States Forest Service property, the area is conducive to some real driving fun.
The Tapoco Lodge, a delightful complex of quaint rooms and cottages, was the official site for this unofficial event. The surrounding towns of Graham County, including Robbinsville, Fontana, and Deal’s Gap provided lodging from the most basic level to luxurious accommodations such as those found at the Snowbird Lodge or the Blue Boar Inn.
Fantastic views, really nice townsfolk, and unbelievable roads make the Gap a most appealing destination. If you are ever in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to drive the Cherohala Skyway. Take 143 West from Robbinsville. This winding two-lane road passes the Blue Boar Inn and Snowbird Mountain Lodge entrances before turning into the Skyway at Santeelah Gap. The Cherohala climbs from around 2,600 to more than 5,300 feet in fewer than 11 miles. There are some tight curves, but most can be traveled easily at the 45 mph speed limit (yea right). After passing the Santeelah Overlook at an elevation of 5,390 feet, you begin a series of downhill curves before reaching the Tennessee State Line. From here to Tellico Plains, the Skyway is designated as Highway 165. It then descends to its lowest elevation of 900 feet along the Tellico River. At Tellico Plains you have two options, one taking you back into the Dragon Tail, the other into downtown Tellico.
If you are fortunate enough to make it to this part of the country, don’t miss the chance to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway: 465 miles of fantastic views, wildlife galore, and great roads. The Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee and Smoky Mountain National Park are fantastic as well. A vacation to this part of the world, even without 752 of your closest friends, would still be memorable. Think about it the next time you’re looking for the best Miata roads in North America. A special thanks to Larry and Barbara Martin for serving as our guides on the Blue Ridge Parkway and to Rodger Huffman for lending us his awesome 96M to drive.
