Traveling Down - Day 3

Up early today with much better sleep than the night before. Took advantage of the free breaker at the hotel, then a quick sync up to go over today’s plan.

We set off just after 7:30 a.m. to head enter Great Smoky Mountains NP.

The plan was to head to the Cades Cove section of the park, do half of the scenic loop, and then cut south after a stop at the Visitor Center to begin heading towards Georgia.

This section of the park was breathtaking. I highly recommend it to anyone who visits.

The Visitor Center was small but nice, got a stamp for my logbook and did a short walking tour of the old mill buildings nearby.

Hopping back in the car after the walking tour, we started to head south. At first it was a typical NP road, but then we came to this sign:

I had an absolute blast on this road. Crossing over water about a dozen times. The SUV was more than capable, but we did see a small convertible trying to pull off to turn around about a mile in. We're not sure how that went with it being one way and more people coming behind us. I wish them the best of luck.

The dirt road ended right along US-129, best known as The Dragon. 318 turns in 11 miles. I first heard of this road during my time with a motorcycle, but never made a trip down. It was still fun in a car. Very active driving.

Stopped at a famous spot, Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort, to get a shirt.

Lunch was at a Mexican spot not to far after crossing into North Carolina.

A bit more country road driving then rolled into Atlanta to checked in at my hotel.

Unpacking some gear, setting up my bike computer to charge, and it was off to registration for BRAG.

After registration was dinner at a trippy, Alice in Wonderland themed pizza pace. Amazing decorations and fantastic food.

Ordered a beer and mocktail to drink, and Sriracha Honey wings and The Merry Prankster pizza to share.

Ride starts tomorrow. Time for bed!