Badlands takes down The Dragon

[palley6]

Did the "there and back" run over the Dragon in NC/TN last week, with the top down, and what a machine. The more time I spend behind the wheel, on interesting roads/trails, the more this begins to feel like a big side by side. Thanks to the Forscan tweaks I popped into Sport Mode and had a freaking blast, kept up with some sport cars to my surprise.

Ended up doing close to 1800 miles over 5 days from Florida and only saw 1 other Bronco. Saw it from a mile away at the casino in Murphy, NC and I wish I would've taken a picture. If you own a 2022 Green Wildtrak I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am my own BL.

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[Bud2020]

Nice.

Wide angle shot makes tire on back look massive.

 

[BC overlanding]

If you are anywhere close to Deals Gap aka Tail of the dragon its a must RIGHT. For those that don't know 318 curves in 11 miles Beautiful country can't throw a rock and not hit a awesome road.

 

[broadicustomworks]

Super cool to see someone post about it.
I've been down the dragon dozens of times, fortunate enough to live where I can be there in a few hours. It is a blast on a motorcycle as well.
We always meander over to Fontana, up winding roads to Townsend, over to Gatlinburg, back through Cherokee, Maggie Valley.

When you can, spend some time there in the gift shop, spend some time over in Cherokee (there are two different "shopping" areas, one on 19, one on Acquoni Rd near the 441 intersection), check out the whole Maggie Valley area. Lots to see and do other than driving through.

 

[palley6]

If you are anywhere close to Deals Gap aka Tail of the dragon its a must RIGHT. For those that don't know 318 curves in 11 miles Beautiful country can't throw a rock and not hit a awesome road.

100%. This is an absolute must-do if you enjoy driving, and Cherohala Skyway is (IMO) a close 2nd for the views alone. I spent a ton of time over the past few years poking around up there and continue to find new amazing roads to explore.

I took that first picture in a similar spot to one I took of my last car, which I miss but had to let her go.

 

[Tricky Dick]

If you are anywhere close to Deals Gap aka Tail of the dragon its a must RIGHT. For those that don't know 318 curves in 11 miles Beautiful country can't throw a rock and not hit a awesome road.

I never really released where Deals Gap was. It's on the way from Nashville to Asheville so I just added it to the itinerary. It's not going to be as fun pulling a trailer but I'm still looking forward to it.

 

[palley6]

Super cool to see someone post about it.
I've been down the dragon dozens of times, fortunate enough to live where I can be there in a few hours. It is a blast on a motorcycle as well.
We always meander over to Fontana, up winding roads to Townsend, over to Gatlinburg, back through Cherokee, Maggie Valley.

When you can, spend some time there in the gift shop, spend some time over in Cherokee (there are two different "shopping" areas, one on 19, one on Acquoni Rd near the 441 intersection), check out the whole Maggie Valley area. Lots to see and do other than driving through.

For sure. I was up there scouting properties this time but I've definitely done those areas and 100% agree its all incredible.

 

[BC overlanding]

Cherthala Skyway is actually my #1, never crowded just 80 mph sweepers but that in our Miata or on a motorcycle. Nice cruise in the Bronco too I bet

 

[vrtical]

I live on it, I am just north of the hub.

 

[palley6]

I live on it, I am just north of the hub.

You've got a beautiful piece of the country there, that's for sure.

 

[NC_Pinz]

Nice roadtrip.

I did the Cherohala Skyway several years ago, really by accident and not by choice. I rolled my off road truck at Tellico, and the only way I could get out with it loaded on a trailer was to drive to TN and then back to NC. Nothing like pulling those grades with a 18k load hitched to the back. I had a trio of Miatas run up behind my rolling roadblock. Thankfully they were on the same channel CB as I was and I could clear them to pass when I could see clear road ahead.

If you are in the northern part of East TN, then there is the Snake as well.

 

[Bemcnamara]

We made it a priority when we were headed to Atlanta from Spokane WA. A check on the bucket list.

 

[FSUMcFly]

I might need to take my Bronco up there at some point. I'd like to do the offroad trail from Cades Cove that ends mid way down the dragon.

I usually go twice a year, my other car that will join the Bronco in the garage is a Mazdaspeed Miata and it's such a blast on the Dragon.

 

[killaz05]

Makes me miss my Mustang which I sold for the Bronco. I love that area. If you like beer, should hit up the Bryson City Brewery. One of my favorite spots.

 

[865Bronco]

We did the Cherhola Skyway to Robbinsville and then came home the dragon a month or so ago. Very fun day and a nice drive. We are lucky to live close by. I highly recommend stopping in Robbinsville at the Tapoca Tavern if the weather is nice you can sit out by the water and soak in some mountain air

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