Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort

For motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts, there's no destination quite as legendary as Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. Located at 17548 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA, this resort is affectionately known as the "Home of the Dragon" and serves as the ultimate base for those looking to conquer the world-famous Tail of the Dragon (US 129). For anyone searching on "Hotels Near Of Me" with a passion for exhilarating drives and stunning mountain scenery, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort offers a unique and authentic experience that goes beyond typical lodging.

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort is strategically positioned right on the North Carolina/Tennessee state line, nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains. This location is paramount to its appeal, as it places guests literally at the doorstep of "The Dragon," an 11-mile stretch of US 129 renowned for its 318 curves. The environment is rugged, mountainous, and heavily forested, offering breathtaking natural beauty. While the focus is undeniably on the thrilling roads, the surrounding landscape provides a sense of adventure and immersion in the Appalachian wilderness. The resort itself provides an oasis for riders and drivers, with ample parking (including designated trailer parking for motel and campground guests), a central gathering spot, and a vibrant, albeit specialized, atmosphere. It's a place where the roar of engines is part of the daily symphony, and shared stories of the road are the common currency. It's important to note that due to its location, there is no development along the 11-mile stretch of the Dragon itself, ensuring uninterrupted natural views, but also meaning the resort acts as a vital hub for services.

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort is built with the needs of its primary clientele – motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts – in mind. While the rooms are described by one reviewer as "dated," they are consistently noted as "comfortable" and "clean," providing essential amenities for a restful night after a day on the road. The resort offers various accommodation options:

• Motel Rooms: These rooms are reasonably priced and typically include a combination of beds, such as 1 double bed and 1 set of bunk beds, or a Queen size bed and one bunk bed. They are equipped with cable TV, a microwave, a small refrigerator, and small coffee pots. Free WiFi and satellite TV are also provided. Maid service is offered daily, and all rooms have heat and A/C. Notably, stoves were removed from rooms for the 2018 season, and guests should be aware that pets are not permitted in the motel rooms.
• Apartments: For larger groups or those desiring more space, apartments are available. These often feature two sets of bunk beds, one full-size futon, and one Queen bed, along with a small kitchenette.
• Camping Facilities: For a more rugged experience, the resort also provides camping options. Power hookups are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and overnight parking for vehicles (if space is available) is a separate charge. Trailer parking is specifically for motel and campground guests due to limited space.
• Dragon's Den Grill: The resort boasts a "good restaurant for basic meals and a cold beer" called the Dragon's Den Grill. Open 7 days a week during the riding season (typically early March through mid-November), it serves breakfast (considered by many to be the best in the area) from 8 AM to 11 AM, and lunch starting at 11 AM. The menu includes specialty burgers (including their famous Dragon burger), chicken, BBQ, sandwiches, and homemade desserts. It's air-conditioned for hot summer days and heated for cooler spring and fall evenings. Three TVs are set to weather, news, and SPEED Networks, catering to the interests of the clientele. Beer on tap was installed in 2008, allowing guests to enjoy a cold brew with their meal.
• Resort Store: The on-site store is an "oasis in the mountains," offering official Dragon shirts, memorabilia, collectibles, maps, shotglasses, patches, pins, keychains, home decor, and bike accessories. It also sells snacks, drinks, and other forgotten essentials. The store is the only place to get the famous Dragon stickers, which signify a successful ride on the Tail. Gas pumps are also available for fuel.
• Pavilion and Firepit: These communal areas provide spaces for guests to gather, relax, and socialize.

• Tail of the Dragon Access: The undeniable main feature is its direct proximity and access to the Tail of the Dragon (US 129), an 11-mile road with 318 curves, making it one of the "most iconic spots of bike lore" and a "bucket list ride" for enthusiasts worldwide. Recent asphalt work on the Tennessee side further enhances the riding experience.

• Biker-Centric Environment: The entire resort is designed with motorcyclists and sports car drivers in mind, from specialized parking and a loading dock for trailers to the community of like-minded individuals it attracts. This creates a unique camaraderie and a welcoming atmosphere for enthusiasts.

• "Tree of Shame": A somewhat morbid but iconic feature, the "Tree of Shame" is a collection of wrecked motorcycle parts and debris from accidents on the Dragon, serving as a solemn reminder to "take your time, stay in your lane and enjoy the Dragon's Tail" and to be careful as "people overestimate their abilities to hold their lane makes it dangerous at times."

• Photo Ops: The resort and surrounding area offer numerous photo opportunities, with professional photographers often capturing riders on the Dragon, and photos available for purchase.

• Events: Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort hosts various events throughout the riding season, further enhancing the vibrant atmosphere and community spirit.

• No Development on the Dragon: The 11-mile stretch of the Dragon itself has no driveways, gas stations, subdivisions, or mini-malls, ensuring a pure riding experience through a forested area with scenic overlooks.

Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, with its phone number (800) 889-5550 or mobile phone +1 800-889-5550, is more than just a place to stay; it's a destination. It operates from early March (before Daytona Bike Week) through mid-November, coinciding with the prime riding season. Beyond the Tail of the Dragon, the resort is a gateway to other fantastic riding roads in the region, including the Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. These roads offer diverse challenges and stunning scenery, making the area a true mecca for drivers and riders. Non-motorcyclists are also welcome to experience the unique atmosphere and explore the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Nearby attractions include Fontana Dam, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and various hiking and fishing opportunities. While the resort itself is specialized, its surrounding area offers activities for a broader audience. The history of the area, including its past as a Native American trail and the construction of various dams, adds another layer of interest. The resort offers online booking for rooms and a convenient online store for official Dragon merchandise. Custom clothing can also be designed through their "Deals Gap Design Studio," with free shipping on orders over $100. The experience at Deals Gap is about more than just the road; it's about being part of a community, sharing stories, and embracing the adventure of the mountains. It's truly a bucket-list destination for many.

Customer reviews consistently highlight Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort as "top of the line for motorcycle enthusiasts!" The central location right on the Dragon is universally praised. Guests appreciate the "reasonably priced" rooms, which are described as "comfortable" and "clean" with essential amenities like cable TV, microwave, and a small fridge. The Dragon's Den Grill receives positive mentions for "basic meals and a cold beer," with breakfast being a particular favorite. However, it's also important to acknowledge that the rooms are "dated," indicating that guests should set expectations for a functional, no-frills accommodation rather than a luxury stay. The cautionary advice to "take your time, stay in your lane and enjoy the Dragon's Tail" and to be careful due to others "overestimat their abilities" underscores the real dangers of the road and the importance of rider responsibility. The resort does not permit pets in its motel rooms, which is a key consideration for travelers with animals. While some online sources might inaccurately state that the resort offers parking, its official website clarifies that overnight parking is typically charged, and trailer parking is reserved for motel and campground guests. Overall, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort successfully fulfills its niche, providing an essential hub for the passionate community that converges on the Tail of the Dragon, offering a genuine and memorable experience rooted in motorcycle culture and mountain adventure.