Day four: Cookeville, TN to Asheville NC via I40/Tail of the Dragon/Blue Ridge Parkway – 270 miles
Interstate I40 is an OK road if you have to travel the interstate although the abundance of police and overturned tractor-trailers do spoil the scenery
Exiting the interstate towards the famed “Tail of the Dragon” or US 129 as its printed on the maps. Motoring country roads dotted with farms and old barns soon changes to dragon signs and statues. This 11 mile stretch of roadway is known for its 318 turns and is well traveled by bikers and sports car enthusiasts. It truly is best suited for bikes as the turns are too compact and in close succession. Its more of a slalom type of drive with little scenic views or even a chance to take in the path.
The southern part of the Blue Ridge parkway climbs to over six thousand feet and offers fantastic views and perfectly paved tarmac with sweeping curves.
The weather was quite wet and cold so the roadway was a bit slippery. The majority of the parkway is without guardrails so care must be taken on some of the sharper turns.
Exiting for Ashland NC for the night I am struck by how much better this city gets each time I visit. It surely must be one of the top destinations for craft beer folks as it sports more then 8 breweries in town as well as many cafes, and music venues
Nice town. I think I would have stayed an extra day.
We have plans to visit again.