This is the all-day drive scheduled for Friday, September 26th.
The term “der Nebelbergring” was originally coined for the 2013 route but, due to government shutdown at the time, nearly the entire route was inaccessible for driving. As a result, we were unable to run the route.
Knowing what a fantastic drive this loop is, it was decided to hold the second Okteenerfest once again in Townsend. With a minor change from the original route (bypassing Robbinsville completely and instead traveling further along Moonshiner 28), the drive encompasses 145 miles and elevation changes from below 1000′ to above 5000′
Stage 1: Foothills Parkway
Starting Point – Talley Ho Inn
E Lamar Alexander Pkwy
Townsend, TN 37882
1. Head west on TN-73 W/US-321 S/E Lamar Alexander Pkwy toward Chestnut Hill Rd 8 mi
2. Turn left toward Foothills Pkwy 0.2 mi
3. Slight right onto Foothills Pkwy 16.8 mi
4. Turn left onto State Hwy 115/US-129 S/Calderwood Hwy
5. We will regroup at a pullout on the right side of road to prepare for Stage 2: The Dragon
Stage 2: The Dragon
This is the 318 curves in 11 miles so many people rave about.
Simply follow the road up the mountain to the TN/NC state line.
Do not push it on this run, especially if you have never driven the Dragon.
Enjoy the drive and get a feel for the Dragon’s variety of curves and elevation changes.
Saturday you will have a chance to return and drive the Dragon as many times as you’d like.
After passing the state line, we will come to Deals Gap about a mile down the road.
TURN LEFT on NC-28 South just past the motorcycle resort on the left.
Stage 3: Moonshiner 28, part 1: Fontana Road
We will stop to regroup at Fontana Dam.
Get out, stretch, enjoy the views, take a bathroom break.
Stage 4: Moonshiner 28, part 2: Fontana Road to Hwy 19/28/74
Speed limit is 55mph much of this route
LUNCH in Bryson City
1.5 hours – variety of restaurants from which to choose
Parking is not plentiful so may need to park and walk
No restaurant is large enough for all of us so we will be breaking up into small groups
Meet about 1 mile down the road to regroup for remaining drive
Stage 5: Cherokee / Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GSMNP is federal land. If you speed, it is a federal ticket. Don’t speed. This drive is not a race.
Oh… and don’t get too frustrated if you get behind slow moving traffic. In fact, stop at the next overlook and enjoy the beauty of the Smokies.
We will quickly regroup at Sugarlands Visitor Center just before Gatlinburg.
At this point, you may head to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge for dinner, shopping, etc or return with the main group to Townsend via Little River Road.
Please let your group leader know what you plan to do so we are not left wondering if you got eaten by a bear.
Stage 6: Little River Road
Still on federal land so DO NOT SPEED! You have come this far without incident (you have, haven’t you?), so don’t mess it up this close to “home”.
See you back at the motel; nap a bit, clean up, and see you at the BBQ dinner.
SUMMARY:
Thousands of curves in 145 miles.
Well over 13000 feet of up/down elevation changes (for a total of over 27000 feet)
You will be able to tell your friends you drove the Foothills Parkway, the Dragon, Moonshiner 28, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Little River Road with dozens of other mid-engine gokarts.