Overall Route Rating
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4.6 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.6
60 Reviews

The Hellbender 28

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Oct 31, 2006

Rider Reviews

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Guest
December 29, 2007
I've been to this road twice in two years…
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2009hdflhx
4 McR Points
January 14, 2012
Add this one to a list of rides to visit while…
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Written Directions

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Scenery

Heading north on the Hellbender 28, you find a completely different road experience with sweeping curves and drop offs, all lakeside in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are few drives in America that can equal the views as you travel this beautiful byway along Fontana Lake in North Carolina. The 22 mile stretch is surrounded by water and dense, forested mountains. The 22 mile stretch ends at Deals Gap and begins what is then called the famous "Dragon."

Drive Enjoyment

These two lane mountain side roads are in great shape. There is little commercial traffic which leaves plenty of wide open space for the cycling public.

Tourism Opportunities

At the halfway point on this roadway, you come to Fontana Village at Fontana Dam, NC. The motorcycle friendly resort looks directly into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers a lodge, cabins, camping and even houseboats for rent. They have a great selection of restaurants, retail outlets and amenities for the vacationing cycle enthusiast. Many cycle clubs use this resort to base their events out of because the Hellbender 28 intersects the famous Dragon at Deals Gap. In addition, the resort has a great roadside pitstop called "Hellbender 28 Pitstop" with food, gear and plenty of great tee shirts. And, the route is not far from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and its great amenities.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

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Guest
December 29, 2007
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I've been to this road twice in two years and will return again next year. Between the Hellbender, the Dragon, and the Cherohala... you can't get much better. Beautiful surroundings and you can get lost for days riding all the roads in the area. Plenty of places to stay and eat in the area.
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10 riders found this road review useful
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2009hdflhx
January 14, 2012
4 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Add this one to a list of rides to visit while you are at the Tail of the Dragon. Beautiful scenery and a great road but it seems that every road in and around the Dragon are great. And while you are there don't forget Happy Valley road.
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6 riders found this road review useful
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dhornick
August 16, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This review shows only from Stecoah to Deals Gap (129). I dont understand why. We rode the entire portion of 28 from 74 to Deals Gap (and then of course the Dragon) but the portion of 28 between 74 and Stecoah is also very beautiful and we really enjoyed it. Some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Fontana from the Mountains anywhere. Highly suggested to make the whole ride.
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6 riders found this road review useful