Any Interest in a Tail of the Dragon Run in November?

Three Pedal Steve · 10-08-2025, 04:30 PM

For several years, forum members would meetup in November at Deal's Gap for a run at the Tail of the Dragon. Maybe it's time to resurrect this gathering.

Weather: This is the funky part of the plan. Typically, it is the dry season, and overnight temperatures range from 30-60 degrees. Often there is morning fog that clears off by 10-11 am if there is sunshine. A sunny afternoon can be 65+ degrees. One year we had drizzling rain all day and still had some great driving fun.

Traffic: This is the upside of the November timing. In previous years we have had the very little traffic, especially in the morning.

Lodging- Fontana Village and Tapoco Lodge.

Nearby: Fontana Dam, Cherohala Skyway, Joyce Kilmer National Forest, the Hub, Moonshiner Hwy.

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spazzyfry123 · 10-09-2025, 11:09 AM

I spot both myself and my old car in some of these! I miss these runs...

It may be a bit tricky for me this year. Spazzyfry offspring 3.0 is due late November/early December. Ivey would have my youknowwhat in a vice if I took off then. I may be able to swing early November...? But I think that may be peak traffic as we'll be in the thick of leaf peep season. Hmm...

powerbait · 10-15-2025, 02:52 PM

I was just up there this past weekend with my local CCA group. It was my first time there and had a great time. What weekend are you leaning towards? Probably a little too soon for another trip up there, but I do have a work trip up in SC that may align.

Three Pedal Steve · 10-15-2025, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerbait

I was just up there this past weekend with my local CCA group. It was my first time there and had a great time. What weekend are you leaning towards? Probably a little too soon for another trip up there, but I do have a work trip up in SC that may align.

Thanksgiving is on Nov 27 this year. So maybe the best timing would be Saturday Nov 15 or Nov 22. Earlier in November will still have many leaf lookers. Waiting until after Thanksgiving increases the chance of morning ice adding a whole new dimension to the Tail of the Dragon.

Three Pedal Steve · 10-15-2025, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spazzyfry123

I spot both myself and my old car in some of these! I miss these runs...

It may be a bit tricky for me this year. Spazzyfry offspring 3.0 is due late November/early December. Ivey would have my youknowwhat in a vice if I took off then. I may be able to swing early November...? But I think that may be peak traffic as we'll be in the thick of leaf peep season. Hmm...

Congratulations on 3.0 Great News.
Yes, looking at those old pictures brings back memories and reminds me that several friendships were formed at that meet-up.

F4rmost · 10-16-2025, 06:02 AM

I figured I would reply here instead of the 2008 thread:

I will be up there from 21-25 October with a group of friends. They were kind enough to offer a spot in their group to me.

I think a November run might be too fast of a turn around for me. It is roughly a 8-9 hour drive out there.

10-08-2025, 04:30 PM	#1
Three Pedal Steve Captain 1165 Rep 652 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 coupe' 6mt Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Under a Waterfall in Highlands NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [0.00]	Any Interest in a Tail of the Dragon Run in November? For several years, forum members would meetup in November at Deal's Gap for a run at the Tail of the Dragon. Maybe it's time to resurrect this gathering. Weather: This is the funky part of the plan. Typically, it is the dry season, and overnight temperatures range from 30-60 degrees. Often there is morning fog that clears off by 10-11 am if there is sunshine. A sunny afternoon can be 65+ degrees. One year we had drizzling rain all day and still had some great driving fun. Traffic: This is the upside of the November timing. In previous years we have had the very little traffic, especially in the morning. Lodging- Fontana Village and Tapoco Lodge. Nearby: Fontana Dam, Cherohala Skyway, Joyce Kilmer National Forest, the Hub, Moonshiner Hwy. __________________ memories: '71 2002 (new), '72 Bavaria, '74 2002tii, '00 540i Sport Last edited by Three Pedal Steve; 10-08-2025 at 05:13 PM.. Reason: picture
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10-09-2025, 11:09 AM	#2
spazzyfry123 Colonel 7873 Rep 2,432 Posts Drives: Here and There Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: North Georgia Mountains iTrader: (1) Garage List 9Y0 Porsche Cayenne [0.00] Ranger Raptor [10.00] LMB BMW E90M Stripper [9.00] 80 Series Toyota La ... [8.33] 200 Series Toyota L ... [10.00] JB BMW E90M Stripper [10.00] 11th Gen Ford F-150 [10.00]	I spot both myself and my old car in some of these! I miss these runs... It may be a bit tricky for me this year. Spazzyfry offspring 3.0 is due late November/early December. Ivey would have my youknowwhat in a vice if I took off then. I may be able to swing early November...? But I think that may be peak traffic as we'll be in the thick of leaf peep season. Hmm...
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10-15-2025, 02:52 PM	#3
powerbait postimus minimus 419 Rep 279 Posts Drives: M3 addiction Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: FL iTrader: (11) Garage List 2006 BMW M3 [10.00] 2011 BMW 1M [10.00] 2009 BMW M3 [10.00] 2010 BMW M3 [8.05] 1998 BMW M3 [9.30]	I was just up there this past weekend with my local CCA group. It was my first time there and had a great time. What weekend are you leaning towards? Probably a little too soon for another trip up there, but I do have a work trip up in SC that may align.
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10-16-2025, 06:02 AM	#6
F4rmost Private First Class 240 Rep 189 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E90 335D Join Date: Jul 2024 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I figured I would reply here instead of the 2008 thread: I will be up there from 21-25 October with a group of friends. They were kind enough to offer a spot in their group to me. I think a November run might be too fast of a turn around for me. It is roughly a 8-9 hour drive out there.
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