The Hellbender, Route 28, North Carolina
Distance: 87.1 Km / 54.3 Mi Duration: 01:09:46
Few motorcycle roads in the US equal the magnificent scenery of The Hellbender. Route 28 in North Carolina is an enjoyable short ride with a great blend of hills, sweeping corners and top scenery. This motorcycle route makes an excellent warm-up to the Dragon, especially for cruiser riders.
Twisty Route 28, North Carolina
Photo credit: Rider Magazine
At the junction with Hwy 74 and Mince Road, head west towards the majestic set of dense forested mountains. Continue west and the sweepers get gradually tighter to offer breathtaking views of the 17-miles long Fontana River through the Great Smoky Mountains all the way to Deals Gap.
The twisty and hilly Hellbender road is in great shape with very light traffic and offers even better scenery than the Tail of the Dragon. Stop in at Fontana Village ( website, 300 Woods Road Fontana Dam, North Carolina 28733, Phone: 828.498.2211), a motorcycle friendly resort located just at the halfway point of this route, with breathtaking mountain vistas and panoramic views of Fontana and Cheoah lakes.
Fontana Lake, North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains
Fontana Village Resort, Route 28 - North Carolina