Robbinsville, NC: The Little Big Rider Town
Robbinsville is a tiny town of about 500 residents sitting at 2,000 feet in the Great Smoky Mountains of the southwestern corner of North Carolina. Yet, to motorcyclists, this is a big place to be.
The town’s location gives it an importance in the world of motorcycling that belies its small size. Robbinsville sits at the intersection of two renowned riding roads: the Tail of the Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway. Plenty more also await you within striking distance.
Its proximity to world-class riding has created a unique motorcycle-centric local culture that you wouldn’t expect to find in such an out-of-the-way town. Whatever a rider might need, you can find it in Robbinsville or its immediate surroundings.
In and around the town are many motorcycle-friendly lodging options, from motels to lodges and campgrounds. Local restaurants serve delicious homestyle cooking to fill your stomach before and after a ride. Moto shops cater to your need for new gear or spares, and photography services on the Dragon let you immortalize your ride.
All of this is nestled within some of the most gorgeous scenery you could wish for. Mountains covered in dense forest rise on all sides, immersing you in a verdant, almost magical, green glow.
Climbing them along snaking roads, you’ll arrive at high overlooks with stunning views over the Appalachians. The valleys and coves, meanwhile, harbor the most diverse ecosystems in the U.S.
You could spend all your time in the area gawking at the vistas from the endless viewpoints, but there are plenty of other things to see as well.
North of Robbinsville along the Moonshiner 28 is Fontana Dam, an impressive hydroelectric construct from 1944. Its adjacent Fontana Lake is beautiful and a great place for fishing and boating. There’s also Fontana Village, a resort town with activities and lodgings that our editor-in-chief deemed a “summer camp for adults.”
Another famous dam in the area is Cheoah Dam, located a short distance downstream from the Fontana Dam. If it looks familiar, it might be because it served as a filming location for the movie The Fugitive, starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones.
In Robbinsville, you can take a short walk to the Junaluska Memorial. Here you’ll find the grave of the famed Cherokee leader, alongside memorial stones from each of the seven Cherokee clans. A medicine trail with informational plaques leads to the memorial. There used to also be a museum at the site, but it was sadly damaged beyond repair in a 2015 storm.
If Fontana Lake didn’t satisfy your craving for water-based activities, there are chances for fishing, boating, rafting, tubing, and more at Lake Santeetlah and in the Cheoah River. Remember to check out the Cheoah River Swinging Bridge as well.
To get blood flowing back into your legs, hit any of the excellent hiking trails in the area. The nearby Nantahala National Forest (especially the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest section) has a trailhead every few miles. Go see some gorgeous waterfalls or climb to the Wayah Bald or Wesser Bald Fire Towers.
But these are all just suggestions. You can also simply climb into the saddle, motor to Robbinsville, and see what the road throws at you. You’ll have a great time either way.
PS: Want to turn your Robbinsville trip into a longer North Carolina tour? Find more local travel tips in our motorcycling guide to North Carolina.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Fontana Dam
- Cheoah Dam
- Lake Santeetlah
- Nantahala National Forest
- Junaluska Memorial
- Cheoah River Swinging Bridge
Nearby Roads
North of Robbinsville is the Tail of the Dragon, arguably the second most legendary riding road in America behind Route 66. With more than 300 curves in barely over 10 miles, the Dragon is a true test of your riding abilities.
Robbinsville also sits at the eastern terminus of the Cherohala Skyway. This jaw-dropper of a scenic route slithers through the Nantahala and Cherokee national forests, offering a more relaxed (but still twisty) alternative to the Dragon.
For a longer ride, hop onto the Moonshiner 28 (SR 28), which squiggles 112 miles southeast to Walhalla, NC. As you ride, keep an eye out for the ghosts of bootleggers who fought the road and the law alike and didn’t always win.
One last hidden gem in the area is Wayah Rd, which offers even more unforgettable views and fantastic mountain riding. If you’re on a dirt-capable bike, take the short detour along Wayah Bald Rd to its eponymous fire tower.
Yet, being located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Robbinsville has good riding in all directions. Just hop in the saddle and ride; it’ll be great.
Food & Dining
Much like with motorcycle amenities, Robbinsville has a surprisingly vibrant restaurant scene for such a small town. You can find flavors of any kind, especially if you’re up for riding a few minutes for your meal.
The Tapoco Tavern is a famous eatery among motorcyclists, located north of Robbinsville by the Cheoah Dam. It makes for a great place to grab lunch or dinner after tussling with the Dragon. Find it at 14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC.
In Robbinsville, Lynn’s Place is a locally popular joint serving all-American lunches and dinners, often with a region-flavored twist (like Cherohala Chicken; give it a try). Find it at 237 E Main St, Robbinsville, NC.
For a more upscale meal, the Willow Tree Restaurant prepares taste experiences your tongue won’t soon forget. Just be aware of the unusual opening hours. Find it at 302 Ford St, Robbinsville, NC.
Best Time to Travel
Riding in Robbinsville (and this part of North Carolina in general) is at its best either in spring or fall. In the shoulder seasons, the temperatures are more suitable for motorcycling, the tourist crowds are smaller and the roads clearer, and you can enjoy either blooming nature or blazing leaves depending on the season.
Summer is a perfectly fine time to ride here as well, as long as you don’t mind the heat and humidity (being up in the mountains can help a bit). Also, be fairly warned that the roads can be clogged with vehicles.
Winter riding is a no-go, as even if it didn’t snow (which it probably will), roads like the Cherohala Skyway will be closed for the season.