Where to stay near the Tail of the Dragon: historic Tapoco Lodge in North Carolina

Fresh off taming 318 curves in Mercedes-AMG’s GT 63 S E Performance, , we swapped horsepower for hospitality at Historic Tapoco Lodge, a 120-acre hideaway on the Cheoah River that turns a great drive into an unforgettable getaway.

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains near the Tennessee/North Carolina border, the famous Tail of the Dragon is a curvy road that snakes through the national park. This is not only a driving heaven for car enthusiasts, but a wonderfully scenic and rather remote countryside where fine accommodations are hardly abundant. 

The Historic Tapoco Lodge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in Robbinsville, North Carolina, in 1930 by the Tallassee Power Company to house workers near the Cheoah dams and the area’s other hydroelectric projects. Today, Tapoco’s property covers 120 acres with the lodge adjacent to the Cheoah River along with seven cabins, a theater, and tennis and pickleball courts — all a short walk from the lodge.

Our accommodations were large, with a comfortable king-size bed, and nicely decorated in decor that reflects its heritage. We enjoyed a view of the nearby river with rushing water that was just audible enough to provide a natural soundscape. 

The picturesque lobby has big leather chairs that invite relaxing with a wealth of history around the surrounding shelves. Meals are available downstairs at the indoor Cheoah Room or at outdoor seating along the river. Since the evening was perfect for riverside dining and the menu was rustic and local, the outdoor option beckoned. I picked Beer Braised Pork while my wife, Kathleen, chose Campfire Mountain Trout, and both were delightful. And while the wine list was modest, there were abundant craft beer choices. I enjoyed Blue Ridge Haze IPA that paired perfectly with my pork entree. 

This was my first journey to Robbinsville and the Tapoco Lodge but I’ll return, even if I don’t bring a supercar.