Devil's Highway or the Dragon?

Calflan · 07-26-2014, 11:52 AM

If you've ridden devil's Highway - Hwy 191 from Hannigan Meadow down through Safford, Az. - and the Dragon - Hwy 129 Deal's Gap, North Carolina - which would you say is more fun?

I've ridden the Dragon about 5 times, and recently the Devil's Hwy. I think the Devil's Highway is one of the best kept secrets in the country. Lots of people flock to the Dragon from all over the country and there are restaurants, lodges, the 'tree of shame' and on a nice fall day, TONS of riders, especially street racers. Rode the Devil's Highway in June and ran across about 4 bikes total in the 50+ mile ride. The scenery is a mix on the Devil's Hwy of what you see in N.C. (pines and rolling mountains, but not much water) but the ride is so much longer it's tiring. Actually had to stop along the way. Riding a big cruiser through the Devil's Hwy can be work but what fun! Need to ride Devil's hwy in the fall cooler weather. Nothing beats that cool fall air in N.C. when riding teh dragon and the scenery of the river and mountains is awesome. We usually stopped on the Dragon for pics and there are several pull offs from the road.

What's your opinion?

Todd · 07-26-2014, 02:03 PM

The folks at the Deals Gap Motorcycle resort have done a great marketing job over the years. I live in NC, and have ridden the dragon numerous times. IMHO there are several much better roads to ride within and hour of 129. BUT, that said, if you have never done it, you should.

Can't compare the two, but thought I'd throw my 2cents in on Deals.

ponch · 07-26-2014, 05:01 PM

You should try it on a lighter bike. That said, Hannigan Meadow is a great place for a rally. Hint hint.

cactusjack · 07-26-2014, 06:03 PM

I don't know anyone who calls it the devils highway. It's the Coronado Trail.

ponch · 07-26-2014, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I don't know anyone who calls it the devils highway. It's the Coronado Trail.

I've heard both.

cactusjack · 07-26-2014, 06:34 PM

They called it the devils highway when it was US 666.

ponch · 07-26-2014, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

They called it the devils highway when it was US 666.

Isn't that the street the white house is on?

Hvyhau8272 · 07-26-2014, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

I don't know anyone who calls it the devils highway. It's the Coronado Trail.

As an Arizona native it has always been the Devils Highway by most locals. .... Came from the old hwy number of it being Hwy 666. They changed it a few years back to Hwy 191. The name Coronado Trail came from it being part of the explorers (Coronado) route.

It is a great place to ride no mater what you are on or driving.

duffy · 07-26-2014, 11:21 PM

I've never ridden either one but I will be in Az. this winter so I'll give the Devils Highway a try.

If it's like the Rattlesnake Grade in Oregon it should be a blast.

**Jared** · 07-26-2014, 11:23 PM

I've ridden both, and both are great roads.

That being said, the dragon and the surrounding areas, specifically Blue Ridge, are incredible and I'd prefer to go back there.

**Jared** · 07-26-2014, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

They called it the devils highway when it was US 666.

The patch I picked up on that route called it the Devils Hwy.

**Jared** · 07-26-2014, 11:29 PM

This was on the Coronado Trail, on my way back from buying the bike in Texas.

07-26-2014, 11:52 AM	#1
Calflan Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Heath, Tx. Posts: 85	Devil's Highway or the Dragon? If you've ridden devil's Highway - Hwy 191 from Hannigan Meadow down through Safford, Az. - and the Dragon - Hwy 129 Deal's Gap, North Carolina - which would you say is more fun? I've ridden the Dragon about 5 times, and recently the Devil's Hwy. I think the Devil's Highway is one of the best kept secrets in the country. Lots of people flock to the Dragon from all over the country and there are restaurants, lodges, the 'tree of shame' and on a nice fall day, TONS of riders, especially street racers. Rode the Devil's Highway in June and ran across about 4 bikes total in the 50+ mile ride. The scenery is a mix on the Devil's Hwy of what you see in N.C. (pines and rolling mountains, but not much water) but the ride is so much longer it's tiring. Actually had to stop along the way. Riding a big cruiser through the Devil's Hwy can be work but what fun! Need to ride Devil's hwy in the fall cooler weather. Nothing beats that cool fall air in N.C. when riding teh dragon and the scenery of the river and mountains is awesome. We usually stopped on the Dragon for pics and there are several pull offs from the road. What's your opinion? __________________ *2010 Voyager* - Wrapped pipes; Ivan ECU Flash; Engine Ice; Debaffled stock exhaust; Thunder Intake; Ray's throttle mod on Kuryakan grips; Pax floorboard extensions; cutdown windshield; VStar trunk rack; iPod adapter. Former 2003 1600 Classic. Vulcan guy for life !! Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-26-2014, 02:03 PM	#2
Todd Top Contributor Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 5,915	The folks at the Deals Gap Motorcycle resort have done a great marketing job over the years. I live in NC, and have ridden the dragon numerous times. IMHO there are several much better roads to ride within and hour of 129. BUT, that said, if you have never done it, you should. Can't compare the two, but thought I'd throw my 2cents in on Deals. __________________ Todd Frazier VBA #0003 VBA National Leader-USA Operations/Garage Moderator - RETIRED 2006 Black Nomad since she was born Greensboro, NC
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07-26-2014, 05:01 PM	#3
ponch Sr. Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Way East Valley Posts: 12,015	You should try it on a lighter bike. That said, Hannigan Meadow is a great place for a rally. Hint hint. __________________ Ponch VBA 0019 VROC 8109-R BMWMOA 162849 BMWRA 41335 BMW: When you care enough to ride the very best. My Motorrad Blog My Motorrad YouTube 2009 BMW R1200RT Previous bikes:2007 Nomad \| 2001 Vulcan 800 Classic \| 1984 GPz750 \| 1978 KZ1000A2 Rallies: Custer '09\|Prairie Du Chien '10\|Crescent City '11
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07-26-2014, 06:03 PM	#4
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	I don't know anyone who calls it the devils highway. It's the Coronado Trail. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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07-26-2014, 06:34 PM	#6
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	They called it the devils highway when it was US 666. __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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07-26-2014, 11:21 PM	#9
duffy Sr. Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hot Springs, SD and other warm and dry places Posts: 1,043	I've never ridden either one but I will be in Az. this winter so I'll give the Devils Highway a try. If it's like the Rattlesnake Grade in Oregon it should be a blast.
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07-26-2014, 11:23 PM	#10
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	I've ridden both, and both are great roads. That being said, the dragon and the surrounding areas, specifically Blue Ridge, are incredible and I'd prefer to go back there. __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
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07-26-2014, 11:29 PM	#12
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	This was on the Coronado Trail, on my way back from buying the bike in Texas. __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
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