Moonshiner 28 is fast becoming one of the great must-do roads of western North Carolina. Everyone has heard of the Tail of the Dragon and now there is another comparable road that is less crowded and offers even more to the two-lane tourist.

Moonshiner 28 is a great alternative to other more crowded twisties. There are sections of 28 in North Carolina every bit as twisty as the Tail. Bonus .... speed limit is 55 much of the route.

Stretching from US 129 at the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, Moonshiner 28 winds its way southeastward through Franklin and Highlands North Carolina before turning southward into Georgia and South Carolina at Walhalla.

Once one of the major runs for moonshiners with revenuers hot on their bumper, the road today boasts some great twisties, wide sweepers and unsurpassed scenery. Mountain vistas, waterfalls and secluded lakes appear around nearly every corner. You can find good food, accommodations of every type and unique shops with unusual antiques and crafts created by mountain artisans.

Come and spend a day or a week exploring this Smoky Mountain Country. It doesn’t matter if you are motorcycling, driving a sportscar or bringing the family van. And visit the distilleries in Gatlinburg and Asheville.

We visited the Ole Smoky Distillery in downtown Gatlinburg TN on November 9 to get a sip of some legal shine. In business since July, this is the place to taste and buy some safe, legal White Lightening. They have T-shirts, signs and other items for your collection. Watch the operating still and hear some good old country music.

Still at Ole Smoky Distillery.

The modern distilling room at Troy & Sons in Asheville, NC.