Welcome friend. Not got a MOTD account yet? You can create an account by clicking here.
Want to join this drive? Sign up will open on 14th of February 2025. You must be registered and signed in to do so. Simply fill out any options that are required in the 'Sign Up' form and click the button. Your User/Screen name will be added to the list right away. If you want to remove your name from a drive then you can do this through your account page.
Details
Your Host(s): Alan Miller
Drive Pace: Moderate
| Day | Start Time | Finish Time | Cost | Meeting Place | People Limit | MINIs Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 9:15am | 3:30pm | Pay for your own lunch | General Store Parking Lot at Fontana Village | 34 | none |
Join us on another new run recommended for Countryman or Paceman. Our first stop will be a photo opportunity at Santeetlah Dam. Then, we will visit the grave of Cherokee Indian Chief Junalaska. From here we will travel on Tatham Gap road over the top of the Snowbird mountains. This road was first built in 1836 by the US Army to transport the Cherokee on the first leg of their forced removal to Oklahoma which became known as the Trail of Tears. The road was reopened recently after being closed for many years. The 13 miles of the Tatum Gap road are unpaved gravel so we recommend this drive for Countryman or Paceman although any MINI is welcome as long as you do not mind some dusty, gravel or possibly muddy roads. It is NOT recommended for any lowered cars as you can expect dust, dirt, rocks, potholes and possibly mud.
This is a great opportunity for other MINI owners to join in with your Countryman friends to enjoy this experience. (Up to 4 passengers are comfortable in a CM or PM)
There will be stops at Santeetlah Dam, Junalaska Gravesite, along the Tatum Gap Rd, Andrews for gas, Lakes End Cafe & Grill for lunch and then back to Fontana by way of Wayah Rd, Winding Stairs Road and Hellbender 28.
Your Schedule (give or take a little)
| Start | Finish | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 9:15am | Meet at the General Store Parking Lot at Fontana Village | |
| 9:15am | 10:00am | Drive to Junalaska grave site in Robbinsville with a photo stop at Santeetlah Dam |
| 10:00am | 10:45am | Visit Junalaska grave site |
| 10:45am | 11:45am | Travel Trail of Tears road over the Snowbird Mountains (GRAVEL ROAD) |
| 11:45am | 12:30pm | Drive to Lakes End Cafe & Grill |
| 12:30pm | 1:30pm | Lunch at Lakes End Cafe & Grill |
| 1:30pm | 3:30pm | Drive back to Fontana Village via Wayah Rd, Winding Stairs Road and Hellbender 28 |
Sign Up Here
| Additional Links: | Santeetlah Dam |
| Junalaska History | |
| Trail of Tears History | |
| Lakes End Cafe & Grill |
Who Is Going?
There are currently 0 people signed up with 0 MINIs attending.