Yes, we do have some of the best (or worst) roads around. As far as the dragon, I will never purposely take my car on it. It is too dangerous- period. I have been on it once, when my parents wanted to go a different way to get to Cherokee, NC. It was 1995 and we were in a brand new rental Contour. I thought those "turn around and kiss your butt" curves would never end. I never was so car sick in all my life. Blah.