Wilderness Trail Region | PCA Zone 3
THURSDAY TO SUNDAY – SEP. 11-14, 2025 - Murphy, NC - Rain or Shine
This event is open to ANY PCA Region! All PCA members are welcome to join!
9/11/2025, 1:15 PM
777 Casino Parkway, Murphy, Cherokee County, North Carolina, 28906
1) RSVP
Use the form at the bottom of this page to confirm your attendance. When you RSVP you will be redirected to the Entry Fee payment page – if you have paid already using the link below (on step 2), then just close the page.
2) Pay the $85 (per car) Entry Fee (Free T-shirt included)
Secure your spot by paying the event fee at: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/drachenfest-v-deals-gap-weekend-getaway--2025
3) Reserve Your Room
Book your stay at our host hotel, the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina, using our special group discount:
https://www.caesars.com/book/?propCode=CVR&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S09WILD
Enjoy $120 in savings with our negotiated rates & perks!
4) Spread the Word
Invite your friends to join you for this epic Porsche adventure!
5) Read the Full Event Program
Take 10-15 minutes to carefully read the event details in the program (PDF HERE). The average person spends 4 hours and 37 minutes on their phone every day, you can spare some time to ready it!
DrachenFest V is not just a weekend trip; it's an opportunity to forge lasting bonds and create cherished memories. This adventure will take you through the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Nantahala, Cherokee, and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, covering about 750 miles of picturesque landscapes and exhilarating roads, an unforgettable mountain getaway.
This isn’t just a driving event – it’s four days and three nights of pure Porsche passion, connecting with fellow enthusiasts while conquering some of the best driving roads in America. From thrilling curves to breathtaking views, expect many miles of exhilarating mountain roads each day, hidden backroads and scenic routes, iconic must-drive legendary roads, including the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, The Hellbender, Foothills Parkway and the Chasing the Dragon Hillclimb.
We’re thrilled to announce that this year’s event will be the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, North Carolina. This stunning location promises the perfect base for a weekend of camaraderie, adventure, gambling and unforgettable memories. We’re taking care of every detail—from mapping out epic routes to securing the best dining experiences, so all you need to do is show up ready to drive and enjoy! As we fine-tune the event, expect some minor adjustments to the schedule and arrangements.
This is a driving event, not a Bingo-night event! You MUST RSVP below to attend this event.
We’re thrilled to announce that our accommodations for DrachenFest V will be at the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy, NC. Nestled amidst the stunning mountain scenery of Western North Carolina, this destination offers a perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and entertainment to complement your Porsche-driving adventure.
The hotel boasts 300 contemporary rooms with breathtaking views of the majestic Smoky Mountains. By Spring 2025, Harrah’s will unveil an exciting new hotel tower with 296 more rooms, a five-story parking deck, and the highly anticipated Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen rooftop restaurant. Additional amenities include a year-round indoor pool, a spa and salon, and a state-of-the-art fitness center to ensure your stay is as relaxing as it is exhilarating. On the 75,000 sq ft casino floor, you’ll find endless entertainment options, including over 1,400 gaming machines, 200 table games, a poker room, and a Sportsbook featuring a massive 32-foot high-definition screen for all the heart-pounding action. If gaming isn’t your style, enjoy family-friendly activities at the UltraStar Bowling Center, or simply soak in the breathtaking sunsets from your room.
Dining options available with six restaurants, from quick bites at the food court to a variety café and full-service bars scattered throughout the property and easy access to dining outlets in Murphy downtown. The hotel and the Casino’s smoke-free policy ensures a fresh and inviting atmosphere across both the casino and accommodations.
Located at 777 Casino Parkway, Murphy, NC, Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River is a different location than the Harrah’s Cherokee in Cherokee, NC, so please take note when planning your arrival. Whether you're unwinding in your room, enjoying fine dining, or experiencing the thrill of the casino floor, Harrah’s offers the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you!
Before making your reservation, review the whole event’s program to decide when you should check-in and check-out. Our suggestion for this event is check-in 9/11 (Thu) and check out 9/14 (Sun) – 3 nights.
LINK FOR RESERVATION: https://www.caesars.com/book/?propCode=CVR&action=FindRooms&groupcode=S09WILD
The number to call to make reservations directly with the property is 1-800-CAESARS. Guests should reference their group code to book at the group rate. Your group code is S09WILD
ROOMS
There are 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds with and without mountain view at first-come-first-serve basis until the rooms that we have blocked are sold-out. When booking you will see the average amount of $212 but the negotiated room rates are the same:
• Thursday night: $79
• Friday night: $279 (regular is $319 - $40 in savings here)
• Saturday night: $279 (regular is $319 – another $40 in savings here)
- Facility Fee: $24 total for 3 nights
- Taxes: $75.05 total for 3 nights
The Hotel offered to our group a complimentary $40.00 Free Play for each attendee to be used at the Casino. With the $80 in savings on rooms’ rate, that’s a $120 savings to the Porsche Club!
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Please note, the hotel will make every effort to fulfill your room preference requests; however, they are not guaranteed as rooms are assigned at check-in. Additional charges may apply for some requests. For accommodation preferences for the physically challenged, please call them at 1-800-CAESARS. The hotel requires that a credit card be presented upon check-in to cover any incidentals incurred by the guest. In addition to the room rate, there will be a hold placed on the card for $75.00 per night, which will be released upon checkout.
CANCELLATION & CHECK-IN: Property allows individual attendee cancellations without penalty up to seventy-two (72) hours prior to the attendee’s scheduled arrival date. Property will charge either the individual one (1) night’s guestroom rate plus tax for cancellations within seventy-two
(72) hours of the scheduled arrival date or failure of the individual attendee to check-in on the scheduled arrival date (each a “no-show”). Any remaining nights of a no-show reservation will be canceled without additional penalty.
Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM. Any departures after 11:00 AM are
subject to the full day charge.
This fee helps us create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. As a non-profit organization, these funds cover the costs of organizing such a high-quality event, from route planning, recognition runs and incidentals to supporting our lead drivers and volunteers who make it all happen. Included with your entry fee is a FREE event T-shirt ($30 value!) with both Men’s and Women’s fits available – select the size at WTRPCA.ORG - By contributing, you’re not only treating yourself to an amazing experience but also supporting the continued success of our club and its events. We welcome Porsche Club of America (PCA) members from all 149 regions across North America.
To pay the entry fee, follow this link: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/drachenfest-v-deals-gap-weekend-getaway--2025
Entry Fee refundable if cancelled 15 days prior the event.
PS.: During the check-out, there will be a field saying something like this: “Help keep Zeffy free for Wilderness Trail Region PCA 💜 (optional). Your generosity allows Wilderness Trail Region PCA to use Zeffy's 100% free fundraising and emailing platform with unlimited support, making your impact even stronger. (this extra contribution does not go to our organization. This is a donation to the payment platform Zeffy).
At the bottom of the payment form (below the T-shirt selection), you’ll find an optional field to donate directly to Wilderness Trail PCA. While not required, any extra contributions are greatly appreciated and go toward supporting our group:
One more way to help our club is ordering our exclusive event merchandise! We have Event Poster, T-Shirts, Keychains, YETI drinkware and more!
POSTER
Celebrate the spirit of Drachenfest V with this exclusive, high-quality 11x17 inch poster! Printed on premium matte paper with intricate detail, the design showcases a classic Porsche in full throttle, pursued by a fiery dragon racing across poker chips. Featuring bold colors and a dynamic layout, this poster is the perfect keepsake for any Porsche enthusiast. Whether displayed in your garage, office, or home, it will remind you of the unforgettable mountain drives.
Order here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/drachenfest-v-deals-gap-weekend-getaway--2025
T-SHIRT
Order your passenger’s T-Shirt. Men and Women fits available! Celebrate our Deals Gap Weekend Getaway with this high-quality, limited-edition event T-shirt! Made from premium Next Level® fabric, this shirt offers a soft, comfortable fit with durability to last you through countless adventures. Expertly screen-printed (printed locally by a family-owned business) with vivid, lasting colors, this shirt features a unique design inspired by the adventure, camaraderie, and excitement of our casino-hotel getaway weekend. Order here: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/drachenfest-v-deals-gap-weekend-getaway--2025
PS.: During the check-out, there will be a field saying something like this: “Help keep Zeffy free for Wilderness Trail Region PCA 💜 (optional). Your generosity allows Wilderness Trail Region PCA to use Zeffy's 100% free fundraising and emailing platform with unlimited support, making your impact even stronger. (this extra contribution does not go to our organization. This is a donation to the payment platform Zeffy).
Routes coming a few days before the event!
THURSDAY (09/11) – 95 mi. / 2:20h drive + stops
Peaks to Pints Drive – Thursday – 1:15 p.m.
From mountain peaks to Bavarian brews at Hofbräuhaus, it’s the perfect journey. Helen, GA, is calling—a charming Bavarian-style town in the northeast Georgia mountains, surrounded by vineyards, scenic trails, and waterfalls. It’s the perfect backdrop for some exhilarating driving and good times with friends.
We’ll kick off the fun Thursday at 1:15 p.m. in the hotel parking lot for a scenic and thrilling drive you won’t forget. We will drive through the Brasstown Bald Mountain, the highest point in Georgia, followed by a quick restroom pit stop at Smithgall Woods State Park. From there, we hit the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway, winding through the gorgeous Chattahoochee National Forest. We’ll take a quick break at an overlook to soak up the breathtaking views before jumping back on the road. Next, we conquer the legendary Blood Mountain—a must-drive for anyone who loves mountain roads. If you were with us last summer, you’ll remember how exhilarating this stretch is!
The drive wraps up with dinner at Hofbräuhaus Restaurant in Helen. It’s a slice of Germany in Georgia with authentic Bavarian vibes, beautiful riverside dining, and murals that’ll transport you straight to Europe. We’ll aim to hit happy hour and dinner around 5:00 p.m. The drive itself is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, covering roughly 95 miles, with two 20-minute stops. This route is Porsche paradise: curve after curve, like a rollercoaster for car lovers. After dinner, it’s an easy 48-mile drive back to the hotel. Let’s hit the road, enjoy the curves, and wrap up the day with great food, friends, and vibes in Helen!
Hofbräuhaus Restaurant: https://www.hofbrauhaushelenga.net/
FRIDAY (09/12) – 222 mi. / 5:40h drive + stops
Thrill of the Dragon Drive – Friday – 8:00 a.m.
Get ready for 222 miles of pure adrenaline through some of America’s best sports car roads! We’ll kick things off on US-129N towards Robbinsville, then hit some top-secret, palm-sweating mountain backroads—we won’t even name them to spoil the fun. From there we’ll cruise through the engineering marvel of Fontana Dam. Next up: the twisty Hellbender, where the road dances with the land’s contours. But that’s just the warm-up! The legendary Tail of the Dragon awaits—11 miles of 318 curves that’ll challenge your skills and leave you grinning. After conquering the Dragon, we’ll roll into 129 HUB for lunch, where you can snag cool souvenirs while refueling yourself.
Then, we climb to the Top of the World—the epic Foothills Parkway. This 33-mile stretch offers breathtaking views, tight curves, and elevation changes that’ll keep your focus sharp. After a quick gas and restroom stop in Townsend, we’ll do it all again: back down the Foothills Parkway, another run at the Tail of the Dragon, and a second pass through the Hellbender
and we will then shift gears onto the scenic Moonshiner 28, winding our way toward Murphy. This drive is a marathon of epic curves, mountain views, and unforgettable scenery. Drivers will love the challenge, and passengers? A visual feast of beauty around every corner. Get ready for a day packed with adventure, Porsche passion, and roads that’ll leave you speechless. This is what driving dreams are made of!
SATURDAY (09/13) – 206 mi. / 5:07h drive + stops – Radio Channel 5.0
Skyway Soar – Saturday – 8:15 a.m.
Buckle up for the " Skyway Soar" a Porsche drive that’s straight out of a dream! We’ll kick things off heading toward Robbinsville via US-129N, warming up for what’s next: the stunning Cherohala Skyway. This 41-mile stretch is the ultimate playground for those who crave sweeping curves and jaw-dropping views. Starting at 2,660 ft in North Carolina, climbing to 5,390 feet at Santeetlah Overlook and dropping to 900 ft in Tennessee. We’ll definitely stop for some epic photo ops at the scenic pull-offs while we ride this rollercoaster.
Feeling hungry? We'll take a break for lunch at Iron Works Grill and La Loteria before heading back for round two on the Cherohala Skyway —it’s just that good! After a quick pit stop in Robbinsville, we’ll hit the roads around Lake Santeetlah, leading us to the thrilling “Chasing the Dragon Hillclimb.” This twisty, heart-racing route rewards you with spectacular views at the top.
To wrap things up, we’ll cruise through the exciting Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and tackle the long stretches of US-129N as we head back to the hotel. Covering 206 miles, this drive is pure Porsche bliss, mixing adrenaline-pumping roads with picture-perfect scenery. The Skyway Soar isn’t just a drive—it’s an experience you won’t forget!
SUNDAY (09/14) – 180 mi. / 5:07h drive + stops – Radio Channel 5.0
Sunday Wanderlust – Sunday – 8:30 a.m.
Get ready for a day packed with adventure and stunning roads! We’ll kick things off heading into the lush Nantahala National Forest, carving through the mountains via Wayah Road—a 30-mile hidden gem. This secret passage winds along a whitewater river, offering scenic beauty at every turn. While you won’t get big mountain views, the peaceful ride over the mountain tops more than makes up for it. From there, we’ll venture onto less-traveled roads like Ellijay Road and Tilley Creek Road. These routes are pure gold for anyone who loves a forest-lined drive. As we climb higher, the residential areas disappear, and it’s just you, the road, and the trees. It’s a narrow stretch, with few places to pull off, but it’s made to be driven. Our lunch stop will be in Cullowhee before we tackle the Wolf Mountain area in Pisgah National Forest—a dream for twisty-road junkies! With sharp technical turns and little traffic, it’s a driver’s playground nestled in the middle of nowhere. After conquering these epic roads, we’ll retrace our path through Ellijay and Tilley Creek Roads, stopping in Franklin for a quick break before hitting the famous Moonshiner 28. This stretch offers everything: twisties, wide sweepers, and jaw-dropping scenery. Our drive wraps up at the intersection of Moonshiner 28 and US-74 in Bryson City. From there, it’s an easy 38 miles of highway west back to the hotel. For the Wilderness Trail lead cars, it’s 150 miles east to home, but we’ll end this amazing weekend with smiles all around!
Don't forget to bring a radio (2-Way radio/WalkieTalkie/FRS Radio). Even if you think you won't need it! The BaoFeng UV-5R 8-Watt Ham Radio BaoFeng Radio with Extra 1800mAh Battery is less than $40 on Amazon and it is our recommendation for events like this.
Other models recommended are: Radioditty FS-T1 and Midland LXT630VP3.
We will use channel 5.0 / Frequency 462.662 and if you got a BAOFENG UV-5R and can’t get it on frequency 462.662, let us know and we will send you the instructions – it’s easy!
Self-Service Routes offer alternatives for those who chose not to participate in the organized guided drives or just wish to head on your own for a few hours or a day. These drives offer the flexibility to go when and where you want at your own pace. Note that on self-service routes, you’re on your own and not part of the PCA event, therefore, PCA insurance is not applicable.
Start your day with a relaxed morning cruise along US 64 East, setting the tone for an unforgettable drive. After a smooth start, we’ll turn onto Wayah Road—a 30-mile stretch of pure driving bliss filled with twists and turns that’ll have you wide awake! Along the way, we’ll take a well-deserved break by the scenic Nantahala River, perfect for stretching your legs and snapping some photos. The next section offers a more laid-back cruise, giving you time to soak in the scenery before the real fun begins. We’ll hit the best part of NC 28 South, heading toward Franklin, where we’ll stop for a hard-earned lunch to refuel both you and your Porsche.
But don’t get too comfortable—there’s still plenty of excitement ahead! The final stretch combines NC 28 and US 64, delivering more thrilling twists and turns as we make our way back to the hotel. On the way, we’ll stop at the Shooting Creek Scenic Overlook, offering epic views and ample parking to capture the moment. This drive is the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and stunning scenery!
Route: Coming a few days before the event!
Get ready to wind through the hidden mountain roads of Murphy, exploring the Owl Creek area with its twisty, low-traffic gems. Kicking things off on Hanging Dog and Beaver Dam roads, you will cruise to Hiwassee Lake for a quick stop at the Hiwassee Dam—perfect for taking in the stunning views. From there, you will hit NC-294 and head north via TN-68, a beautiful route filled with rolling country landscapes, creeks, and charming small towns. By the time you reach Tellico Plains, you’ll be ready for lunch. Next comes the crown jewel: the 41-mile Cherohala Skyway, a thrilling ride of uninterrupted curves and breathtaking vistas. Known as "a drive among the clouds," this route climbs to over 5,400 feet, offering sweeping corners and tight hairpins that will test your skills—so keep your wits about you! Don’t forget to pull over at the scenic overlooks to soak in the views. After conquering the Skyway, make a pit stop in Robbinsville for gas and a quick break. The final stretch takes you on US-129S and US-74, offering a more relaxed drive to enjoy the scenery and unwind as you head back to the hotel. This 150-mile journey is an unforgettable mix of adrenaline, stunning landscapes, and Porsche perfection—truly one of the best drives in the country!
Route: Coming a few days before the event!
Looking for a shorter, laid-back drive close to the hotel? This one's for you! Explore the hidden mountain roads of Murphy, starting with the twisty, low-traffic gems of Hanging Dog and Beaver Dam roads. You’ll cruise over to Hiwassee Lake for a quick stop at the Hiwassee Dam—perfect for soaking in some breathtaking views. From there, the drive takes you back to Unicoi Turnpike. Instead of looping back via Beaver Dam Road, you’ll follow Unicoi Turnpike all the way to Murphy’s downtown. This stretch is just as thrilling as the start, with plenty of fun curves to keep you on your toes! Once in Murphy, you’ll find plenty of great spots to grab a bite before heading back to the hotel. It’s a shorter drive, but it packs in plenty of smiles as you enjoy the curvy mountain roads in your Porsche without the hassle of traffic.
Route: Coming a few days before the event!
We made plans for group dinner on THURSDAY, leaving FRIDAY and SATURDAY open to you to go anywhere you want. Find below some suggestions of restaurants that you can go on FRIDAY and SATURDAY.
The Landing Café – 0 miles: Don't want to drive to dinner? Have a low-key dinner on-site at The Landing Café, located just off the casino floor. The best part? No need to drink with moderation!
DOWNTOWN MURPHY – All restaurants located about 5 miles away from the Hotel:
BREWERIES in Murphy Downtown:
Mark ‘Going’ on our Facebook* event after you RSVP using the form below: https://www.facebook.com/events/594436653001059
* You must RSVP using the form below to be part of this event. Responding ‘Going’ on Facebook does not place you in the event attendees list.
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Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/WTRPCA.ORG
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilderness_trail_porsche_club/
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