You can stay in Maryville, TN which is NW. There are lots of chain motels there. Too far away from the good riding IMHO.
Punkin Center is rustic, with cabins and a bar, about 7-8 miles from the north end of the Dragon. I have stayed there. Quiet and rustic.
The Deals Gap store has a motel attached, but it fills up early. I have stayed there several times, pretty Spartan, lots of racket.
There are several motels/campgrounds in Robbinsville, NC, 18 miles south of the Dragon Store, which is close to all of the good riding.
The best places I have stayed in that area are:
The Ironhorse Campground in Stecoah, NC, on Hwy 28 . You have a choice of separate rooms, bunkhouse, or camping. Very nice place.
My absolute favorite is the San-Ran Motel in Robbinsville, NC (828)479-3256. I stay at this place all the time. This is a mom and pop operation that caters to motorcycles in a big way. Nothing fancy, but clean, cool, comfortable rooms and a reasonable price. There is plenty of parking for vehicles pulling trailers, and you can park your bike right under the awning next to your room. They even furnish rags to clean your MC with. They have Wifi. All rooms are ground level. Easy walking distance to food. As Uncle Phil says, Lynn's Place is the place to eat.