After about 2 miles, take a right onto Little River Road (TN 73) at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and continue all the way into Townsend (US 321 West).

Take US 411 S from downtown into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Directions to the Tail of the Dragon from GatlinburgĬoming from Gatlinburg, TN, the quickest way to reach the Tail of the Dragon is as follows: The road has even been featured in a number of movies, including Thunder Road, Two-Lane Blacktop, The Fugitive, and In Dreams. Over the years, more and more bikers have discovered the thrills of riding the Tail of the Dragon. Deals Gap is a mountain pass along the Tail of the Dragon at the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. The Tail of the Dragon came to national attention in the 1990s when motorcycle enthusiast Doug Snavely launched the Deals Gap Hot Lap newsletter and formed the Deals Gap Riding Society. Route 129 was paved around 1934 and existed in relative obscurity for the next half-century.

Route 129 is BornĪfter years of collecting tolls along the path (with the threat of hanging for those who did not pay up), the trail was converted into a road. The grave of Bas Shaw, a victim of one of these attacks, can be seen around mile 6.5 of the Tail of the Dragon. During the Civil War, the notorious Kirkland Bushwhackers, a gang of deserters, would ambush Union troops along the trail. When the Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced the Native Americans to leave the Smoky Mountains, many Cherokee used the Tail of the Dragon to hide from the soldiers enforcing the law. The Cherokee used the trail for hundreds of years, and Euro-American settlers began hunting and trapping along the route in the early 1700s. Much of the 11-mile route was worn down by herds of buffalo roaming across the unspoiled frontier. While the present-day Tail of the Dragon is frequented by bikers and motorists, centuries ago, it hosted very different travelers. For a taste of what it’s like to ride US 129, check out a few seconds of this motorcycle video: With its thrilling twists and turns, the road takes its name from its resemblance to a curvy dragon’s tail. The Tail of the Dragon attracts around 250,000 bikers each year-and it’s easy to see why! Bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, this road has no houses, driveways, businesses, or intersecting roads.

To help you make the most of your next vacation, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know about riding the Tail of the Dragon. Featuring 318 curves, this winding mountain road is unlike anywhere else in the world. Route 129 has become a hugely popular destination for motorcyclists and sports car drivers. The sheer 37 deaths occurred between 20.If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure in the Smoky Mountains, it’s hard to beat the Tail of the Dragon! This 11-mile section of U.S. Anyways, be cautious, as there have been some fatalities recorded on the Dragon. The time needed will depend on how you drive as well as the overall traffic. So you can complete a one-way trip in about 30 minutes. The speed limit on the road is 30 miles per hour (48 kph). How long does it take to ride the Tail of the Dragon However, the cold season has one advantage-good visibility on the curves since the trees are leafless. During winter, the weather on the road can be harsh and unpredictable with occasional heavy snowfalls, blizzards, and icy conditions. Best time to drive Tail of the DragonĮven though the Dragon's Tail Road could remain open throughout the year, the best time to use the road is from April to October due to safe road conditions and mild mountain temperatures. Some of the sharpest curves of the road have their own names: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Hog Pen Bend, Shade Tree Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Mud Corner, Beginner's End, and Brake or Bust Bend. The twisting ride runs from the North Carolina/Tennessee border (Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC) and finishes in front of Chilhowee Lake, TN. The drive is also called Tapoco Road in NC and Calderwood Highway in TN. Route 129 in Blount County, Tennessee, and Swain County, North Carolina. The Tail of the Dragon is located at Deals Gap and is a part of U.S.

Tail of the dragon