tail of the dragon motorcycle trip

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The Dragon Motorcycle Ride - World Famous Motorcycle Road (AKA Deals Gap Motorcycle Ride)

The Dragon – Legendary Motorcycle Ride

The Tail of the Dragon, also known as simply “ The Dragon ” (or by a name that seems to be fading away over the years – Deal’s Gap (see the other names the road goes by)) is the most famous motorcycle road in the world.  Having typed that, there isn’t a fool proof method for me to prove that but I can tell you that it is regularly the #1 rated route on MotorcycleRoads.com (you can always see an updated listing of the best motorcycle roads in the USA ).  Despite the mega-size fame that it enjoys, it is not a long route by any means but actually a peculiarly short route at only 11-miles.  But, never is the Dragon’s road length to be mention without including the number of curves as has been immortalized by its obligatory catchphrase – “318 curves in 11 miles!”  But despite the motorcycle ride length’s ‘small stature,’  the route draws countless numbers of riders AND drivers of all types of vehicles to include sports cars, Slingshots, Can-Am Spyders, etc., etc.  The Dragon has been featured on MotorcycleRoads.com for many years and has accumulated a 100s of reviews which include rider comments and advice (note: they are ordered by the comments riders find to be most helpful so you won’t have to sift through hundreds to find the best), photos and videos.  The Dragon always competes well with its main competitors being: The Three Sisters in Texas, The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia & North Carolina, and Beartooth Pass on the Wyoming & Montana border.  

What do you call the most famous motorcycle road in the world?

Over the years I have heard so many different names for this road, I wanted to come up with a way of determining if there is one that is simply more common/popular than the others.  As I say in the intro paragraph, the route goes by many many names:  The Tail of the Dragon, The Dragon, Deals Gap, The Dragon’s Tail.  This is not to mention that the route officially has none of those names per the Federal or State/Local governments.  But, even that is a confusing topic as it is designated by the Federal Government as US Hwy 129.  However, it is designated by the state of Tennessee as Route 115.  And, yet you will find that it also is a section of the Alcoa Highway.  Setting aside the government references to this name, I determined that a fair and objective measure of what the route is called by most people could be resolved by turning to the all powerful and mighty Google.  So what I did was perform searches on each one of the names and recorded the results (When you do a search on Google, it displays the number of websites/pages it has registered for that search phrase).  So to do this, I searched on each of the names (i.e., Tail of the Dragon, Deals Gap, The Dragon, and The Dragon's Tail) and specifically added to each of the searches the phrase "motorcycle road " ... so for example, to see the search results for Tail of the Dragon I searched I entered “The Tail of the Dragon motorcycle road” and documented the results.  The reason for adding this extra search phrase was to attempt to weed out false results.  For example, when I run a search simply on the phrase: “Tail of the Dragon” I get 204 MILLION RESULTS (as opposed to the search on "Tail of the Dragon motorcycle ride" that produces only 1,990,000 ... only 1% of the larger results)!  This includes results for websites that cover information on mythological dragon’s there tails and even things like the tails of Komodo Dragons!).  So after searching on all the names of this famous motorcycle road floating around out there, here are the results:

Enter The Dragon!

So after answering the question as to what is the most common name for the most popular motorcycle road in the world, I want to make sure you understand just a little bit about how the road got the name and explain a little about the confusion around the name. I say a little, because I simply only know a little about this (so if you are someone who has some good knowledge of this, please contact me by clicking on the Feedback button at the top of the site and sending me a message…I’ll update the article as more info comes in).  But what I do know is that originally, the route went by the simpler name Deals Gap.  The term “ Gap ,” by the way, is a term used to mark a low area between two high mountain peaks and many roads that pass through mountainous areas will designate a point along the path where the road reaches its highest altitude typically as it passes over a “gap” (or “pass”) in between higher surrounding mountain peaks (the Cumberland Gap comes to mind as a famous/key-historical “gap” in the USA).  This route began attracted riders simply on word of mouth (keep in mind, this is long before the Internet was around to make information like this much more easily accessible) and somewhere along the line the notion that the route followed the path of the spikes on the tail of a dragon began to become a common sentiment and therefore – The “Tail of the Dragon” started to take hold.  Over the years as the word of this route started to spread, the association with this route’s curvy path to a dragon’s tail has become more lost, and the Dragon aspect of the name has shown more staying power and so the name has been shortened and – “The Dragon” has, by far, become the most dominant title applied to this world famous motorcycle road as reflected in the chart above. 

The Dragon Motorcycle Ride’s Location

The Tail of the Dragon is located in southeastern Tennessee and technically starts at the Tennessee, North Carolina border on US 129.  Note: It is a common misnomer that part of it is in North Carolina but as I said, it actually starts on the Tennessee side of the NC/TN border and goes north into TN.  For the longest time on this website, I had it listed as comprising of road in both states but have cleaned that fact up recently.  (Keep in mind however, that since its southern endpoint is on the border that many motorcycle riders get to it from North Carolina and by the fact that motorcycle riders riding south inevitably end up in North Carolina as they complete the route, it does have the feel that it is in both states).  If you are starting the route at that southern most point (TN/NC border) you’ll technically be at a place marked as Deal’s Gap on most maps. Traveling from there North, along those precious 11-miles, and blissful 318 curves, you’ll be in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest.  The scenery in the local area is truly beautiful but truth be told, the scenery along the actual Tail of the Dragon drive will be muted as the route is nestled in thick forest with minimal opportunities for expansive views of the local area’s mountains.  But that really doesn’t matter as riders who have ridden the Dragon will tell you, you simply will have to keep your eyes on the road, its curves, and other traffic as it is too technical to take chances gazing at the scenery because you might end up becoming one of the Dragon’s  statistics if you do so. 

The Dragon Motorcycle Ride – Slayer of Many Motorcycle Riders

On that point, the Dragon motorcycle ride slays it’s share of riders each year! On the topic of safety, motorcycle riders need to understand that there are a handful of deaths EACH YEAR and even some websites that keep track of the Tail of the Dragon annual deaths and provide info on location and vehicle, etc., so plan to stay off those lists by focusing on your driving!  The state of Tennessee has over the years tried to make changes/improvements aimed at improving safety, including banning large vehicles from traveling on the road (those longer than 30-feet) and even added berms designed to reduce the chances of bikers who go off the side of a cliff/hill in event of an accident.  And, signage and paved pull-outs have been added to both advise and encourage drivers to drive safely and allow for safer ways for traffic to pull over off the road, if when needed.  As you can imagine, if a motorcycle ride sees multiple deaths per year, then it must see a lot of lesser severe accidents that do not show up in fatality statistics.  In fact, there so many motorcycle accidents over the years that a “Tree of Shame” has taken shape as a place where pieces of motorcycles adorn the tree and area around it as a testament to all the “unsuccessful rides” … you’ll see many photos or riders in front of this tree with mostly smiling faces simply wanting to capture a selfie in front of the tree … occasionally you’ll see a few non-smiling faced photos of riders who pose before the tree shortly after personally adding to its “decorations.” As far as road conditions go, the road is well kept up (probably because the state and local towns realize what a money machine it is in bringing in so many riders from across the country and world) yet according to TailOfTheDragon.com , the last time the route has been paved was 2002.  That site also dispels a rumor that the civic authorities plan to install speed bumps! (again, they confirm that there is no such plan to do so!). 

The Dragon Motorcycle Road in Tennessee – also a big draw for sports car enthusiasts!

The route is so remote and impractical for commercial traffic that local traffic will be minimal however, with the motorcycle ride’s rise in fame and notoriety, it generally draws motorcycle and other performance vehicles such as sports cars and the new hybrid vehicles such as Slingshots and Can-Am Spyders.   These vehicles that take on the road can result in crowded driving conditions on some weekends, and holiday periods throughout the summer as riders/drives come in from all parts of the country and world.  Large semi trucks are technically banned from using the route but that doesn’t means some won’t take the route anyway which results in a significate hazard for riders as these big trucks simply can’t navigate many of the tighter turns and use only their lane so be aware that is a possibility, albeit a remote one.  A great attribute about the motorcycle road is that you will have to contend with minimal “buzz-killing” road intersections and driveways. Due to its rural setting, the road also can be a spot for local wildlife to cross and riders have seen some pretty big animals along their drives such as bear, dear, wild boar, and all your to be expected yet smaller animals such as raccoons and squirrels.

The Dragon Motorcycle Ride Attracts Many for its Beauty

The ride is positioned in the Smoky Mountain Region of Southeastern Tennessee.  You'll be near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as driving through a very beautiful river valley including the Calderwood Dam and the Calderwood Lake that the dam created.  The area's beauty not only attracts motorcycle riders but also pulls in an acasional movie set as some movies have used local area scenery for the settings in movies and TV shows.  For example, the old (yet great film if you haven’t seen it) Harrison Ford film – The Fugitive, 1993 , had a couple of key scenes were filmed in this area (the awesome scene where Harrison Ford’s character is cornered by a US Marshal (played by another great actor, Tommy Lee Jones) and jumps down the front of dam to escape , and the train wreck scene in the movie).  Again, the TailOfTheDragon.com website does a great job of covering a lot of facts and trivia about the road and so if you’re, interested, suggest you give that site a visit.  

Tail of the Dragon Is Near Other Great Motorcycle Roads Too!

Another MAJOR BONUS of riding the Dragon is that you are in the midst of simply some of the best motorcycle rides in the world.  The map above shows you just how many motorcycle roads are in the area and many of them are state leading routes as depicted with the colors and explained in the color key.  For example, a perennial favorite (and rapidly growing in motorcycle rider popularity) and just to the south of the Tail of the Dragon is the nearby Cherohala Skyway which is a route that shares equal portions of Tennessee and North Carolina pavement as it starts in the west in Tellico Plains, TN and heads east Robbinsville, NC.  Truth be told, and I don’t want to rain on the Tail of the Dragon’s parade here, but if you go through many of the rider comments on the Cherohala Skyway, you’ll see that many compare the route to the Dragon and many prefer the Skyway (a portion of that opinion I’m sure is related to the fact when something is so famous that there are always folks who will gravitate to finding fault and looking for reasons to praise an alternative/competitor).  And another rider favorite motorcycle road in the area is the awesome Hellbender 28; is always one of the most popular roads in North Carolina and is conveniently located just a few miles from the southern end of the Tail of the Dragon’s starting point.  And, I need to also mention that there is another very popular motorcycle ride in the area and this one is to the north of the northern most point of the Tail of the Dragon and in Tennessee called – the Foothills Parkway .   And that’s the beauty of the Dragon … it is not only an incredible motorcycle ride but also it is in the middle of some of the best riding country on the planet so a trip to Deals Gap will present you with tons of other great motorcycle riding opportunities in the wonderful Appalachian mountain area .  

The Famous Tail Of The Dragon Is Spawning Other Dragon Pieces Around the Country

The Dragon in fact has gained so much fame and notoriety that there are many routes popping up all around the country that attempt to compare themselves or in some way affiliate themselves with the Tail of the Dragon.  Some have gone so far to have official state governments endorse their names and help promote their location to riders around the world.  The ones gaining the most traction are a three “other Dragon” named motorcycle routes found in Virginia and West Virginia: the Claw, Back, and Head of the Dragon .  The motorcycle rides are described briefly below as well as links to the routes official websites. 

-The Claw of the Dragon is found in the southwestern corner of Virginia and technically a collection of 5 loops.  The largest loop is called the outerloop and covers a massive 237-miles of beautiful roads!  Additionally, this road , as the other three "pieces of the dragon," has an official Claw of the Dragon website .   

-The Head of the Dragon is found just a bit to the north, this time in the southwestern corner of West Virginia and this route travels through an area absolutely peppered with Appalachian foothills for a wonderful 91-mile loop.  The site also has an official Head of the Dragon website where you can learn about the route and the annual Head of the Dragon ride each year in September.

-The Back of the Dragon to the south and over the boder into the southwestern corner of Virginia actually is surrounded by the Claw of the Dragon described above.  This route is not a loop like the two above but takes riders on an awsome 32-mile ride among three prominent mountain peaks and purpotedly offers 438-curves and takes riders up to elevations of 3,500 feet above sea level and is described and photographed very will at the official Back of the Dragon website .  

 Helpful Video Guides to the Dragon

The first video below provides a nice quick video taken while riding the Dragon along with some commentary about why the rider enjoys the ride so much.

The second video is more of a list of helpful tips and safety warnings for those who are going to ride the Dragon.  

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Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road.

Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Can you brave it? It’s best to be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon is guaranteed to be the ride of your life.

The nearby Cherohala Skyway is quickly becoming a destination too, with its remote 60 miles of breathtaking scenic mountain highway. The area also has other incredible roads like the Moonshiner 28 , Foothills Parkway , Smoky Mountain Loop , Devils Triangle , Blue Ridge Parkway , The Gambler NC209 , Diamondback 226, Devil's Staircase , Six Gap North Georgia , The Snake US421 and many Great Forest Service Dual Sport and Jeep Roads .

The Complete History of US 129 from Chiefland, FL to Knoxville, TN by Ron Johnson 2020

STORM UPDATE

The eye of Hurricane Helene passed over the Tail of the Dragon as the storm raged to our east and west. We actually could see the sun in the minutes it passed. Oddly this left our area virtually untouched compared to other areas in North Carolina and Tennessee. Visitors headed this way should carefully plan their route to get here, but all of our roads near the Dragon are fine.

Tail of the Dragon Store

Tail of the Dragon offers custom signs in both street sign and shield format. You can add a photo too. What a great way to remember your trip to the Dragon. 

Find your swag for all the great roads including Cherohala Skwyay, Tail of the Dragon, Moonshiner 28, Devils Triangle, Six Gap, Diamondback and more. 

Upcoming 2024 Events

From official rallies with hundreds of attendees to a small gathering of friends, our region is ready to host your group. Let us help you plan your event.

Dragon Web Cams

Current Highlights

Find your photos online at Killboy.com

Tail of the Dragon

TAIL OF THE DRAGON AT DEALS GAP, 318 curves in 11 miles, America's #1 motorcycle and sports car road. Plus other area twisties. www.TailoftheDragon.com www.Cherohala.com www.devilstriangletn.com www.moonshiner28.com

Current conditions on the Tail of the Dragon ! If you're waiting for the perfect views, now is the time to make your way to see these stunning colors. ... See More See Less

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Heading your way.....beautiful shots!!

Is the road open ? As I tried a google maps and told me theirs a part that is blocked off/closed roads ? I am heading back there in November

Be there tomorrow !!!

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Autumn is in full swing here near the Tail of the Dragon. Serene and pristine, Sweetwater Cabin is a one-of-a-kind, secluded, log-sided, two-bedroom creek-front cabin that offers pastoral views of the mountains in a park-like setting that invigorates the senses. Easy access makes this gorgeous property an ideal getaway for car and motorcycle enthusiasts to cruise the nearby scenic highways including Cherohala Skyway, Tail of the Dragon, Hellbender 28, and countless others. A circle drive and one-car carport allow for multiple vehicles, cycles, or trailers. During your stay, explore nearby waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails. Take in the cool mountain air as you walk along the rustling creek. Cross the quaint bridge and play horseshoes with family and friends. Go fly fishing just steps behind the cabin or gather around the fire pit, listen to the flowing waters, and watch the mountains change colors at sunset. Sweetwater Cabin sleeps 5 (two queen beds and a couch/rollaway bed). Features include fully stocked kitchen, Starlink Wi-Fi, Smart TV, washer and dryer, and covered porch with grill and outdoor dining. Discover the beauty of the Smokies in a timeless property just minutes from Robbinsville, NC and convenient to grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. The mountains are calling, and you must go to Sweetwater Cabin. The calendar is filling up fast, so book your stay now! VRBO: t.vrbo.io/UmGFz5eG5yb Airbnb: www.airbnb.com/rooms/859660509332722073?check_in=2023-05-24&check_out=2023-05-26&guests=1&adults=... PLEASE NOTE: Area roads are open and clear. Your maps might show US129 closed, but the closure is in reference to semi truck traffic - not normal vehicle traffic. This cabin and the surrounding area suffered no damage during the storm. We look forward to welcoming you. ... See More See Less

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I’ve stayed here before. Great location, clean and comfortable. , beautiful setting. Has a carport, too. Hosts were great. The only downside was slow Wi-Fi. Other than that you’ll enjoy your stay here.

Can the tail of dragon be done on a tri glide ultra, or would not be fun

It's a new chapter for our friends over at Fontana Village Resort & Marina and there have been some pretty significant upgrades. If you've been curious about the change, Autumn the perfect time to check it out. - They introduced the Killboy.com collection of cabins. These cabins feature drive-in, drive-out blacktop from the heart of the village with decor inspired by our curvy roads and touches by the official Killboy.com team! You'll find dragon inspired works, a handy spot to hang up your leathers, a fire pit for gathering around, and even space for the crew to park within steps of your stay. - They've introduced Quill's Canteen (formerly the Wildwood Grill) and Hazel's (formerly The Bistro) with menu items inspired by the region and those all-American classics. You now have a fast-casual option and a little more elevated option depending on your speed. So, if you're trying to fuel up between runs, Quill's is for you. If your hoping to watch the sunset over the smokies, head on up to Hazel's. - Fuel up or grab some gear 24/7 at the General Store. We've all been there . . . it's 2 am and you need a snack, or a bandaid, or you need to check in late because you got stuck in traffic. Well, the General Store is now open 24/7 at Fontana Village for anything you may find yourself needing. - They completed a full renovation of the historic lodge on the hill and it's beautiful. Check out the pictures below. There are new gathering spaces, updated rooms, and definitely a new, mountain vibe. - They have begun updates / renovations on cabins and completed 14 during their phase one renovations. Ask for the "Wonderlands or the Killboy.com collection" when booking. - And how about the Dam Garage? Formerly the Pit Stop, they have beer on tap, package sales, souvenirs, live music on most Fridays, and a good vibe for hanging with your group. Stop in between runs for fuel, food, and a place to relax. - If horses are your thing, they've brought those back seasonally, too. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required but nothing fancy. You can check out the views from a different perspective. - When you've ridden the roads and the trails, be sure to make some time for a day on the lake. They have a brand new fleet of boats and these are not your crummy rentals. These are the good ones. You can fish, relax, or join one of their sunset cruises. Alrighty, what did we miss? Rome wasn't built in a day but they sure seem to be rolling out the red carpet for groups and gearing up for great things. Hope you enjoy your stay! Book Killboy.com cabin here: bookings.travelclick.com/116041?RatePlanId=8935086&roomtypeid=541253#/guestsandrooms OR learn more about Fontana Village Resort & Marina here: www.fontanavillage.com/motorsports ... See More See Less

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Our group used to stay there, great place but as expected with the renovations, they increased the prices substantially, a little too much for our liking. We had to find alternate lodging as we prefer to stay multiple days and just could justify the new priceses. Sadly.

Did they fix the chargers?

Enjoyed staying there for clogging competitions with my kids years ago.

Current views on the Tail of the Dragon ! Drop your autumn photos in the comments below. ... See More See Less

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My boyfriend but the colors are awesome!

Just there yesterday it was gorgeous

Yeah, like riding through a Bob Ross painting, it was Sunday.

As you make autumn/winter travel plans, be sure to explore these incredible getaway spots in Robbinsville, Gatlinburg, Panama City Beach, and even Shelbyville, KY. Grab all the detail and start planning here: 5starvacays.com Our friends at www.5starvacays.com are including a 10% donation to hurricane recovery with a stay at any of their properties through the end of the year. In their own words: “It has been a tough year, but considering all those who have lost everything, we are truly blessed and want to continue supporting our community.” PLEASE NOTE: Area roads are open and clear. Your maps might show US129 closed, but the closure is in reference to semi truck traffic - not normal vehicle traffic. ... See More See Less

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what roads are opened to get there from SC? Should we take 28 from Clemson?

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There are a wide variety of accommodations in our area. These range from basic tent camping to exclusive mountain top resorts.

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The Smoky Mountains Guided Motorcycle Tour

Ride Through Lush Woodland Scenes

Meet Fellow Riders

Ride the No.1 Motorcycle Road in the U.S.

A Guided Motorcycle Tour of The Great Smoky Mountains and The Carolinas

Join us for one of the top American motorcycle tours , do not worry, Smoky Mountain motorcycle rides do not disappoint! The Tail of the Dragon motorcycle ride is famous for its 318 curves in the space of 11 miles , no intersecting roads and it has been named the number 1 motorcycle road in the U.S. See the forests of the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains in early fall , the deep greens slowly turning  are a sight to see!

Ride the number one motorcycle touring road in the U.S. the Tail of the Dragon, with 318 curves in 11 miles and no intersecting roads- this road should be on any rider’s bucket list!

Explore the wonders of the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains in early fall by motorcycle.

Cruise along Skyline Drive, a road that follows the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and one of the best spots to see the deep green leaves turn into fall foliage.

Visit Asheville, North Carolina, the city at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, famous for its historic architecture and thriving arts and craft beer scenes.

Meet other riders, form friendships, and keep in touch through the Bucket List Motorcycle Tour Club Meetup page and events.

Click the Tabs to Find out More

Trip details.

• Join the Club

Please see the Meetup site for current details

8 days (Saturday to Saturday): 6 riding days.

Meeting point

Massanutten Mountain Resort near McGaheysville, Virginia

Between 5 and 8 riders per riding group. We may have multiple groups on the same tour, but departure times will be staggered to avoid congestion.

Participation requirements

All riders must be over 18 and have a valid motorcycle license.

• Accommodations
• Rider Guide (the local route expert) and Tour Captain (trip organizer)

Not included

• Bike rental (if needed please inquire )
• Food and drink
• Trailer service ( please inquire for advice)

What to bring

• Weather-appropriate riding clothing (fall riding clothing and gloves may be required).
• A helmet with communications equipment is ideal, if you do not have one, we can work to assist you with rental or purchase.
• Comfortable walking shoes as this trip includes light hiking to sights and lookouts.

Good to know

• Riders can ride or trailer their own bikes to Virginia for our Saturday arrival at Massanutten. Contact us for advice about hitching a trailer ride.
• Some of our destination rides have a limit on the number of riders due to the availability of rental bikes, so please book early to secure your spot. 
• This ride will include some twisty roads and mountain riding with climbs and descents, it is appropriate for intermediate and advanced riders. 
• Two-up riding is not recommended for this trip.

1 x Tour Captain (organizer) 1 x Rider Guide (route and location expert) per every 8 riders

What to Expect From This Tour

  If you’re in search of the best motorcycle adventures or the most thrilling motorcycle tours the USA has to offer, look no further. The combination of the hills, curves, and straightaways of these mountain roads and the picture-perfect fall scenery is hard to beat. Famous roads such as The Tail of the Dragon and the Skyline Drive motorcycle route are high on the list of the great motorcycle rides in the U.S.

Not only will we make the most of the high-quality riding , but we will also visit interesting local cities like Asheville, North Carolina. A vibrant city known for its mountainous surroundings, quaint eclectic architecture, and its booming craft beer scene. We will sample the fine food of the region and taste local beers, bourbon, and moonshine too! At the end of the day’s riding, we will kick back in resorts, bed and breakfasts, lodges, and hotels.

More Adventures, Discounted Rates on Equipment, and Events

Join our community of riders on the hunt for an adventure! Do you have a bucket list of places you want to explore on two wheels but no one to go with? Being part of our free-to-join club means you have a network of like-minded people to accompany you on your dream trips. Not only that, but we also offer discounted rates on both clothing and equipmen t , provided by our partners and sponsors. In 2021, we will be touring in destinations selected by our club members .

We use MeetUp for club members to stay connected and up to date on upcoming rides and gatherings, as well as for the surveys on our ever-growing wish list of new bucket list rides . It’s the perfect place to meet new riding buddies and cultivate your passion for riding and travel.  

Answers to Your Questions

What do we do on the two extra days of the trip that are not riding days.

We always have a free day at the beginning and end of each trip. The first day is for flights to arrive, to check in to accommodations, to get acclimated, and pick up the bikes. We turn in the bikes the evening before the last day, then we relax and relive the week’s adventures before departing the next day.

Do you provide insurance?

Motorcycle rental companies provide insurance and you will need your own travel insurance too.

Is this trip suitable for all riding levels?

We don’t recommend this tour for beginner-level riders due to the twisty roads and mountain riding with climbs and descents.

Do we need to book our accommodations?

No, we will do that for you. If you would like a list of the places where we will be staying, please contact us.

How long is the ride time per day?

We typically ride for 6 hours a day, depending on the sightseeing and breaks along the way.

What is the cancellation policy on this tour?

To reserve your spot on a tour, we require a 20% deposit at the time of booking. The tour balance must be paid in full at least 45 days prior to departure.

• If you cancel more than 60 days before departure, the deposit will be refunded in full.
• If you cancel 45-60 days before departure, 50% of the deposit will be refunded.
• If you cancel within 44 days of departure, you forfeit the entire deposit and any funds we cannot recuperate from vendors.

Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page!

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• Tail of the Dragon

Joe Brown Highway

⇐ BACK This full day loop will take you on a mile high mountain road deep in the wilderness, close to a beautiful waterfall, a twisty two-lane back road, across a dam on a scenic lake, and wind around a back country road with rural views. Beginning in Robbinsville, North Carolina take NC 143 to…

Waucheesi Mountain – Dual Sport or 4wd

Two Great Dual Sport/Jeep Roads in the Cherokee National Forest of East Tennessee This route is suitable for adventurous intermediate riders on medium dual sports and experienced riders on large dual sports. We rode our KLX250s, but would have had no problem on our KLR650s or even on the unloaded CaporNord. A friend rode one of…

This 78-mile loop begins and ends in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. Highways include TN 39, TN 315, US 64 and TN 68.

Wagon Train/Stewart Cabin Road – Dual Sport or 4wd

Wagon Train/Stewart Cabin Road Enter this Forest Service gravel road (FR81) at Santeetlah Gap at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway in North Carolina at 2660 feet elevation. The road winds downhill and crosses Santeetlah Creek at 2234 feet elevation. This 12 mile trek then meanders along the Big Santeetlah Creek for most of the way…

Cherokee Heintooga Loop

Cherokee – Heintooga One-Way Loop, October 30, 2007 It was October 30, the last day of the year that this one-way gravel road loop through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be open. Nancy and I had wanted to try it for years but just hadn’t been able to find the time. Now the…

Cades Cove Parsons Branch

Cades Cove Loop is closed to motor vehicles on Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. from early May until late September each year to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the cove. Otherwise the road is open daily from sunrise until sunset. Parsons Branch Road is closed from November – February, for exact open…

Moonshiner28 Triple Loop

Moonshiner 28 and Other Great Roads 274 mile Triple Loop Leave Early and Take the Entire Day !! This loop begins and ends in Robbinsville and crosses four state lines in its 278 miles of excitement. Warning …. several stretches are technical and I would only recommend them to experienced riders. All of the route…

Western North Carolina Highlights

We took off for a few days in Nancy’s new Mustang GT to explore some of the roads that we have reported on before and we actually found a couple of new ones. We also discovered some great places to eat and some not so great. Our first stop in Asheville was to tour the…

Rock Slide 2010

⇐ BACK June 9, 2010: US 129 reopened !!! Construction and repair of US129 from the March rock slide completed 3 weeks ahead of schedule. THANK YOU TNDOT and Pacific Blasting & Demolition Ltd. May 10, 2010: Contractors are installing anchor bolts to stabilize the slide area. There is an incentive payment if the contractor…

Hot Springs

The Gambler AKA Rattler is a good riding option within an hour or two of the Dragon. If you are concerned about the LEOs on the Tennessee side of the line we suggest that you come to the Dragon, make a couple of passes at low speeds and then head for North Carolina where the…

North Georgia Ruby Run

North Georgia/NC Ruby Run March 2, 2008 Nancy and I got the KLRs out of mothballs. The batteries were weak after several months of sitting in the garage, but they both finally started. The weather had been perfect for a couple of days so we figures we had better take advantage before the next cold…

The Complete Six Gap 2005

The Complete Six Gap 2005 Nancy and I took off for a quick two day tour of the roads in North Georgia on our KLRs. At first we planned to do mostly gravel back roads but then changed our minds and decided to explore some of the paved roads we hadn’t been on in while.…

Devils Triangle 2007

Nancy and I made this run in March of 2007. We spent one night on the road on this 400 mile quick-trip. We called it “The Complete Devils Triangle” as we made several runs back and forth. We rode our KLR 650s which are Wheeler tuned, jetted and piped. They turn-out an amazing 41 hp…

North Carolina Loop

A Great North Carolina Loop – Updated January 2018 Summary From Robbinsville take US 129 north 18 miles Take NC 28 (Moonshiner 28) 10.6 miles south/east to Fontana Dam turn-off Take NC 1245 north 1.2 miles to Fontana Dam, then return to NC 28 Take NC 28 south/east 21 miles to US 19/74 Take US…

Clayton GA & Highlands NC

From Robbinsville take US 129 South to US 19. Take a right and continue South on US 129/19 to Andrews. At Andrews take a left on US 19 Business. Go through town and take a left onto Fairview Road (SR 1515) at the kink. South on Fairview to NC 141. Left on NC 141 to US 64. Take a…

Dragon Cherohala Loop

123 Miles/4 Hours Travel Time Beginning at the US 129/NC 28 intersection in North Carolina where the large metal dragon guards the highway, take US 129 north. The Tail of the Dragon begins in .7 miles at the North Carolina/Tennessee State Line. In the next 11 miles there are 318 curves of vary difficulty. The…

⇐ BACK 141 Miles/5 Hours Travel Time Beginning at the US 129/NC 28 intersection in North Carolina where the large metal dragon guards the highway, take US 129 north. The Tail of the Dragon begins in .7 miles at the North Carolina/Tennessee State Line. In the next 11 miles there are 318 curves of fun.…

Complete US129

DATE: October/November 2005 MOTORCYCLE: 2002 Aprilia Capo Norde, weight 474 pounds, 6.6 gallons fuel 39 pounds, 100 horsepower V-twin 1000 cc ADDED WEIGHT: Two riders plus gear weight 350 pounds, plus hard bags, tank bag, and soft bag on rear platform weighing 115 pounds, electronics 16 pounds. TOTAL WEIGHT FUELED BIKE AND ADD ONS: 994…

Smoky Mountain Dual Sport

Sometimes my job requires great sacrifice such as this dual sport ride across some of the best back roads in America with three female riders chasing me down. It’s not easy having these gals challenging me at every difficult corner and climb. The pressure was on me to give a good show for all male…

In Search of Moonshine

It was a cold January day when Nancy and I decided to take the day off and head to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in search of the various legal moonshines that are sold there. Leaving Robbinsville we head north on NC 143 and crossed Stecoah Gap. We were treated to a fabulous view of the vast Great…

Complete Moonshiner28

US 129 to Walhalla, SC In 2010 and 2015 Nancy and I made complete roadtrip/Run on the Moonshiner 28 from US 129 at the Tail of the Dragon to downtown Walhalla South Carolina. We had almost forgotten how good this road really is. Heading south from US 129 the road has some good twisties along…

Complete Devils Triangle 2014

This 44-mile loop is located northwest of Oak Ridge Tennessee and 24 miles west of Knoxville. It offers some touring excitement not found on many roads including the Tail of the Dragon. It forms a rough triangle consisting of two connecting roads TN 62/TN 330, and TN 116 where all the action is. Heading west…

Complete Diamondback 2010

The Diamondback is located in the area of Little Switzerland and the Blue Ridge Parkway about 50 miles north of Asheville, North Carolina. This 38 mile diamond shaped loop includes NC 226A, US 221, Toms Creek Road, NC 80 AKA the Devils Staircase and the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a great loop for motorcycles…

The Road to Nowhere ~ Bryson City

The creation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in the 1920s and 1930s resulted in many homesteaders being evicted from their lands. The construction of Fontana Dam (1942-44) created Fontana Lake which flooded the existing roadway NC288 and many of the small ghost towns along the route. What remained on the north side of…

Back of the Dragon & Claw of the Dragon 2014

Tazewell to Marion, Virginia In September of 2014 Nancy and I headed north into Virginia to explore the Back of the Dragon. A number of people have been asking about it and the trip was a good excuse to take a couple of days off. After several days of web browsing Nancy finally found a…

Tatham Gap Road

Tatham Gap Road from Robbinsville to Andrews, North Carolina has been reopened in August 2015 after three years of repair work. This is a great dual sport/Jeep route and can be driven by cars. It might be a little bumpy in spots, but most vehicles can handle it. We call this nine mile long road…

⇐ BACK A few weeks ago we got a call from our friend and motorcycle writer, Neale Bayly. He wanted us to plan a route and lead a couple of Aprilia exec’s on a backroads adventure from the Historic Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Neale would be compiling the adventure…

Appalachicola

Nancy and I attended the first annual Tour de Apalachicola, a gathering of KLRs and other dual port adventure riders. Attendees began gathering Thursday at the Indian Springs YMCA Camp located about near Wakulla Springs 15 miles south of downtown Tallahassee Florida . This area looked prime for some backwoods exploring with the 565,000 acre…

DAY ONE, learning how to negotiate in the desert sand: Sunday November 11, 2002, temperature in the mid-50’s at 10am We headed north on Terlingua Ranch road trying to get a feel for the bikes on this washboard shellrock road. We took a right on Marathon Road and headed northeast for the back entrance into…

Big South Fork

We took another couple of days off after the hard working summer of 07. We were still clearing our heads from the Tennesee Highway Patrol fiasco of July, August and September. We decided to explore the Big South Fork area of Tennessee and Kentucy. We had been in the area a number of times, but…

Brew Grass 2011

Western North Carolina Highlights We recently took off for a few days in Nancy’s new Mustang GT to explore some of the roads that we have reported on before and we actually found a couple of new ones. We also discovered some great places to eat and some not so great. Road details coming soon.…

In August of 2010 Nancy and I took a week to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive in depth. We started our trek at the southern end and worked our way north. PART 1 An excellent source for information about the Blue Ridge Parkway and many other routes are the Motorcycle Adventure books…

Blue Ridge Parkway 2005

DAY ONE We left Robbinsville about 4 pm taking an easy drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway from Balsam Gap to Mt. Pisgah . There was very little traffic and a beautiful evening to see the distant scenery. We arrived at Mt. Pisgah Campground at about 7:30 pm and were glad it was sparsely populated…

Charleston 2007

DAY ONE Robbinsville NC to Sumter SC 345 miles We left Robbinsville about 11 am getting the usual late start. We wanted to have lunch at the Bantam Chef in Chesnee, South Carolina, but it would be a late lunch with a good three hours of riding to cover some 192 miles. As we approached…

Cherokee and Heintooga

Citigo dual sport.

Two Great Dual Sport/Jeep Roads in the Cherokee National Forest of East Tennessee WAUCHEESI MOUNTAIN This ride is suitable for adventurous intermediate riders on medium dual sports and experienced riders on large duals. We rode our KLX250s, but would have had no problem on our KLR650s or even on the unloaded CaporNord. A friend road…

Fall Color Tour

⇐ BACK Peak colors typically occur during the last two weeks in October, but that is dependent upon fall temperatures and in particular, the first frost date. The color change begins at higher elevations where you see the earliest changes in late September, and continue all the way into mid-November at the lower elevations. The…

Foothills Parkway Loop

⇐ BACK Foothills Parkway/Smoky Mountain Loop The new “missing link” 16 mile section of the Foothills Parkway is now open. This slightly changes our Smoky Mountain Loop Map, but it is for the good. From Little River Road (TN 73) take Wear Gap Road north to Wear Valley, jog right on US321 for 1 mile…

Your Guide to Tail of the Dragon

Drive the Tail of the Dragon: America’s most exciting 11 miles

Twists, turns, and thick woods: this drive isn’t about scenic overlooks and nature’s majesty, the way a drive through Arches National Park or down the Loneliest Highway are. The Tail of the Dragon is about you, the pavement, and two white knuckles holding tightly to a steering wheel.

That’s why this stretch of road is considered one of the most exciting drives in America. Cutting through the mountains in Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, the Tail of the Dragon is actually just a portion of the longer US 129, or as some North Carolina folks call it, “that damn road to Tennessee”.

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The legend of the Tail of the Dragon has spread far beyond North Carolina and Tennessee, and has even caught the eye of movie producers, celebrities, and documentary crews. The road and nearby Cheoah Dam were featured in “The Fugitive,” and parts of the gearhead classic “Two-Lane Blacktop” actually feature much of the road at the very end of the movie.

Whether you’re starting or completing the Tail of the Dragon at the intersection of US 129 & NC 28, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort in Robbinsville, NC is the perfect place to snap pictures, grab souvenirs, eat lunch, have a cold beer, or even spend the night.

Also check out the Tail of the Dragon Store across the street for more great souvenirs, and your obligatory photo with the giant eponymous Dragon sculpture.

Next, pull over at the Calderwood Overlook . This beautiful scenic overlook just off the Tail of the Dragon offers a gorgeous view of the Cheoah Dam. Also, it’s a fantastic view of the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee countryside, particularly in the fall, when the leaves change color, or in the summer when everything is lush and green.

Places to eat near Tail of the Dragon

Dragon Pitt Inn & Bbq

Lynn's Place

Tapoco Lodge & River Grill

Places to stay near tail of the dragon.

Blue Waters Mountain Lodge

Fontana Village Resort

Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Robbinsville

Of course, a stretch of road this famous has a legend or two surrounding it. For instance, travelers of the Dragon claim they’ve heard more than one ghost while on the road at night. With the stretch having claimed the lives of many over the years (on average, the 11-mile Tail of the Dragon takes at least one life a year), it’s natural to assume the road just has to be haunted.

Death and bloodshed, however, also came to the area long before the paved road cut through Deal’s Gap. The Cherokee fought more than one battle in the area, it’s reported there’s at least one Civil War soldier buried near the road, and rumors of an angry land owner hanging motorists who wouldn’t pay his toll also figure into the lore of the Dragon being haunted. Need an excuse to drive the Tail of the Dragon? First of all, it’s surrounded by other slightly-less-curvy, but still exciting and scenic roads, and the Dragon can easily be worked into a scenic route toward Asheville, one of the most beautiful towns in the Carolinas. Don’t try to attempt the Dragon in winter, as these 318 turns can be quite treacherous in snowy and icy winter weather conditions. Also, try to avoid it during the rainy spring season. It gets pretty busy in summer and fall but those times are when weather conditions are ideal for cruising down this epic road.

Header image credit: Washuotaku [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)]

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The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee: The Most Thrilling Drive in the Smoky Mountains

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. Route 129 has become a hugely popular destination for motorcyclists and sports car drivers. Featuring 318 curves, this winding mountain road is unlike anywhere else in the world. 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 in Tennessee.

Take a Video Tour of the Dragon

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. With its thrilling twists and turns, the road takes its name from its resemblance to a curvy dragon’s tail. For a taste of what it’s like to ride US 129, check out a few seconds of this motorcycle video:

History of the Tail of the Dragon

While the present-day Tail of the Dragon is frequented by bikers and motorists, centuries ago, it hosted very different travelers. Much of the 11-mile route was worn down by herds of buffalo roaming across the unspoiled frontier. The Cherokee used the trail for hundreds of years, and Euro-American settlers began hunting and trapping along the route in the early 1700s.

Trail of Tears and the Civil War

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. During the Civil War, the notorious Kirkland Bushwhackers, a gang of deserters, would ambush Union troops along the trail. 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.

U.S. Route 129 is Born

The secret is out.

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. Deals Gap is a mountain pass along the Tail of the Dragon at the North Carolina-Tennessee state line.

Over the years, more and more bikers have discovered the thrills of riding the Tail of the Dragon. The road has even been featured in a number of movies, including Thunder Road , Two-Lane Blacktop , The Fugitive , and In Dreams .

Directions to the Tail of the Dragon from Gatlinburg

Coming from Gatlinburg, TN, the quickest way to reach the Tail of the Dragon is as follows:

• Take US 411 S from downtown into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• 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).
• Follow US 321 West to the Foothills Parkway.
• Turn left onto US 129 from the Foothills Parkway.
• In roughly 3 miles, you will find the Tail of the Dragon.

This route can take anywhere from 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on traffic. If you’re using a GPS, enter the street address 1755 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC 28711 as your destination. Please note that cell service and internet access can be spotty in the mountains.

Quick Tips for Driving the Tail of the Dragon

• The Tail of the Dragon is not for sightseeing; keep your eyes on the road.
• April through October is the best time to drive the Dragon.
• Bikers should definitely avoid US 129 during the winter.
• Do not drive at night.
• Get your motorcycle checked before heading out.
• Always wear a helmet with a face mask, jacket, and gloves.
• Carry a Global Satellite GPS Messenger in case of emergency.

For more information, visit the Tail of the Dragon website.

More Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains

Looking for more fun drives to enjoy during your next vacation in Gatlinburg? Check out these scenic drives in the Smoky Mountains you don’t want to miss!

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