The Dragon

The Tail of the Dragon, or just "The Dragon" as termed by locals, refers to an epic, 11-mile stretch of twisty mountain road along US-129 where the Great Smoky Mountains meet the Cherokee National Forest. Beginning at Deal's Gap, the road is heralded as one of the best in the nation by motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts for its technical challenge and immense beauty. Over the course of the 11 miles, drivers will conquer 318 curves as they  cross the North Carolina/Tennessee border. Those who complete the route earn the respect of their peers on the road and memories that will last a lifetime. As you tackle the route, you may encounter photographers stationed along pull-offs. You can also use these spots to cool your brakes. Photos from the drive can be found within 24-48 hours online here. For a map of the route, click here.

A Note of Caution: This road is challenging to drive and requires vehicles to be maintained in strong condition. Over 40 fatalities have occurred on the road since 2000 along with hundreds, if not thousands, of crashes. When driving this road, maintain attentiveness at all times, drive defensively, and always stay between the "mustard" and the "mayo!"