Tail Of The Dragon: What This Deadly Stretch Of Road Is Like

Written by Lynnette on March 20, 2008 | Comments (0)

I was going through my collection of digital photos and realized that I haven't shared the photos from our road trips along the 'Tail of the Dragon' yet.

The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, with 318 curves in 11 miles, is America's number one motorcycle and sports car road. Source

It's definitely a daredevil stretch of roadway. (For example, check out these Tree of Shame photos!) But that's not why we go there. We go there for the scenic views and a fun ride in the Jeep with the top down.

I'm sure the motorcyclists hate us for that, because we just get in their way when they're trying to take the rapid turns... fast! While we're not the only car on the road... vehicles other than motorcycles are definitely in the minority.

That said, there have been a bunch of fatal wrecks on this particular road, and I remember reading that most (if not ALL) of the deaths occurred while the drivers were headed NORTHbound on Highway 129. Hmmmm....

For the most part, what makes this road unique is the number of sharp (very sharp!) turns within a very short stretch of roadway. They say the Tail of the Dragon is like a roller coaster ride -- but better -- because you are in full control behind the wheel.

Here are some highlights...

Whenever we go out to ride along the Tail of the Dragon, it's usually cuz we're in a bit of a funk, and we're just dying to run wild in some new territory. Kind of like the words from Pat Green's song, 'Carry On':

Baby's just a little bit tired of the city
Billboards and bullshit got her down
Seems like you need a little hill country
A little backroads driving
A little bit of that 'ol top down

Yeah, everybody's gotta get away sometime
Forget about yourself for awhile
It seems to me that all you need
Is a ragtop car and a ride with me
Ok, alright
Ya just might get a little high tonight
Ok, alright, carry on...

Fun Facts About This Stretch Of Road:

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap -- find average daily traffic, number of fatalities, elevations, speed limits, record times, and movies filmed there. (Don't miss all of the great info in the sidebar!)
Truckers: Beware of the Dragon -- "Truckers who travel this' Highway from Hell' straddling the Smoky Mountains vow never to return".
Driving Directions -- how to get there from anywhere!
Current News & Updates -- see what's happening at Deal's Gap and Dragon's Tail year round.

Some Videos Shot While Riding On The Tail Of The Dragon:

Fasten your seat belt (or your chinstrap, if you're on a motorcycle!), and take a couple of dramamine tabs first because you are about to go on one LONG and TWISTY ride! Follow along the entire 11 mile journey called The Dragon -- beginning at Deals Gap and ending at the Dragon's Tail, including all 318 curves in between!