Nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest is a motorcyclists and driver’s paradise. Named for its endless flow of curves, the Tail of the Dragon is an 11 mile stretch of uninterrupted road along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
The Tail of the Dragon in Deals Gap, North Carolina, has made appearances in movies like Harrison Ford’s “The Fugitive '' and “Two-Lane Blacktop,” and has become a popular weekend road trip for motoring enthusiasts. Thousands of motorcyclists attempt to take on The Dragon each year, and even the most experienced have come back with battle wounds.
The journey isn’t one that should be taken lightly. Although it runs a slow pace, there are a few things to know when taking on The Tail of the Dragon.
The Tail of the Dragon's Origin
The Tail of the Dragon can be found in what is known as Deals Gap, North Carolina. It splits the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and in the eastern part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Centuries before becoming a rider's haven, the Dragon was trekked by large herds of buffalo and native American Cherokee Indians. By the 1700s, the trail was used by hunters and trappers crossing the treacherous Smoky Mountain terrain. By 1756, British soldiers established Fort Louden, one of the first outposts west of the Appalachian mountains. Several years later, a small store owned by the Deals family opened up along the North Carolina and Tennessee border.
A small village began to pop up around 1913, converted from a former farm property; Calderwood housed employees that were working on the Cheoah Dam and Calderwood Dam. Soon a railway followed to help transport supplies as well as a golf course for the local executives.
The road was traveled only by locals for several decades, slowly gaining notoriety but not enough to keep small motels and diners in business for long. It wasn’t until 1992 that a man named Doug Snavely visited the Smokies to uncover the infamous driving road. After riding The Dragon for himself, he met with a local café/motel owner to get a job and help promote this incredible stretch of road. It has since grown to the reputation of being one of America’s best driving roads.
Preparing to Ride the Dragon
To ensure a safe journey, a rider shouldn’t face the Dragon unprepared and without taking safety precautions. The Dragon has claimed roughly 44 lives since 2000; some of the tight turns can be tricky, and there are always the inevitable reckless drivers. The local rescue squad maintains a presence on the weekends to help will the high volume of motorcycle accidents that occur here. Without them, nearest emergency assistance will take about an hour's drive.
The Tail of the Dragon website lists several precautions and regulations to help ensure the most fun and enjoyment for all visiting the area.
The website recommends to;
- Get there early, before local traffic and tourists. Busiest times are on the weekends between 11am and 5pm
- Stay in your lane
- Keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you
- Pull over for faster traffic, utilize the paved or gravel pull-offs
- Never drive outside your skill level or try to outrun a better rider
- Brake easy, don’t overuse your brakes. Keep to lower gears.
- Watch for wildlife on the road
- Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound
- Warm-up your tires
Taking On the Tail of the Dragon
It’s no easy quest to get to the Tail of the Dragon. Each direction is blocked by several miles of even more glamorous Smokey Mountain scenery. Roughly 50 miles south of Knoxville, the 11 mile stretch of road is part of US 129, what is locally known as “the damn road to Tennessee.”
The speed limit of the Dragon was 55 mph until 1992. Since 2005, it has dropped to 30 mph. With the excessive amount of twists, turns, and traffic, the pace will generally be within the speed limit regardless.
Although beautiful, this isn’t a scenic drive. All eyes will be on the pavement ahead. Due to the National Park’s lack of development, there are no intersections or driveways to disturb the 11-mile stretch of road. To take in the scenery, it is best to stop at one of the pull-over spots and scenic overlooks near and along the Dragon. The Calderwood Overlook offers a view of the Cheoah Dam and the Smoky Mountain countryside. You will also find The Tail of the Dragon Store is a good stop for souvenirs and a picture of a giant Dragon sculpture.
Take several runs up and down the Dragon. Use the first to get an understanding of the terrain and enjoy the second and third time around. To finish off one of the best motorcycle drives, you will find Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort in Robbinsville, NC. It’s a quaint place to buy a t-shirt, grab a bite to eat, a cold drink, or stay the night for round two.