The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap,

on the Tennessee-North Carolina border,

has 318 curves in 11 miles, and is America ’s

number one motorcycle and sports car road.

Crossing Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, the Dragon is considered by many as one of

the world's best motorcycling and sports car roads.

Anyone looking for an exciting highway will enjoy

this stretch of US129.

The Dragon, as many have found, is truly a unique road.

In 14 miles there are only two intersections; NC28 to Fontana Dam and the lightly traveled gravel road at Parsons Branch. There are no buildings other than the Crossroads of Time, a small café/motel located at the junction of US129 and NC28.

Most of the time there is very little traffic and the vehicles that do use this road are primarily motorcycle riders and sports car drivers looking for the thrill of their lives. It is remote - there is very little evidence of human population within 20 miles in any direction. Most of the roadway is bounded by United States Forest Service property, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and forested land owned by Alcoa Aluminum who operates the dams located along US129.

Deals Gap, the name that many riders know the Dragon by, is actually the gap in the mountains that the road follows. Deals Gap, located at the North Carolina and Tennessee State Line, is the highest point on the Dragon at 1962 feet above sea level. It was likely named for one of the early families who settled here.

The road is desolate and can be a real adventure in the winter months. Drivers are likely to see bear or wild boar.  Winter can add trees down, or tractor-trailers taking-up both lanes in the curves.  The Tail of the Dragon is not a road for the squeamish, but if you're looking for a little excitement don't miss this one.

Directions: 

Take I-75 North toward Knoxville.  Take the Loudon Exit and drive on Highway 72 to Highway 411.  Go left, and then Highway 72 will reappear on your right.  Turn right ONTO THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON.  Highway 72 will turn into Highway 129, which after the Tail is gone, will eventually land you in Robbinsville, NC. 

Once in Robbinsville, a pretty loop back to Cleveland and Chattanooga is Highway 74 to the Ocoee Scenic Byway - or Highway 64. 

click here for a map of this drive to THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON AT DEALS GAP.

for the official website of  THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON AT DEALS GAP.   The site offers an interesting history of the area, lots of events coming up, and lodging options.