The Tail of the Dragon

Spring (Mar–May): Wildflowers and lighter traffic.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season, crowded weekends.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Foliage and cool temperatures.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Light traffic, but possible ice.

The Tail of the Dragon is a dream destination for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. With 318 curves packed into just 11 miles, this legendary stretch of US Highway 129 on the North Carolina-Tennessee border offers heart-racing thrills and mountain scenery that earns every mile of the drive out.

Why It's Legendary

318 curves in 11 miles — every turn is a new challenge.
No driveways, no intersections — a pure driving experience.
Forests, ridgelines, and Smoky Mountain views the whole way.

A Brief History

Originally a Native American trading path, the road became a popular moonshine route during Prohibition and gained cult status among riders and car clubs in the 1980s. It now draws thousands of drivers each year.

Route Overview

Start: Deals Gap, NC
End: Tabcat Bridge, TN

Famous curves include Gravity Cavity (sudden dips and lifts), The Hump (a brief lift-off point for motorcyclists), and The Whip (hairpin turns that demand control). Ride with caution — this road demands respect.