US Route 129 - Tennessee & North Carolina
AKA 'Tail of the Dragon'

Rider Comments:

• "Just a note: as of April 2010, the Dragon is only accessible from the NC side due to a rock slide at the north end (at the lake). There is a gate at the entrance, and it's open from 8AM to 8PM for your riding pleasure. Check with the Deals Gap folks for updates." - Anonymous (4/13/10)
• "318 curves in 11 miles...does anymore need to be said?" - Rider from Franklin, TN (4/27/09)
• "318 curves in 11 miles." - Rider from Tellico Plains, TN (4/6/09)
• "The best place to ride on the east coast. Motorcycle heaven." - Rider from Harrisonburg, VA (2/8/09)
• "Probably the most twisty 11 mile stretch of good asphault anywhere. Has become VERY popular especially with the sport bikes. Avoid on weekends. Watch out for the leo's!" - Rider from Dallas, Georgia, Misfits Riding Club (8/28/07)
• "Great road both up and down the 'Dragon'. We were in Knoxville for the HOG Rally and I thought I was doing good, but four bikes in my group did this road 2-up with loaded Harley Ultra Classics. That's great riding." - 'Jellyman', Chicago, Illinois (8/27/07)
• "This is a fun and exhilarating ride. I rode a couple of months ago for the first time and all I can say is 'Damn what a Ride'. I want to go back very soon. This road is great for beginners and veterans of all kinds, and all styles of bikes. And don't forget to visit the 'Tree of Shame' while you are there. This is the place where motorcyclists honor the 'Dragon' with items from their broken and battered iron steeds that the Dragon has slained. For anyone who has ridden this stretch of US 129, congrats to you on 'Slaying the Dragon'. Ride safe." - Bryan (8/24/07)
• "Hadn't been on a bike in close to 18 years, but always kept my license up. Rented a Bike in Maggie Valley, NC. Took this ride. FANTASTIC ride. Came back home and a week later, bought a VTX 1800!" - Rick Byrd, Madisonville, Kentucky (8/21/07)
• "318 curves in 11 miles, WOW. Conquered 'The Dragon' on August 12. Stay within the speed limit of 30 MPH and the ride is very pleasant. If you press your luck to determine 'your limit', The Dragon will win. While this route is scenic for your passenger, it is all about the ride for the rider. If you look too much, you will find yourself off the road and another stat for 'The Dragon'. If you must look, there are pull offs for scenic views. Be careful, enjoy and you will not have to contribute to the 'Tree of Shame'." - Rider from Ball Ground, Georgia (8/16/07)
• "Everything you've ever heard about this road is true. This will make any 'twisty' roads back home seem more like superslab than a challenge to the rider. If you have a motorcycle and any degree of confidence in what to do with a motorcycle, this is a trip you must make. The funny thing is that there are so many other great roads around it that would be legendary anywhere else. I think whoever was putting the roads on the map in North Carolina did it without a ruler." - Craig Jackman (8/3/07)
• "There is a reason riders come from all over the WORLD to ride this road! One of the greatest, most challenging rides in the country. With the proximity of several mountain resorts, and more great scenic and/or sport riding day loops than you could ride in a month, this is the motorcycle vacation destination of choice East of the Mississippi. Law Enforcrment is reasonable - YOU must ride within YOUR limits or Darwin will get you! It's twice a year for me and my Sport Tourer group." - Bob DePriest (7/5/07)
• "Twists, turns, switchbacks and incredible scenery! Some of the best riding I've ever seen! I can't wait to go back next summer!" - Rider from Massachusetts (6/15/07)
• "Over 300 curves." - Rider from Windsor, South Dakota, (8/31/06)
• "This is the best road I have ever been on since I started riding. The low lean that is required to take the turns is the reason I wanted to start riding. This is a great road for an experienced Katana rider like myself." - Jake Rabon, KatRiders (7/17/06)
• "This road is awesome. I think it has around 311 curves within the 11 mile strech. I can't wait to go back." - Tammie Freeman
• "This is the famous Deals Gap. 318 curves in 11 miles. Switchbacks, hidden sharp curves, beautifully kept up road. Read about it at www.tailofthedragon.com." - Ron Frey
• "Deals Gap/Tail of the Dragon - 318 turns in 11 miles - one of the most famous stretches of road in North America. Watch out for Semi's and TN and NC State Patrols. This road is awesome - it is very intense and can be very dangerous if the rider does not ride within his/her means." - Matt Comrie
• "If you haven't been on this road, what are you waiting for? And, while you're there, hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cherola Skyway. A ride up the Ridge to the Shenandoah Valley is best when the leaves are changing, and you can stop off in Ashville for a tour of the Biltmore Estate." - Jay Humphries, Mid-South Spyder's Club
• Submit your on this road.

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