US Route 129 - Tennessee & North Carolina
AKA: Tail of the Dragon, Deal's Gap
Clover Hill, TN - Topton
Distance/Driving time: 62 miles/1h, 19m
County(ies): Graham
Submit your on this road.
Rider Comments:
[Open All][Close All]
- A lot of fun - drive slow and watch out for the police. more...If you cross the yellow line it can cost you $247.00. - Ricardo Rezende (6/25/12)
- Slayed the 'Dragon' again several times on 9/27/2011, 318 curves and 11 miles of pure fun. more...Nice road to throw the bagger around on and push it to the limits, just not over, or the 'Dragon' will slay you instead. Lady laid hers down into a rock wall and was hurt very bad, so it is a ride to respect and know your personal and bike’s limits. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers as anyone can ride this as long as you stay in the comfort zone and don’t push it. In my opinion there are many better rides in the Smokeys, but this is a must do every trip. It is a bit over hyped and advertised. Make sure you stop at the Overlook and the Gap and socialize, as there is a lot of good people with one thing in common, riding. - Mikey, FLHR, Cedar Grove, NC (10/8/11)
- Fun, challenging, rewarding. more...I have no idea what anything looks like on either side of the road since I was so focused on staying in my lane. If you honor the speed limit and don't get too wild, everything should be fine. I rode the Dragon on a Vulcan and my partner was on a Gold Wing. People tried to warn us to stay away because cruisers can't handle it, but that's just outlandish. A few floorboard scrapes for each of us was as bad as it got. Watch out for reckless drivers (cars and bikes) who will tailgate you and pass you in turns. Also watch out for 18 wheelers. We followed one for a mile or so until we could pull off and let him get far ahead of us. Use the pull offs if you are holding somebody up. Smile and wave for the cameras! If you continue across the state line into NC, the road is still a fun ride. Keep going south and you will come down a good sized hill and run through some fun turns. I had some hairy moments when I found loose rocks and gravel in several of the turns, so beware of that. A good way to connect to the Cherohala Skyway! - Dustin from New Bern, NC (6/21/11)
- Try the 'Wak'in the Dragon' rally in the springtime. more...I did it '05 and it was great. Pack a extra pair of boots if you like 'gitin' into the corners. You'll need them for the ride home. - Tim at the Beach (10/25/10)
- Just a note for 'The Tail of the Dragon'. more...The rockslide has been cleared for a few months. The road is open. - 'NomadRider' (9/14/10)
- 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). more...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? more...- Rider from Franklin, TN (4/27/09)
- 318 curves in 11 miles. more...- Rider from Tellico Plains, TN (4/6/09)
- The best place to ride on the east coast. Motorcycle heaven. more...- Rider from Harrisonburg, VA (2/8/09)
- Probably the most twisty 11 mile stretch of good asphault anywhere. more...Has become VERY popular especially with the sport bikes. Avoid on weekends. Watch out for the leo's! - Rider from Dallas, GA (8/28/07)
- Great road both up and down the 'Dragon'. more...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, IL (8/27/07)
- This is a fun and exhilarating ride. more...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. more...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, KY (8/21/07)
- 318 curves in 11 miles, WOW. more...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, GA (8/16/07)
- Everything you've ever heard about this road is true. more...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! more...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! more...Some of the best riding I've ever seen! I can't wait to go back next summer! - Rider from MA (6/15/07)
- Over 300 curves. more...- Rider from Windsor, SD (8/31/06)
- This is the best road I have ever been on since I started riding. more...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 (7/17/06)
- This road is awesome. more...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. more...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. more...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? more...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
Other Resources:
- Guy Boutin's Motorcycle Touring and Travel Pages - U.S. 129 (Deal's Gap)
- Dan Kalal - The Motorcycle Roads