How old is the Tail of the Dragon?

Deals Gap is a popular and internationally famous destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts, as it is along a stretch of two-lane road known since 1981 as “The Dragon” and the "Tail of the Dragon".

When was the Tail of the Dragon built?

The Tail of the Dragon has been known by many names over the years including TN-72 and NC-288. It's now US-129. The first time it was actually paved was in 1934. Even then it got little traffic except for locals and lost tourists.

How many miles is the Tail of the Dragon?

Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap with 318 curves in 11 miles: America's number one motorcycle and sports car road. Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel.

Who owns Tail of the Dragon?

Contact Tail of the Dragon. Ron & Nancy Johnson, owners and webmasters TailoftheDragon.com Moonshiner28.com, DevilsTriangleTN.com, Diamondback226.com.

What is the world record for the Tail of the Dragon?

The overall record was 18 minutes, or 9 minutes one-way (62 mph average). In order to compete for a new record one had to make the run along with the current record holder. These records were set back in the early 1990s when there was little traffic on the Dragon.

The History of the The Tail of the Dragon

How many people have died at the Tail of the Dragon?

And some of them will die as a result; “The Dragon” has claimed 20 victims since 2011, including four in 2017.

How many people crash on Tail of the Dragon?

BCSO said in a 10-year period, the 11-mile stretch saw 27 fatal motorcycle wrecks — four more than on the rest of Blount County's 1,100 miles of road in the same time period.

Are there cops on Tail of the Dragon?

Tennessee Sheriff and Highway Patrol units routinely patrol the Tail of the Dragon.

Are there pull-offs on Tail of the Dragon?

If you see a faster rider/driver coming up behind you, use one of the may paved pull-offs. Or pull over to the right half of your lane, slow down, and wave them around. It is illegal to pass on the Dragon, even in the same lane. But consider letting the faster rider get around.

How long does it take to ride the Tail of the Dragon?

Since the road gets more crowded as the day goes on (especially on weekends), plan to start early. And if you're traveling by motorcycle, don't forget your helmet—they're required for both drivers and passengers in North Carolina and Tennessee. It will take about 30 minutes to drive the Dragon's 11 exhilarating miles.

How many motorcycle deaths on the Tail of the Dragon?

29 deaths on the 11 mile section of roadway known as "The Dragon". 28 of these deaths were on motorcycles.

How safe is Tail of the Dragon?

The road is often desolate at night, and winter conditions can make it hazardous. In that 41 mile stretch of road, the only facilities are a couple of restrooms. The remoteness of these roads is part of their appeal and their danger too. Boasting 318 turns in 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon is one dangerous ride.

Is Tail of the Dragon a loop?

The entire Smoky Mountain Loop is 143 miles and will take the entire day. Some of the highlights include the Tail of the Dragon, part of the Moonshiner 28, Fontana Dam, historic Bryson City, Cherokee, GSM elk herd and The Great Smoky Mountains with Newfound Gap, Clingman's Dome, and Gatlinburg.

What is the curviest road in NC?

Taming 'The Dragon'

Deal's Gap (The Dragon) — US Highway 129, connecting Western North Carolina with East Tennessee, is world-famous among motorcyclists and sports car drivers, for its eleven-mile section with 318 continuous curves.

Where is the tree of shame?

The Tree of Shame at the mouth of the Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap Motorcylce Resort in NC. Displays pieces of vehicles that crashed on the famous strip of highway. The Tree of Shame at the mouth of the Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap Motorcylce Resort in NC.

Is the Tail of the Dragon haunted?

The Tail of the Dragon (US 129) is one of America's best known motorcycle roads. It also has a checkered history that is not widely known. There may even be ghosts that haunt these parts.

What can you not do on the Tail of the Dragon?

Most of the accidents on the Dragon are due to speed and then over-braking. DON'T BE SPOOKED. Do not make sudden avoidance moves. You might have to adjust your line to avoid a car, truck, or bike, but DO NOT lay on the brakes or turn off the roadway suddenly unless that is the only option.

What is the curviest road in the US?

The curviest road in America

Deals Gap is a mountain pass between Tennessee and North Carolina where over 11 miles, you'll twist through 318 turns. Because of the curvy path, this stretch is known as the Tail of the Dragon. To keep everyone safe on the road, the speed limit is just 30 MPH.

Are you allowed to speed on the Tail of the Dragon?

The Speed limit is 30 mph on both the North Carolina and Tennessee side of the Tail.

How many times do you have to shoot the dragon tail?

You can shoot his tail from below the bridge with a short bow to break it. It takes 28 shots using regular wooden arrows or 13 Big Arrows with a Regular Short Bow using regular wooden arrows (done with minimum possible stats to use bow).

How many states does the tail of the dragon touch?

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.

Why is Tail of the Dragon famous?

The Dragon is popular and internationally famous destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts since 1981. Known as America's number 1 motorcycle and sports car road, famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles (18 km). The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble a dragons tail.

Who recently died on Tail of the Dragon?

Around 2 weeks ago,18-year-old Luke Hutsell from Maryville was killed while riding on the Tail of the Dragon. The 11-mile stretch of road spans through Blount County into North Carolina and is known worldwide for its dangerous curves.

What are some fun facts about Tail of the Dragon?

The Tail of the Dragon is 11 miles long and has 318 curves, many of which are blind. Technically, it's known as Deal's Gap and is a part of Route 129 in Blount Country, Tennessee, and Swain County, North Carolina. The curves are deadly. And you can know this by the names.

Who killed the last dragon?

Saint George offered to kill the dragon if they consented to become Christians and be baptized. Fifteen thousand men including the king of Silene converted to Christianity. George then killed the dragon, beheading it with his sword, and the body was carted out of the city on four ox-carts.