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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. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Can you brave it? It’s best to be cautious as the turns are tight, but the Tail of the Dragon is guaranteed to be the ride of your life.
The nearby Cherohala Skyway is quickly becoming a destination too, with its remote 60 miles of breathtaking scenic mountain highway. The area also has other incredible roads like the Moonshiner 28, Foothills Parkway, Smoky Mountain Loop, Devils Triangle, Blue Ridge Parkway, The Gambler NC209, Diamondback 226, Devil's Staircase, Six Gap North Georgia, The Snake US421 and many Great Forest Service Dual Sport and Jeep Roads.
The Complete History of US 129 from Chiefland, FL to Knoxville, TN
by Ron Johnson 2020
2025 Season Opener
The 2025 Tail of the Dragon Season is HERE!
With snow on the ground around much of the country, it's hard to believe that road trip season is just around the corner. Here at Tail of the Dragon, we are hard at work preparing for a season you won’t forget. We're making sure the store is in tip-top shape for you to rest up and get all your dragon souvenirs. Keep an eye out for our new merchandise this season!
We share with heavy hearts that our co-founder, Ron Johnson, passed suddenly in late January. We're grateful for the road he forged, the memories shared and the tremendous impact he made on the riding and driving community. We hope you'll join us in honoring his legacy as we make memories on the hill together in 2025. For those who have reached out, Nancy is tremendously grateful for the kind words and unmatched support. Hearing your memories and stories about Ron has been an enormous comfort.
As you start your engines in 2025, we can't express enough gratitude for continuing to choose the Tail of the Dragon as the place you come to be with friends, family, and make bucket list memories.
KILLBOY Update on the Current Road Conditions
This winter we saw an increase in 18-wheeler traffic due to the I-40 closure from Hurricane Helene. Thanks to better signage expressing length restrictions, the truck traffic has tapered off. There are some visible scrape marks around "Swift Corner" at about mile marker 4.7 on the TN side, but the rest of the road is in good shape. NCDOT announced a March 1st reopening date for the closed section of I-40 with traffic limited to one lane in each direction at a reduced speed - this should further reduce any chance of 18-wheeler traffic on the Tail of the Dragon.
NCDOT crews have been clearing trees on the North Carolina side of Highway 129 (NOT the Dragon) - specifically, Hwy 129 south of our T-shirt Shack to Tapoco Lodge, and on Moonshiner 28 between the T-shirt Shack and Fontana Village. Once completed, the road should quickly clean up after a few rain showers.
Finally, we want to reassure those concerned about the impact Hurricane Helene had on our area. Everything is open and operating as usual. Most importantly, the local tourism economy is eager for your support. Please note, areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway were heavily damaged by the storm. Sections of the parkway will be closed for repairs for some time. Here is a link to the NPS map showing current closures: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/helene-impacts-and-recovery.htm
Tail of the Dragon Store
Tail of the Dragon offers custom signs in both street sign and shield format. You can add a photo too. What a great way to remember your trip to the Dragon.
Tail of the Dragon Store
Find your swag for all the great roads including Cherohala Skwyay, Tail of the Dragon, Moonshiner 28, Devils Triangle, Six Gap, Diamondback and more.
Dragon Web Cams
Current Highlights
Find your photos online at Killboy.com
Tail of the Dragon
TAIL OF THE DRAGON AT DEALS GAP, 318 curves in 11 miles, America's #1 motorcycle and sports car road. Plus other area twisties. www.TailoftheDragon.com www.Cherohala.com www.devilstriangletn.com www.moonshiner28.com
Check out this epic spot in Bryson city! Come experience one of a kind vacation rentals, peacefully secluded on 6.5 acres of beautiful land. Located in Bryson City, a short drive away from the Tail of the Dragon. This convenient location in the Nantahala Gorge is close to Moonshiner 28, 2 miles from the Smoky Mountain 500, and minutes to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. They offer various accommodations for 1 to 2 people or shared/family units up to 6 people. The property features tiny homes, yurts, safari tents, buses, shipping containers, and primitive campsites. Walk into old England when you stay in The Crown Jewel, our fully restored double decker bus. All of the units are fun and uniquely themed. The bath house is clean with hot showers, towels and toiletries included. Additional amenities include: Fire pits and barbecue grills, covered parking for motorcycles, and a vehicle washing station.
Details and booking info available here: www.gorgeousstays.com/
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Take on the Tail of the Dragon and then relax in your very own treehouse. Need we say more?
Details and booking info here: www.riversedgetreehouses.com/
📍 River's Edge Treehouses
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I stayed here 6 years ago and loved the place. ❤️ definitely recommend.
Booked for October
I have got to stay here sometime
Family owned and built campground along the banks of Sweetwater Creek just minutes from Robbinsville NC. Full hookup RV sites, ADA accessible cabins, ADA accessible bathhouse. RV sites are BIG RIG friendly and are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and wi-fi. Cabins are 1 bedroom with kitchenette and bathroom.
Only 20 miles to Tail of the Dragon and 12 miles to Cherohala Skyway.
email: [email protected]
Phone/Text: 828-735-3422
website: www.sweetwatersights.com/
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We loved our stay here!!!
It’s a great spot and location! We will be back.
Any tent camping
Escape to Switzerland Inn & Chalet Restaurant. This mountaintop gem is a stunner with wide-open views, a seasonal pool, a Jacuzzi, fire pits, lawn games, on-site shops, a spa, several dining options, and more. Just off the Blueridge Parkway, it doesn't get much more scenic than this spot.
Explore more / book now here: www.switzerlandinn.com/
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great place! Beautiful view and nice rooms.
Oh, yay—- does that mean there’s access to Little Switzerland now??
Trish Thomas Corley Chip Corley
Located just off Moonshiner 28 (NC28), near Fontana Lake, 11 miles from Robbinsville NC, and 20 miles from the Tail of the Dragon. Teaberry Hill is a 6-acre RV campground that can accommodate any size RV with our large pull-through sites.
Group Facilities: Twelve RV sites on 6 acres, all with full hook-up 30 & 50 amp electric, water and sewer. Outdoor covered pavilion with kitchen for group use.
teaberryhill.com/
8 CommentsComment on Facebook
I have done the Dragon 4 times now - great ride!! 🙂
That is a great campground, went there a few years ago. Great people, very clean place nice and peaceful !!
FEATURED LODGING
Want to see more?
There are a wide variety of accommodations in our area. These range from basic tent camping to exclusive mountain top resorts.