Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson ~ Maryville TN
129 Dragon Shine & Helmets
129 Hub, Dragon Welcome Center
Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center
Wheelers Performance ~ Robbinsville NC
Smoky Mountain Drives
Claw of the Dragon ~ Southwest Virginia
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E-MOTORCYCLE RENTALS, Robbinsville NC
Wolf Creek Rentals
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
Ironhorse Motorcycle Resort has been a destination for the two-wheel community for years and there's a reason why.
First class accommodations aimed at the motorcycle crowd. Located just 30 minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway, the Ironhorse offers cabin rooms, full cabins, bunkhouse, wagons, and camping. Located directly on Stecoah Creek. Dining available.
Group Facilities: Facilities include 4 large luxury cabins, 15 cabin rooms, 2 bunkhouses, RV sites and campground. Restaurant and large indoor pavilion on site. Outdoor gathering area for your group. Everything within walking distance. Popular location for motorcycle groups.
Grab the details / book now here: ironhorsenc.com/
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Stayed there a couple times. Great place
Ironhorse Motorcycle Resort has been a destination for the two-wheel community for years and there's a reason why.
First class accommodations aimed at the motorcycle crowd. Located just 30 minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway, the Ironhorse offers cabin rooms, full cabins, bunkhouse, wagons, and camping. Located directly on Stecoah Creek. Dining available.
Group Facilities: Facilities include 4 large luxury cabins, 15 cabin rooms, 2 bunkhouses, RV sites and campground. Restaurant and large indoor pavilion on site. Outdoor gathering area for your group. Everything within walking distance. Popular location for motorcycle groups.
Grab the details / book now here: ironhorsenc.com/
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
Was there in October '23 and it was awesome.
looks like a awesome place to stay wow
I have stayed twice. Both great times. David Duvall... How's your experiences been?
Ready for a waterfront getaway? At Grey Valley, you’ll find a large 3 bedroom cabin (sleeps 11), two 1 bedroom tiny home cottages (each sleep 2-4) and four campsites. Conveniently located less than two miles from Robbinsville, 20 miles to Tail of the Dragon and 10 miles to the Cherohala Skyway. All rentals are walking distance from one another and lie alongside a beautiful trout stream overlooking the mountains.
Group Facilites: All properties are within walking distance.
www.greyvalleync.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090333150649
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Hawg Hideaway is prime location for motorcyclist & car enthusiasts. Located 30 minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway. The cabin in walking distance from the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge. The home is equipped with 4 bedrooms with (all bedrooms have king beds that convert to two twins if needed) and 4 bathrooms. Garage and covered parking is provided, along with easily accessible paved driveway. While Hawg Hideaway is conveniently located near all attractions, but you can still enjoy quiet evenings on the decks gazing at the mountainous views.
website: www.cherokeerealty.com/hawgmountain
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Hawg Hideaway is prime location for motorcyclist & car enthusiasts. Located 30 minutes from the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway. The cabin in walking distance from the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge. The home is equipped with 4 bedrooms with (all bedrooms have king beds that convert to two twins if needed) and 4 bathrooms. Garage and covered parking is provided, along with easily accessible paved driveway. While Hawg Hideaway is conveniently located near all attractions, but you can still enjoy quiet evenings on the decks gazing at the mountainous views.
website: www.cherokeerealty.com/hawgmountain
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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.