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
January 11, 2021
The weather has shifted back into winter for the western North Carolina mountains. If you are looking for snow you can probably find it in any of the higher elevations. You might find decent road conditions in the lower elevations, but it is hit or miss under the current weather patterns. Be warned that freezing temps are present most nights and roads might be "chancy" until afternoon. Some roads such as the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) and the Cherohala Skyway remain open all winter unless extreme conditions necessitate closings. Other roads such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, US 441 Cherokee to Gatlinburg, and the Foothills Parkway can be closed at just the hint of snow and ice.
If you plan to visit the area in the winter months be sure the check the weather and make some smart decisions. The Tail of the Dragon T-shirt Shack will be opening in March but dates are dependent on the weather at the time.
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.
Upcoming 2021 Events
From official rallies with hundreds of attendees to a small gathering of friends, our region is ready to host your group. Let us help you plan your event.
Dragon Web Cams
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.
Current Highlights
Find your photos online at Killboy.com
#tailofthedragon
Did you know the Cherohala Skyway stays open 365 days a year? With elevations over a mile high the Skyway can see much more snow than down in the valley.
Great capture by @mountain_man1270
#cherohalaskyway #tailofthedragon #snowday #318curvesin11miles #overlander #overlanding #4x4
Looking to plan a road trip with your group or club? Check out our website for all of the info you could possibly need.
We also make custom stickers, signs and shirts to commemorate your journey on the tail of the dragon.
#hwy129 #318curvesin11miles #roadtrip2021 #cherohalaskyway #hwy28
Miss you big bro. When I started riding I found a photo of you in this turn and knew I had to do it too. Every ride I know I got you there with me. See you again bro.
#missyoubigbro#rip#ride#gohard#noregrets#tailofthedragon#ride#rider#biker#ripbilly
Wheelie glad it’s Friday! Dreaming of those warm summer days...
#tailofthedragon #killboydotcom #hwy129 #dealsgap #318curvesin11miles #wheelie
Dreaming of those long summer days. When’s your favorite time of the year on the #tailofthedragon?
Be sure to get the best dragon photos from @killboydotcom
#hwy129 #318curvesin11miles #roadtrip #bestroads #smilespergallon
Need help planning a drive to the Tail of the Dragon? Check out our website for other great drives in the area and even where to stay.
#tailofthedragon #hwy129 #318curvesin11miles #roadtrip #blueridgeparkway #foothillsparkway #greatsmokymountains #moonshiner28
Does it get much more scenic than this?
#tailofthedragon #hwy129 #318curvesin11miles #killboydotcom #killboy
Why can’t motorcycles hold themselves up?
Because they are two-tired.
Get the best tail of the dragon photos from @killboydotcom
#tailofthedragon #hwy129dragon #318curvesin11miles #killboyphotos
Happy New Year and safe travels in 2021!!
@killboydotcom
#tailofthedragon #killboydotcom #cherohalaskyway #318curvesin11miles
With out a doubt the highlight of this year has been spending days like this with my girl. Back in late October we rode the bike from Portland, Maine back to Florida and had the best time that words can’t express! With out a doubt blessed. #SmilesForMiles #WeRide #HarleyDavidson #StreetGlideSpecial #EastCoast #TailOfTheDragon #CheckUsOut