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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

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Cover for Tail of the Dragon
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Tail of the Dragon

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

Escape to Mountain Lake House 🌲🌊
Looking for the perfect getaway? Discover Mountain Lake House, a serene cabin rental with a private boat dock on the stunning Lake Santeetlah. Located just minutes from Robbinsville, Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness Areas, Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, and Moonshiner 28, it's a paradise for motorcyclists, sportscar enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat.

-Cabin Highlights-

Main Level:
Master bedroom with king-size bed
Central air/heat & ceiling fans
Large flat-screen TV with satellite for your favorite games
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, coffee maker & microwave
Gas grill for outdoor cooking

Lower Level:
Another spacious master bedroom with king-size bed & private bath
Great room with a sectional sleeper sofa (queen bed)
Additional 1/2 bath

Ready to relax by the lake? Call us at 📞 828-479-8558 or 📞 828-735-2049 to book your stay now! 🏡✨

Visit our website for more details: mountainlakehousenc.com
... See MoreSee Less

Escape to Mountain Lake House 🌲🌊
Looking for the perfect getaway? Discover Mountain Lake House, a serene cabin rental with a private boat dock on the stunning Lake Santeetlah. Located just minutes from Robbinsville, Joyce Kilmer/Slickrock Wilderness Areas, Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, and Moonshiner 28, its a paradise for motorcyclists, sportscar enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat.

-Cabin Highlights-

Main Level:
Master bedroom with king-size bed
Central air/heat & ceiling fans
Large flat-screen TV with satellite for your favorite games
Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, coffee maker & microwave
Gas grill for outdoor cooking

Lower Level:
Another spacious master bedroom with king-size bed & private bath
Great room with a sectional sleeper sofa (queen bed)
Additional 1/2 bath

Ready to relax by the lake? Call us at 📞 828-479-8558 or 📞 828-735-2049 to book your stay now! 🏡✨

Visit our website for more details: mountainlakehousenc.comImage attachmentImage attachment

Looking for convenience right in the heart of Robbinsville, NC? time to check out Mountain Manor!

One and two bedroom suites in Robbinsville with easy access to all the rides/drives. Plus you can walk to restaurants downtown. WIFI, satellite TV, kitchens, laundry, and gas grills. Cottages also available.

Group Facilities: Nine large, one- and two-bedroom suites. Good location for a small group of motorcycles or sports cars.

www.mountainmanorhotel.com/
... See MoreSee Less

Looking for convenience right in the heart of Robbinsville, NC? time to check out Mountain Manor! 

One and two bedroom suites in Robbinsville with easy access to all the rides/drives. Plus you can walk to restaurants downtown. WIFI, satellite TV, kitchens, laundry, and gas grills. Cottages also available.

Group Facilities: Nine large, one- and two-bedroom suites. Good location for a small group of motorcycles or sports cars. 

https://www.mountainmanorhotel.com/Image attachmentImage attachment

2 CommentsComment on Facebook

Is that where we are going this fall? Maybe Diane will be able by September or October.

Do you care about getting a professional new logo or revamp of your old logo design for your business or page ?

Looking to upgrade you Tail of the Dragon stay? Check out this lodge with a view!

Three bedroom, 2-1/2 bath mountain vacation home, perfect combination of private seclusion & proximity to popular area attractions. Close to Bryson City, NOC, Tail of the Dragon, Smoky Mtn Nat'l Park, & 2 lakes. Very private & secluded on 3 acres with parking for up to 4 vehicles. Panoramic views, a 7 seater hot tub, outdoor seating, grill, & firepit with picnic table, 2 King Suites, bunk room, a full kitchen, & a newly added car wash station for the dragon riders!

Link to book: www.airbnb.com/rooms/978220916478106398
... See MoreSee Less

Looking to upgrade you Tail of the Dragon stay? Check out this lodge with a view! 

Three bedroom, 2-1/2 bath mountain vacation home, perfect combination of private seclusion & proximity to popular area attractions. Close to Bryson City, NOC, Tail of the Dragon, Smoky Mtn Natl Park, & 2 lakes. Very private & secluded on 3 acres with parking for up to 4 vehicles. Panoramic views, a 7 seater hot tub, outdoor seating, grill, & firepit with picnic table, 2 King Suites, bunk room, a full kitchen, & a newly added car wash station for the dragon riders! 

Link to book: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/978220916478106398Image attachmentImage attachment+8Image attachment

7 CommentsComment on Facebook

Great. First go to The Dragon. Tail of the Dragon is a store in Deals Gap.

Absolutely amazing

How much?

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Ready for an adventure! Check out our friends over at Back Country Adventure Tours!

The details: "Our speciality is planning tours and showing you points of interest throughout the greater Smoky Mountains. Never worry about losing service for your GPS again, we will be there showing you the way. We cater the route to fit your desires, do the planning for you, and show you hidden gems along the way. All you have to do is enjoy the ride."

www.backcountryadventuretours.com/
(828) 202-7441
... See MoreSee Less

Ready for an adventure! Check out our friends over at Back Country Adventure Tours! 

The details: Our speciality is planning tours and showing you points of interest throughout the greater Smoky Mountains. Never worry about losing service for your GPS again, we will be there showing you the way. We cater the route to fit your desires, do the planning for you, and show you hidden gems along the way. All you have to do is enjoy the ride.

https://www.backcountryadventuretours.com/
(828) 202-7441Image attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

1 CommentComment on Facebook

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