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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

STORM UPDATE

The eye of Hurricane Helene passed over the Tail of the Dragon as the storm raged to our east and west. We actually could see the sun in the minutes it passed. Oddly this left our area virtually untouched compared to other areas in North Carolina and Tennessee. Visitors headed this way should carefully plan their route to get here, but all of our roads near the Dragon are fine.

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

7 days ago

Let the countdown to the 2025 season begin. Anyone else ready for March and some warmer weather?

Let's get a roll call going. Who's coming to see us this year? Where ya coming from and what are you riding / driving. Drop your details or events in the comments below.

As always, photos by the one and only Killboy.com get your photos over at Killboy.com and your custom merch with Killboy photos here: www.tailofthedragonstore.com/category_s/157.htm
... See MoreSee Less

Let the countdown to the 2025 season begin. Anyone else ready for March and some warmer weather? 

Lets get a roll call going. Whos coming to see us this year? Where ya coming from and what are you riding / driving. Drop your details or events in the comments below. 

As always, photos by the one and only Killboy.com get your photos over at Killboy.com and your custom merch with Killboy photos here: https://www.tailofthedragonstore.com/category_s/157.htmImage attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment

41 CommentsComment on Facebook

Coming from south Alabama for Classic Hondas on the Dragon in October. Currently “building” my Honda fit for the trip

Purdue university - will be down there first week of July! Driving my mom car, 20’ camry. Yup

Hope to be down several times this year. Goldwing trike, most likely the fastest Goldwing trike you will see on the dragon.

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This one's for our RV and camping Dragon Slayers!

⚠️ 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

✅ BOOK NOW HERE:
www.sweetwatersights.com/
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This ones for our RV and camping Dragon Slayers! 

⚠️ 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: sweetwatersights@gmail.com
Phone/Text: 828-735-3422

✅ BOOK NOW HERE: 
https://www.sweetwatersights.com/Image attachmentImage attachment+6Image attachment

6 CommentsComment on Facebook

Looks goood Everyone did a fantastic job

Any tent sites?

$90 a night.. pass...... id rather stay in a hotel

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1 week ago

It's never too early to start planning your next Tail of the Dragon adventure and The Humble Roots Rest is a great basecamp for your next trip.

THE DETAILS:
⚠️ Private setting on 11 acres.
⚠️ Sleeps up to 6. Two Bedrooms, 2 queen size beds and a sleeper sofa, two full baths. All linens provided.
⚠️ Open floorplan living room and kitchen. Outdoor deck with dining and six person hot tub. Covered parking.
⚠️ Five minutes to Robbinsville, 20 minutes to Cherohala Skyway, 30 minutes to Tail of the Dragon.
⚠️ All paved roads and driveway leading to the cabin- no issues with motorcycles and sports cars.
⚠️ Additional cabin available for large group: Head to their website for details on "The Hideout"

BOOK NOW HERE:
humblerootsrest.com/

📍 The Humble Roots Rest
Snowbird Road, Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771
... See MoreSee Less

Its never too early to start planning your next Tail of the Dragon adventure and The Humble Roots Rest is a great basecamp for your next trip. 

THE DETAILS: 
⚠️ Private setting on 11 acres.
⚠️ Sleeps up to 6. Two Bedrooms, 2 queen size beds and a sleeper sofa, two full baths. All linens provided.
⚠️ Open floorplan living room and kitchen. Outdoor deck with dining and six person hot tub. Covered parking.
⚠️ Five minutes to Robbinsville, 20 minutes to Cherohala Skyway, 30 minutes to Tail of the Dragon.
⚠️ All paved roads and driveway leading to the cabin- no issues with motorcycles and sports cars.
⚠️ Additional cabin available for large group: Head to their website for details on The Hideout 

BOOK NOW HERE: 
✅ https://humblerootsrest.com/

📍 The Humble Roots Rest 
Snowbird Road, Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771
2 weeks ago

Ronald Elliott Johnson 77, of Robbinsville, NC passed away, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at his residence.

Known to many as the co-founder of the Tail of the Dragon and to his friends and family as a thrill seeker, father figure, and true adventurer.

He was a native of Palm Beach County, FL and the son of the late Bright and Ruth Johnson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great grandchild Mabel Rain Batts.

Ron was a retired West Palm Beach Firefighter where he served 22 years. He was also an ATO Brother at the University of Florida.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Marten Johnson; daughters, Monica Johnson and Andrea Batts; brothers Tom Johnson and Bright Johnson, Jr; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Details regarding a public memorial gathering to follow in the coming days. At this time we ask that you respect our time of grieving as a family.

In lieu of flowers, we ask contributions be made to the Graham County Rescue Squad and Blount County Rescue Squad. Additionally, please dedicate your next ride in a beautiful, adventurous place in Ron’s honor.

We look forward to seeing you all for the 2025 season as we continue Ron’s legacy of making memories together.

Blount County Rescue Squad:
bcrs.org/donate-to-bcrs

Graham County Rescue Squad: grahamcounty.org/ems.html
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Ronald Elliott Johnson 77, of Robbinsville, NC passed away, Saturday, January 25, 2025, at his residence.
          
Known to many as the co-founder of the Tail of the Dragon and to his friends and family as a thrill seeker, father figure, and true adventurer. 

He was a native of Palm Beach County, FL and the son of the late Bright and Ruth Johnson.
          
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great grandchild Mabel Rain Batts.
          
Ron was a retired West Palm Beach Firefighter where he served 22 years.  He was also an ATO Brother at the University of Florida.
          
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Marten Johnson; daughters, Monica Johnson and Andrea Batts; brothers Tom Johnson and Bright Johnson, Jr; 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Details regarding a public memorial gathering to follow in the coming days. At this time we ask that you respect our time of grieving as a family. 

In lieu of flowers, we ask contributions be made to the Graham County Rescue Squad and Blount County Rescue Squad. Additionally, please dedicate your next ride in a beautiful, adventurous place in Ron’s honor. 

We look forward to seeing you all for the 2025 season as we continue Ron’s legacy of making memories together.

Blount County Rescue Squad: 
https://bcrs.org/donate-to-bcrs

Graham County Rescue Squad: https://grahamcounty.org/ems.htmlImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

34 CommentsComment on Facebook

My condolences to Nancy, the family and his friends. We met Ron and Nancy when they had their set up at the overlook. Always a fun couple with great stories and always a lending hand. Learned so much history of the area from Ron and so many stories!

Condolences to the entire family. A legend in the area

Our hearts go out to his family, this is very sad news. He will be missed terribly by all who knew him. We will cherish our memories of our times together and prayers to Nancy. He was one of a kind and we will never forget him. 😢

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3 weeks ago

Attention all thrill-seekers and motorcycle enthusiasts! If you're looking for a heart-pounding ride filled with sharp twists, turns, and breathtaking views, the Devil's Triangle in Tennessee is calling your name. This challenging route, located just a short drive from the Tail of the Dragon offers an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to take it on.

What Makes the Devil's Triangle Special?

Daring Curves: With over 40 miles of winding roads, the Devil's Triangle is packed with sharp curves and steep elevations that will test your riding / driving skills and keep your adrenaline pumping.

Scenic Beauty: As you navigate the route, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the Appalachian Mountains.

Rich History: Explore the area's rich history, including stories of coal mining and moonshining. The route takes you through small towns that hold secrets of the past.

Grab all the details here: devilstriangletn.com/

Been there, done that? What's your favorite stop along the ride?

This one's a bit spooky but a heck of a time. The Devil's Triangle is the perfect ride for those looking for a bit of a thrill.
... See MoreSee Less

Attention all thrill-seekers and motorcycle enthusiasts! If youre looking for a heart-pounding ride filled with sharp twists, turns, and breathtaking views, the Devils Triangle in Tennessee is calling your name. This challenging route, located just a short drive from the Tail of the Dragon offers an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to take it on.

What Makes the Devils Triangle Special?

Daring Curves: With over 40 miles of winding roads, the Devils Triangle is packed with sharp curves and steep elevations that will test your riding / driving skills and keep your adrenaline pumping.

Scenic Beauty: As you navigate the route, youll be treated to stunning vistas of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Rich History: Explore the areas rich history, including stories of coal mining and moonshining. The route takes you through small towns that hold secrets of the past.

Grab all the details here: https://devilstriangletn.com/

Been there, done that? Whats your favorite stop along the ride? 

This ones a bit spooky but a heck of a time. The Devils Triangle is the perfect ride for those looking for a bit of a thrill.

93 CommentsComment on Facebook

Savage switchbacks, broken pavement, drops with no shoulder. I love it, always an extremely intense ride and not to be taken lightly. It’s my go to when I need to test myself and a great reminder to always be prepared for anything on the road.

I like it better than the Dragon. Just rode it a couple of weeks ago. In the winter when all the foliage is gone you can see jow dangerous it really is. No room for mistakes at all!

This is not like the tail of the dragon as it has sections that have vehicle entries onto the road from residences, industrial trucks and off road vehicle trails. There will also be a lot of debris on the road after a good rain from runoff across the road. Aside from that and the stupid name it is a really great drive.😂

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