How long does it take to ride Tail of the Dragon?
about 30 minutesRide the Dragon And if you're traveling by motorcycle, don't forget your helmet—they're required for both drivers and passengers in North Carolina and Tennessee. It will take about 30 minutes to drive the Dragon's 11 exhilarating miles.
How long is the Tail of the Dragon motorcycle ride?
11 milesOne of the most exciting drives in the country, the Tail of the Dragon is an experienced motorcyclist's dream. This stretch of road in the Great Smoky Mountains boasts 318 curves in just 11 miles, and promises fun and excitement for anyone who dares to conquer it.
How difficult is the Tail of the Dragon?
The Tail of the Dragon is not a difficult road to ride. And with a few tips and tricks, it can be an unforgettable experience. TRUCKS ON THE DRAGON. It is now illegal for trucks longer than 30 feet to operate on the Tail of the Dragon.
How many deaths occur on the Tail of the Dragon?
We have kept an accurate count of the deaths on the Dragon since 1995. The average is about 1.5 deaths a year.
Where does Tail of the Dragon start and end?
Beginning at Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line is the Tail of the Dragon. It is considered by many as one of the world's foremost motorcycling and sports car touring roads. Anyone looking for an exciting highway will enjoy this 11-mile stretch of US 129.
Are there cops on Tail of the Dragon?
Tennessee Sheriff and Highway Patrol units routinely patrol the Tail of the Dragon. At times enforcement is stepped up when a lot of complaints are made.
Is the Tail of the Dragon worth it?
The Tail of the Dragon is the best road in America for spirited driving. The road is part of the US129 highway and to get an idea of just how curvy the “Dragon” is, the famous road spans 11 miles and is filled with 318 different curves and corners along the way.
What can you not do on the Tail of the Dragon?
It is now illegal for trucks longer than 30 feet to operate on the Tail of the Dragon. However, it is not uncommon to see trucks that are either lost or using US129 as a shortcut. Read the history of this long battle to ban trucks on the Tail of the Dragon.
How many wrecks are on the Tail of the Dragon?
BCSO said in a 10-year period, the 11-mile stretch saw 27 fatal motorcycle wrecks — four more than on the rest of Blount County's 1,100 miles of road in the same time period.
Where is the Tree of shame?
The Tree of Shame at the mouth of the Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap Motorcylce Resort in NC. Displays pieces of vehicles that crashed on the famous strip of highway. The Tree of Shame at the mouth of the Tail of the Dragon at Deal's Gap Motorcylce Resort in NC.
What city does the Tail of the Dragon start?
Whether you're starting or completing the Tail of the Dragon at the intersection of US 129 & NC 28, Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort in Robbinsville, NC is the perfect place to snap pictures, grab souvenirs, eat lunch, have a cold beer, or even spend the night.
How many turns are in the Tail of the Dragon?
318 curvesTail 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.
How many parts are there to the Dragon motorcycle ride?
The five smaller, inner loops are 1) The Bland Loop at 94-miles, 2) The Wytheville Loop at 62-miles, 3) The Galax Loop at 60-miles, 4) The Marion Loop at 138-miles, and 5) The Bastian Loop at 82-miles. The various loops cover approximately 350-miles of roads and going through seven different Virginia counties.
How many curves are in the Tail of the Dragon?
318 curvesThe Dragon, Motorcycle & Sports Car Drive Conquer the 318 curves in 11 miles on the Dragon, a section of U.S. Highway 129 that starts near Robbinsville and Fontana Dam.
How do you drive the Tail of the Dragon?
EThis is our most important tip that applies to all vehicles.STAY IN YOUR LANE. Law Enforcement will ticket vehicles even touching the double yellow. ... HUG THE WHITE LINE. If you see another vehicle coming at you in your lane, hug the white line in your lane. ... SAFE ZONE. ... PULL OFFS.
How many curves in the Back of the Dragon?
Back of the Dragon offers over 400 curves for the thrill-seeking knee draggers, a two-lane ribbon road for the sports car aficionado's and breathtaking views of the expansive 3 mountain range for all riders.
Where does the Tail of the Dragon begin and end?
It’s 19.15km (11.9 miles) long, running from the intersection of NC 28 and US 129 (in North Carolina) to the Tabcat Creek Bridge (in Tennessee). It is not a road for the squeamish, but if you're looking for a little excitement don't miss this one. It has been the setting for countless movies (in the Cheoah Dam Harrison Ford jumped in the movie The Fugitive...) and advertisements.
When to drive the Tail of the Dragon?
Weather on the Dragon is fairly predictable most of the summer. The winter months from November through March can be impossible to predict. The road is desolate and can be a real adventure in the winter months, having to deal with bears, turkeys, deer, and wild boars in the road, trees down, ice/snow, and tractor-trailers taking-up both lanes in the curves. There are many ridable days in the winter, but they are not predictable. Higher elevations of the Cherohala and Blue Ridge Parkway can experience snow well into May. Many summer afternoons bring widely scattered rain showers. Often the weather stations and web weather will indicate rain for the entire area. Be aware that you can still have nearly a full day of riding before the summer showers hit in mid-afternoon. And these showers are here and there .... not everywhere. They often dissipate in the late afternoon leaving several hours of good riding before dark. Cars can run the Dragon most of the year. Winter is a great time to have the road to yourself. At times the road is dusted with salt/sand, but that is only when a severe storm is coming. It is usually gone after the next good rain. One big advantage of winter on the Dragon is the ability to see through many the corners because the trees have dropped their leaves. Good visibility from November through March. One downside is the sun is lower and can get in your eyes even at noon. The shadows also make for reduced visibility.
How many curves are there on the dragon?
The 11-mile stretch of the Dragon in Tennessee is said to have 318 curves. Some of the Dragon's sharpest curves have names like Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Shade Tree Corner, Mud Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Beginner's End, and Brake or Bust Bend. The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble ...
What is the best time to see through the corners of the dragon?
One big advantage of winter on the Dragon is the ability to see through many the corners because the trees have dropped their leaves. Good visibility from November through March. One downside is the sun is lower and can get in your eyes even at noon. The shadows also make for reduced visability.
Can cars run the dragon?
Cars can run the Dragon most of the year. Winter is a great time to have the road to yourself. At times the road is dusted with salt/sand, but that is only when a severe storm is coming. It is usually gone after the next good rain.
Is the weather on the dragon predictable?
Weather on the Dragon is fairly predictable most of the summer. The winter months from November through March can be impossible to predict. The road is desolate and can be a real adventure in the winter months, having to deal with bears, turkeys, deer, and wild boars in the road, trees down, ice/snow, and tractor-trailers taking-up both lanes in ...
How many curves does the Tail of the Dragon have?
Encompassing nearly 12 miles through the forest in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the Tail of the Dragon has an impressive 318 curves. Google Maps.
Where is the tail of the dragon in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, drivers and cyclists will find the start of the Tail of the Dragon near Robbinsville at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. For those wanting an equally beautiful and climatically cool top-down drive that’s not as unnerving, the Moonshiner 28 scenic drive in North Carolina begins just down the road from where the Tail ...
How long is Route 129?
People from all over the country head to Route 129 in North Carolina to experience an 11.9-mile twisty mountain road that’s widely known for its thrilling curves and challenging course.
How fast can you drive in Tail of the Dragon?
If you’re in the mood to sightsee, use the designated pullouts along the Dragon. Don’t pull over along the roadway. Stick to the posted speed limit, which is 30 mph, and don’t tailgate. Prior to hitting the road, take a look at the route on a Tail of the Dragon map so you know what to expect.
When did the tail of the dragon change?
That all changed in 1992 when an Atlanta motorcycle enthusiast formed the Deals Gap Riding Society and began to refer to the roadway as the Dragon. The name stuck, at least until around 2000, when the Tail of the Dragon website went live and that moniker became well known.
How far away is the Cherohala Skyway?
For the ultimate driving experience, pair the Dragon with a ride on this road, located about 36 miles away. It took 34 years and more than $100 million to construct the Cherohala Skyway, but when it finally opened in 1996, the 43-mile National Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway was a winner, offering some of the most glorious views in the region. As it twists and turns across the rugged mountain ridges, the Skyway gains more than 2,700 feet in elevation. Along the way, you’ll find picnic areas, trailheads, and safe places to pull over and admire the landscape.
How to ride the dragon?
Safety tips for riding the Dragon 1 Stay in your lane. Not only do the center lines tend to be slick, but the Dragon is also rife with blind curves and hillocks that bend just past the crest, making head-on accidents a real risk if you’ve drifted into oncoming traffic. Keep as close to the white line as you can. 2 Stick to your skill level. Many of the Dragon’s turns actually tighten as they curve, making them even more challenging than they seem. Brake gently, and downshift when necessary. 3 Keep your eyes on the road…but be sure to glance up occasionally to be sure you’re not headed for a collision with one of the deer, wild pigs, or bears that roam the surrounding forest. 4 If you’re in the mood to sightsee, use the designated pullouts along the Dragon. Don’t pull over along the roadway. 5 Stick to the posted speed limit, which is 30 mph, and don’t tailgate. 6 Prior to hitting the road, take a look at the route on a Tail of the Dragon map so you know what to expect.
Where is Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee?
Near bustling Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but a world away, Tail of the Dragon runs from Chilhowee Lake in Tennessee to the tiny settlement of Deals Gap, which is just over the North Carolina border. It’s about 90 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina, and 60 miles south of Knoxville, Tennessee. This stretch of U.S. 129 goes by the name Tapoco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway in Tennessee, and it is surrounded by stunning roadways such as the Cherohala Skyway. Just a few hours away, on U.S. 441, you’ll find another one of the most scenic drives in America.
How long does it take to drive the dragon?
It will take about 30 minutes to drive the Dragon’s 11 exhilarating miles.
What to do once you tamed the dragon?
Once you’ve tamed the Dragon, stick around to explore the region’s towering waterfalls, crystal-blue lakes, atmospheric mountain towns, and truly scenic highways. Before you hit the road, make sure you have these essential road planning tips and the following important information about the Dragon.
Where is the tail of the dragon?
DEALS GAP — The Tail of the Dragon, colloquially known as "The Dragon," is a curvy stretch of Highway 129, running through Blount County and into North Carolina. With no intersecting roads or driveways to interrupt a cruise, it has become idyllic for many drivers and especially motorcyclists, thousands of whom "ride the Dragon" each year.
How long does it take to get to the hospital in Dragon?
BCSO said transport to a hospital from The Dragon can take at least another 45 minutes, or more than an hour, if an injured person needs to be taken to a trauma center hospital.
How many motorcyclists died on the dragon?
In the last week, two motorcyclists died on The Dragon. More: Georgia motorcyclist who died on 'The Dragon' was a barber who 'knew everybody,' friends say. Here are five things to know about the famous — and sometimes infamous — Tail of The Dragon.
