The Tail of The Dragon is a mountain pass along the North Carolina–Tennessee state line, bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and near the Little Tennessee River. The area is popular with motorcycle enthusiasts, who cross the gap into Tennessee to drive along the “The Dragon”; famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles (18 km).
With it’s breathtaking scenery and challenging twisting roadway, the stretch of US129 known as the Tail of the Dragon is world renown as one of the most popular places to ride for motorcycle and road enthusiasts, as it is located along a stretch of two-lane road known since 1981 as “The Dragon”. The Dragon for most begins in North Carolina at Fugitive Bridge with a view of the Cheoah Dam and ends 14 miles across the mountain at the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee.
On one end of the trail is the Slide, a steep series of S curves which will push your riding abilities in an exhilarating way. The road then give riders a brief reprieve and levels and straightens until breaking into another stretch of curves. After this stretch riders come across popular hangout for road enthusiasts call the Crossroads of Time. Next comes Deals Gap and the Tennessee State Line. All in all the main thing riders will remember will be a white knuckled ride bouncing them curve after curve and giving them the ride of their lives.
The Tail of the Dragon can be ridden year round with different experiences to be had with each season. Wildlife such as bear and dear can be spotted almost year round. The winter months (October – April) make for a beautiful but more challenging roadway that is definitely not for the weak of heart! Snow and ice can come as early as Halloween, but when riding conditions allow, the winter months can be some of the most beautiful to ride.
The beginning of spring (April – May) can be some of the best times to ride as the roads are clear of their winter hazards and the traffic is still relatively low. The summer months bring many tourists the area giving the Tail of the Dragon the new added hazard of heavier traffic. It is highly recommended to take the Tail at different times of the year as it will provide a different experience each and every time. Also, every week on the Tail is a different featured event guaranteed to provide something for everyone!
More Information: www.TailoftheDragon.com provides maps, weather, accommodation information, road information, photos and more.
Other Websites of Interest: www.SmokyMountains.org, www.GrahamCountyTravel.com, www.Killboy.com, www.wheelsthroughtime.com
Welcome to Stecoah Valley RV Resort, a western North Carolina RV resort and one of the last destinations for true unspoiled natural beauty! Stecoah Valley RV Resort is nestled in the majestic Smoky Mountains of Graham County in western North Carolina close to Deals Gap and The Tail of The Dragon.
Meet the people and passion behind the scenic Stecoah Valley RV Park Read More