Spring is the time of year when motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts get to scratch that itch that’s been nagging them all winter. After being holed up indoors for months the time has come to hit the open road. It’s time to face the Tail of the Dragon, America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road.
The United States is one of the few countries in the world I know of that actually builds roads simply for the enjoyment of driving them. There are plenty of paved options to choose from in the southeastern states. Having traveled the country extensively, I loved discovering the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest.
The Great Smoky Mountains
I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the scenic Smokies. The network of winding roads weaves their way along whitewater rivers, through dense forest, and between mountain tops. One such stretch of US 129, the Tail of the Dragon, runs for 11 miles from North Carolina to Tennessee. And it’s not just the name that attracts drivers from around the world to this stretch of asphalt; It’s the 318 curves that one has to negotiate along its length.
“318 curves in 11 miles”
Banked turns, switchbacks, and tunnels where you loop around and drive over the top of the same road blend into the landscape. Scenery consists of walls of trees and the double yellow line that warns you to stick to your side. During my rides on the Dragon’s Tail, I’ve seen sports bikes come around a blind corner in my lane and fresh debris on the road where someone has left the pavement and crashed into the trees.
Deal’s Gap
A pitstop sits about halfway through the ride called Deal’s Gap. It’s a perfect place to wet your whistle, gas up, or work the blood back into your white knuckles and relax. In the center of the parking lot, there is a tree of shame. Here hang various motorcycle parts from crashes as a reminder of those who thought they could slay the dragon.
You can pretty well drive any type of vehicle on US 129, as it’s a state highway. Just don’t be surprised if someone on a racing bike zips by as if you’re standing still, then takes the next corner at such an angle that one knee is skimming the pavement. If you truly want to enjoy the road, my best advice is to avoid it on the weekends. Heavy traffic can make the ride less enjoyable and more treacherous.
Several crashes occur on the Tail of the Dragon every year, and some have been fatal. There are no guard rails, with steep rocky embankments on both sides of the road. On my Harley Davidson, I found the drive both fun and challenging, having to constantly shift my weight and change gears for quick adjustments in elevation or hairpin turns. Some speed demons try to see how fast they can complete the run. This makes it more dangerous for themselves and others.
River and Rafting
The Tail of the Dragon is not only for motorcycles. I’ve seen various sports cars and clubs, with drivers in Corvettes, Miatas, and Porsches. On the lower part of the Tail, the road follows the Tallassee River, offering scenic spots to pull over. Kayak rentals dot the shoreline if you’re into whitewater rafting. There are quaint little towns, hotels, and lots of cabin rentals scattered all throughout the area.
With the exception of Deal’s Gap, there are no turnouts or places to stop. It’s next to impossible to snap any pictures of your ride. But along certain parts of the road, you’ll notice roadside tents. Photographers stand ready, capturing shots of you on the way by. They post their images on a website, and if you search it the next day there are options to buy photos of yourself in action.
Scenic Byways
If you’re spending more than a couple of days in the Smokies, consider the nearby Cherohala Skyway, with 60 miles of breathtaking scenic mountain highway. The Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t too far off and is another two-lane road with no truck traffic, specifically built for the joy of driving it. Check out the Tail’s official website to learn about the history of US 129 and other scenic roads in the area.
This is only one area for great motoring in the United States. I’ve experienced and written about others, and if you’re interested in reading those stories, please explore my website or pick up a copy of my book, A Casual Traveler.
US 129 looks like an amazing road to travel. It’s like a road-tripper’s dream. I’d definitely love to take a trip through there.
It’s quite unique, Kuntala, go for it!
Well that sounds like quite the adventure! I’d love to try this one day.
Go for it, Heather, there’s some beautiful country down there.
Do you know that it is my dream to get to know the US on the bike? Always has been! Your article made it doable and exciting!
Dream on, Maria, and check out the links in that area…lots of great biking roads to discover!
The sites are lovely. There are so many great things as we explore our beautiful country.
It’s all out there waiting to be discovered. Thank for your feedback, Elise.
My husband would love to do a trip like this on his motorcycle! Were those curves scary?
I’m a very experienced rider and wouldn’t call them scary, but they are challenging and keep you on your toes…there is no time for daydreaming. I hope you get there, Meki.
That would make for an exciting road trip! We don’t drive motorcycles but I guess even driving through US 129 in a car would be fantastic!
The whole area is quite scenic, like the Blueridge Pkwy, and nice to drive without the crush of freeway traffic.
Sounds like a wonderful, challenging, and exciting road to take in every family road trip.
For sure, Gervin, there are lots of family activities in and around the Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l Park…Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Cherokee to name a few.
A good read as always Ed.
Gracias Amigo.
I want this type of adventure! Thanks for taking us along with you. i definitely miss traveling because of this pandemic.
You’re welcome, Ivan. Having cancelled trips and with others on hold, I hear you!
That looks so amazing! Would love to do that sometime!
Check it out Wren, lots to do in the area.
This looks like so much fun. What a great trip full of adventure.
Thanks, Kisha, I’ve done it a few times…solo, with the boys, and with my wife.
This looks incredible! Though I would be incredibly nervous to ride on those winding roads.
It’s quite unique, Monica, and definitely challenging. There’s no need to be nervous, as long as you drive within your means.
What an interesting road! It really has so many twists and turns. This looks like quite the route!
It’s hard to believe they would build a road like that, but it’s the way it was done back in the day. I’m sure they had no idea what it would become.
I’m so nervous about riding a motorcycle but looks like you had fun.
Roads like that are way more fun, in a car or on a bike, than a straight and flat interstate. Motorcycles aren’t for everyone, and if you’re not comfortable on one, then you shouldn’t be on it.
Now that would be an awesome trip. I would love to travel it in a voncvertable!
Go for it, Kita, I’m sure it would be fun in a convertible too.
I’m also a motorist but too far from the area. It must’ve been so exciting to be able to drive on that road.
I’ve found other fun and challenging road elsewhere, usually off the beaten path…the back roads built in the old days when they followed the contour of the land. Obviously mountain roads fit the bill, and so do many that follow rivers or river valleys.
I miss rafting so much! I can’t wait to do it after the pandemic. Great pictures by the way!
It looked like a good area for rafting, Emman, hope you get out there after all this nonsense. And thanks.
Interestingly, the Tail of the Dragon is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans almost throughout the year. This drive looks really great – it is about scenic overlooks and nature’s majesty!
Thanks for your feedback, Arunas.
Wow! This looks like a wonderful road. Didn’t know that it was so popular with motorcycle riders. Also, the scenery is very beautiful.
Leave it to bikers to seek out fun and challenging places to ride.
I did a small part of this tail of the dragon a few years back. There were so many cool bikers riding along. I am aching to do this. Thanks for inspiring me again.
You’re welcome, Archana, I’m glad I could inspire you.
Indeed such an amazing site! I wish I could explore this too! Thanks for sharing this. Now I am more convinced to add this up on my list.
Ah, the bucket list…will be so nice when we can get back to checking off places to visit.
I had never heard of this trail but it seems like a really cool experience!
Check it out, Neely, lots to do in the area.