Tail of the Dragon
United States, north-america
18 km
596 m
moderate
April to November
# The Tail of the Dragon: The East's Most Epic Drive
If you're hunting for the ultimate driving road in the eastern U.S., look no further than the Tail of the Dragon – an 18-kilometer stretch of pure adrenaline that's basically a dream come true for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. Located along U.S. Route 129 between Tabcat Bridge in Tennessee and Fugitive Bridge in North Carolina, this legendary section winds through 318 curves with absolutely nothing in between – no intersections, no driveways, just uninterrupted, flowing twists that'll have your heart racing.
The road hugs the Little Tennessee River and Cheoah Lake as it cuts through the Nantahala National Forest in the Cheoah Mountains. Picture yourself surrounded by dense hardwood forests creating a natural canopy overhead while you navigate everything from smooth, sweeping curves to tight hairpin turns. The elevation changes keep things interesting too, adding serious challenge to every lap. On weekends from spring through fall, you'll find the place packed with motorcycle groups and sports car clubs, and there's even a photography shop at the Deals Gap motorcycle resort that captures riders mid-corner – the walls are basically a gallery of action shots.
Here's the real talk though: the Tail of the Dragon has earned a gnarly reputation for accidents, especially among overconfident riders who bite off more than they can chew. There's literally a "Tree of Shame" at Deals Gap decorated with twisted bike and car parts as a sobering reminder. Local cops are serious about enforcing speed limits here, so keep it legal. The road stays open year-round, though winter can throw icy patches at you up in the higher elevations. If you're in the area, the nearby Cherohala Skyway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are solid bonus attractions worth checking out.
Where is it?
Tail of the Dragon is located in Tennessee / North Carolina, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 35.4692, -83.9375
Driving Tips
# Road Travel Tips
Got 318 curves packed into 18 kilometers? Yeah, that's a serious stretch of road. Here's how to handle it:
**Stay put in your lane.** With that many twists and turns, wandering across the centerline is a recipe for trouble. Keep it tight and predictable.
**Speed limits are actually enforced here.** Not trying to kill your vibe, but they mean business on this one. Stick to the posted limits—it's worth it.
**Hit it on a weekday if you can.** Weekends get crowded, which makes an already technical drive way more stressful. Fewer cars means you can focus on the road.
**Gravel hides in the corners.** Loose stuff loves settling on the inside of those tight bends. Assume it's there and give yourself room to adjust.
**Grab some action shots.** There's a photographer set up in the Deals Gap area catching drivers in their element. It's a fun souvenir of conquering those curves.
The key to all this? Take it seriously, stay focused, and enjoy the ride. This kind of road is exactly why people love driving.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Tennessee / North Carolina
- Length
- 18 km
- Max Elevation
- 596 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- April to November
- Coordinates
- 35.4692, -83.9375
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Whitmore Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because Whitmore Mountain in Okanogan County, Washington is calling! We're talking a climb to 3,940 feet with killer views of the Coulee area, sparkling Omak Lake, and the rugged North Cascades. You'll find this gem in north-central Washington, chilling on the southwestern edge of the Colville Indian Reservation. At the very top, a fire lookout awaits, staffed during the summer – perfect for soaking in those panoramic vistas. Now, for the nitty-gritty: the 10.5-mile road from Columbia River Road to the summit is all dirt! Expect some steep sections and hairpin turns that'll definitely test your driving skills. And heads up – road conditions can change in a heartbeat. That clay can get crazy slick when it's wet, so 4x4 is a must. One last thing: this road is completely closed during winter. But trust me, those views are worth the wait!
extremeWhy is it called Mount Sherman?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a Colorado adventure? Mount Sherman is calling! This peak straddles Park and Lake counties, west of Alma, smack-dab in the Mosquito Range. Want to tackle it? You've got a couple of options via County Road 2B and County Road 18, but fair warning: these roads are usually snowed in until July (sometimes later!). County Road 2B gets you close, topping out at 12,723 feet! Starting from Leadville, it’s about 8 miles with a hefty 2,600 feet of climbing. That’s a 6% average grade, but sections hit a wild 18%! This unpaved road is STEEP and rocky, so high clearance and 4x4 are a must. The views are amazing, but watch out for thunderstorms and leftover mining junk (rusty nails and hidden mine shafts!). County Road 18 (aka 4 Mile Creek Road) is another epic choice. It takes you to 12,959 feet after about 13.7 miles from Fairplay, gaining over 3,000 feet. It's a sustained climb, with an average gradient of 4.28% with some steep sections as high as 16%. This route is also unpaved, rocky, and requires good clearance and 4x4. You'll find remnants of the Hilltop Mine, abandoned long ago. Expect awesome scenery. This road also provides access to hiking and fishing! Just keep an eye on the sky for fast-forming afternoon thunderstorms.
hardWhere is Slate Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Slate Peak, way up in Washington, practically kissing the Canadian border. We're talking about the tippy-top of the Okanogan Range, in the North Cascades. You can drive almost to the very top, but be warned, it's not for the faint of heart! The adventure starts at Hart's Pass, where you hop onto Slate Peak Road (aka Forest Service Road 5400). It's only about 2.6 miles to the end of the drivable section, but those miles are on a totally unpaved road that climbs like crazy! Seriously, you'll gain over 1200 feet, with some spots hitting a 17% grade. Definitely not trailer-friendly, and larger vehicles might want to think twice. The road's usually open from early July to early October, depending on the snow, which hangs around most of the year. It's a bit of a white-knuckle drive, especially in a few sections where the road narrows right next to a seriously steep drop-off. No guardrails here, folks! But, oh my, is it worth it! Park at the locked gate just below the summit and take a short walk to the top. You'll find the remains of a leveled area from a Cold War radar station idea (they never built it), but the real star is the view. Seriously breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Cascades. On a clear day, you can see forever! There are even signs to help you identify all the peaks. Trust me, you won't find many views like this without a major hike. Don't forget your camera; you'll want to remember this one!
extremeThe narrow shelf road to Radical Hill in Colorado is a nerve-wracking challenge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Radical Hill in Colorado's Summit County is calling your name... if you're brave enough! This beast of a mountain pass sits at a whopping 12,618 feet above sea level and is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking serious pucker-factor. Located near Montezuma, west of Webster Pass, this 7.1-mile unpaved trail throws everything it has at you: massive rocks, a super narrow shelf road that will have you clinging to the edge, and switchbacks that are steep, tight, and will test your driving skills to the max. Seriously, one wrong move and you're likely rolling. This isn't your Sunday drive. You'll need an aggressive stock SUV, low range, and skid plates are a must. Only experienced drivers should even think about attempting this. The best time to tackle Radical Hill? Late August or early September for the best chance of clear conditions. Otherwise, expect snow. Be warned: this road is rocky with loose climbs, off-camber sections, and a final ascent that's eroded and unforgiving. If you're afraid of heights or rough roads with major drop-offs, this might be a little intense. But hey, if you can handle it, the reward is HUGE. The summit is surprisingly flat with plenty of parking, so you can soak in the incredible panoramic views. You'll spot Webster Pass, Handcart Peak, Teller Mountain, and loads of relics from Colorado's mining past. It's a tough climb, but the scenery is totally worth it!