The winding Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina: 318 curves in 11 miles
Usa, north-america
19.15 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
# The Tail of the Dragon: America's Ultimate Twisty Road Adventure
Straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, Deals Gap (aka the Tail of the Dragon) is hands-down one of the most exhilarating drives in the USA. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 isn't for the faint of heart—it packs a jaw-dropping 318 curves into those miles, earning its serpentine nickname.
Word travels fast about this place. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts flock here year-round, drawn by the legendary tight turns with names that'll make you smile: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend. The road snakes through dense forest with occasional scenic pull-offs, but don't get too distracted—blind curves, steep cambers, and crests that come out of nowhere make this a seriously technical drive. Even the most experienced drivers treat the Dragon with respect. Want proof? Check out the Tree of Shame, where motorcycle debris hangs as a sobering reminder of what happens when you push too hard.
The fully paved road runs from NC 28 in North Carolina to the Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee. It's been featured in countless films (Harrison Ford drove it in The Fugitive!) and ads, but the real thrill is the drive itself.
Weather here is tricky. Summer's pretty predictable, but winter (November-March) is a wild card—snow, ice, wildlife, and sudden weather changes can make things unpredictable. That said, winter offers less traffic and better visibility through the trees. Summer afternoons often bring scattered showers, but they're typically gone by evening, leaving plenty of riding time.
Around 250,000 riders tackle the Dragon annually. Fun fact: 18-wheelers have been banned since authorities got tired of semi disasters. Tucked between the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, this is one road that'll get your adrenaline pumping and give you stories for years.
Where is it?
The winding Tail of the Dragon in North Carolina: 318 curves in 11 miles is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.0974, -99.8663
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.15 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.0974, -99.8663
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