A local offers words of wisdom on what not to do while riding the Tail of the Dragon
Thereโs a road through the mountains of Tennessee into their North Carolina counterparts. Over its 11-mile stretch, it features 318 curves. Itโs known as the Tail of the Dragon โ or U.S. 129 to those less poetically inclined โ and it is one of the most popular routes for motorcyclists and sports car drivers who enjoy challenging themselves along the road. It is also one of the most deadly stretches of road in the Eastern U.S.
The stretch of road takes about 30 minutes to cover. There are pull-offs for visitors to stop and take in the scenery, which sometimes makes for friction between drivers who want to โride the Dragonโ and those there to take in the scenery. With all of this in mind, here are my six donโts and what to avoid to enjoy a successful ride.
1. Donโt go for a walk
This one may seem obvious, but the Dragon is not the right place for a stroll or jog along the edge of the roadway. The Smoky Mountains are full of walking trails. Stretch your legs on those trails. But unless itโs an emergency โ keep your feet off the Dragon.
2. Donโt be reckless
Experienced riders know the point of the Dragon is not to blast through recklessly, drifting in and out of your lane. The challenge is to display your skill by handling the curves while staying in your lane. Remember it is illegal to change lanes. Itโs also important to remember that the Dragon โ while an exhilarating ride โ isnโt just for sports cars and bikers. Itโs an important scenic drive and a functioning route between North Carolina and Tennessee. The road was designed to be scenic, with pull-offs and everything. However, being reckless on the road โ whether in a car or on a bike โ can lead to a serious wreck.
The Blount County Sheriffโs Office offers the following reminder:
โRemember when visiting this very unique highway, you are not the only one there. Many people have to use this road every day commuting to and from work or are visiting family,โ the site says. โDrive like you would want people to drive on the roads you and your family travel daily. If everyone would do this, there will be far fewer injuries and deaths, and when you see a deputy, you wonโt be leaving with an invitation to return at a later date.โ
3. Donโt block traffic
It is illegal to pass on this road, but if you see someone coming up at a high speed, consider moving over โ as long as itโs safe to do so. Think about it like the scenic ride equivalent of letting a faster golfer play through.
Articles Related to the Tail of the Dragon
- Check out the โ 9 Best Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains, Ranked
- Welcome to the Best Curvy Road in the United States โ From an insider
- Read more โ Where Does the Cherohala Skyway Begin? Your Guide to This Scenic Drive
- A local shares the โ 5 Best Things To Do and See in the Smokies Without Leaving Your Car
- A Popular Tourist Road in NC Was Just Voted Among Most Feared in the US โ Some scoff, do you agree?
4. Donโt get spooked
The Dragon is a challenging ride. Thatโs the point. There are blind curves, other riders of varying experience, car and truck drivers and the possibility of wildlife. The important thing when something sudden arises is not to panic. You might have to slam on the brakes or even turn off the roadway but keep your head and keep those options only as last-second choices. Remember the nearest medical help is a good 45 minutes away. If something happens, it will be a while before medical help arrives. The Dragon is no place to lose your cool.
5. Donโt get road rage
Keeping cool is the order of the day and not everyone on the road will share your agenda. If you happen upon an inconsiderate driver, an inexperienced rider or a rider who thinks they own the road, this is no place to escalate a situation. Itโs best to get separated and let them go about their day. Also, there are large parts of the Dragon where you wonโt have cell service. Someone willing to be reckless and full of rage on the road may well be unpredictable if a situation escalates. Remember, the Dragon will be there a long time. If you have a run interrupted or ruined by someone ignorant or rude, you can plan another run. Itโs not worth letting things get worse.
6. Donโt ride it at night
The Dragon is challenging enough in the daylight. At night, with less visibility? I think youโre better off to leave it until the daytime.
Have you tried driving on The Dragon? Let us know what you think in the comments and on the socials! Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains soon? Make sure to check out our coupons page before your trip!
You left out that trucks with trailers will take both lanes on the tight corners. You may need to break and let the truck complete the corner or finf yourself under the trailer.
Or the trailer will bottom out and block the road entirely. Not a truck route. Tennessee finally put a large sign on the north end at 411 warning truckers a few years ago and hopefully GPS doesnโt route them onto the Dragon anymore.
The key to the dragon is to get there early. Hit Deals Gap at around 7:00 for breakfast. Drive back down to the TN side, if you donโt see any police, you have a clean run back to deals gap. Like the article said, please donโt be reckless.
You left out the 30mph speed limit. If youre driving more than 45, youre being wreckless.
I remember driving a Ford F-100 pick-up on Hwy 129 to Wildcat Falls. There was just the motel and a telephone booth. Then Nick Ienatsch wrote about it in Motorcyclist Magazine. The rest is history.
I agree with all of these. They really cracked down on the speeders which is probably a good thing. You say 30 mph speed limit and you think thatโs crazy but for a lot of newbies, itโs going to feel crazy going that fast into some of those turns!
If possible avoid going to the Dragon on weekends.
The last time I was down there, it was highly patrolled by several local municipalities, who have no issues giving out citations. Casey Jones, watch your speed.
Iโve driven, and ridden it, at night. Can confirm, not as fun as I had imagined.