Tail of the Dragon

Deals Gap is a popular and internationally famous destination for driving enthusiasts, as it is located along a stretch of two-lane road known as "The Dragon" or the "Tail of the Dragon". The 11-mile stretch of the Dragon in Tennessee is said to have 318 curves. Some of the Dragon's sharpest curves have names like Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Killboy (formerly Shade Tree) Corner, Mud Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Beginner's End, and Brake or Bust Bend. The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble a dragon's tail. The stretch bears the street name "Tapoco Road" in North Carolina and "Calderwood Highway" in Tennessee and is signed entirely by U.S. 129. State Route 115 is included on maps, and is the name used by Tennessee Department of Transportation for highway contracts.
Since part of the road is also the southwestern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is no development along the 11-mile stretch, resulting in no danger of vehicles pulling out in front of those in the right of way.

Ride Characteristics

Curvy Roads
Curvy Roads:
Abundant
Gas Stations
Gas Stations:
None
Restrooms
Restrooms:
None
Food
Food:
None
Scenic Areas
Scenic Areas:
None
Elevation Change
Elevation Change:
Abundant
Off Road
Off Road:
None
Traffic
Traffic:
Average
Animal Crossings
Animal Crossings:
Frequent
Hotels
Hotels:
None
   

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Total Distance: 55.0 mi
Average Rating: n/a
Some Cities Covered:
Some States Covered:
NC
State Motorcycle Laws
NC
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