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.
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: Abundant |
![]() Gas Stations: None |
![]() Restrooms: None |
![]() Food: None |
![]() Scenic Areas: None |
![]() Elevation Change: Abundant |
![]() Off Road: None |
![]() Traffic: Average |
![]() Animal Crossings: Frequent |
![]() Hotels: None |
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