US129DragonsTail.com

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Deals Gap, US-129, Robbinsville, NC 28771
17555 Tapoco Road Robbinsville North Carolina 28771 US

Tourist attraction in Swain County, North Carolina

Ok so this wasn’t on MY bucket list .. but was on my husband’s so it was on our anniversary trip to-do list! And it really didn’t disappoint ether! 318 turns in 11 miles with steep drops and no guard rails! This road is not for inexperienced drivers… But if you drive slow and take the turns carefully it is a pretty amazing experience. There are some cool shops just before you drive into TN that mark the beginning of your drive, and they have memorabilia and stuff. Look for the dragon statue to your left– he is all made of metal! Just beware.. it isn’t for people who don’t like heights or who can’t navigate turns well.

318 turns in 11 miles, one of if not the best drive I’ve ever been on! If you love curvy, challenging mountain roads and amazing views, this is the route for you! I drove through completely by accident on my way to the Foothills Parkway but I’ve always wanted to drive the tail of the dragon and I got to its something you must do if in the area!


The Dragon is popular and internationally famous destination for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts since 1981. Known as America’s number 1 motorcycle and sports car road, famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles (18 km). The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble a dragons tail. The stretch bears the street name Tapoco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway in Tennessee and is signed entirely by US 129 (hidden SR 115).

Deals Gap, also known as Tail of the Dragon, is a portion of U.S. Route 129 in Blount County, Tennessee, situated in a gap in Swain County, North Carolina, United States. It was publicized as one of the most scenic drives in USA. This road is appealing to those who are looking for adrenaline rush and excitement. With hundreds of blind curves, long blind crests, and high degrees of camber, this road presents plenty of opportunities to leave the pavement both laterally, and longitudinally, and will provide a challenge even for the most seasoned drivers/bikers.

The Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest border the Dragon, there is no development along the 11-mile stretch, this adds to safety as well as natural beauty. The Dragon stretch of US 129 is double-lined as no passing (there are pull offs you can use to allow tailgaters to get ahead of you.) There are also pull-off points along the route for scenic overlooks. The road is certainly breathtaking, but has a fearsome reputation, speed limit was posted at 30 mph in 2002 and still in effect today. Trucks are also prohibited to enter the road due to previous accidents and incidents involving trucks and semi-tractor.

The best time to drive this road is between March and November. Winter months can be hard to predict. The weather on this zone is harsh and highly unpredictable and it does not take much time for the bright sun shine to change over to moderate to heavy snow fall. This road had a reputation for being extremely dangerous because of unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards, and driving under these conditions, can be challenging. This road is not for the faint hearted, but if you are looking for a little excitement and adrenaline pumping journey, dont miss this one.

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17548 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771 0.04 mi
We are nestled deep in the Great Smoky Mountains on the NC/TN state line and are known as the hom...
17548 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 1.67 mi
The Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort is located at Deals Gap, North Carolina and is nestled deep in th...
17548 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 1.67 mi
In 2004, the addition of the Dragon’s Den Grill was added to the resort allowing 65 guest...
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17555 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 1.67 mi
If you want to ride the same roads as the Prohibition Era moonshiners, put the “Moonshiner 28” ru...
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14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 1.88 mi
Tapoco Tavern offers incredible outside dining experiences adjacent to the world famous Cheoah ...
14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 1.88 mi
Tapoco is situated on 120 acres in the lush mountain region of the Nantahala National Forest on t...
300 Woods Rd, Fontana Dam, NC 28733, USA 6.04 mi
Inside the Main Lodge, The Mountview Bistro at Fontana Village Resort boasts both great food and ...
300 Woods Rd, Fontana Dam, NC 28733, USA 6.04 mi
Centrally located in the middle of the Fontana Village Resort, the Wildwood Grill offers a warm a...
300 Woods Rd, Fontana Dam, NC 28733, USA 6.04 mi
Guests who stay at Fontana Village Resort see the world differently because they find inspiration...
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5410 Joyce Kilmer Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771 7.46 mi
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is part of the Nantahala National Forest, approximately 3,800 acre t...
259 Upper Cove Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 8 mi
Perched on the banks of a peaceful, mountain creek, Creekside Paradise is the perfect basecamp to...
292 Pine Ridge Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 8.17 mi
Whether you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing escape or an exciting outdoor adventure. Loca...
4633 Santeetlah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 8.72 mi
Discover really good food at Snowbird Mountain Lodge. Innovative menus and ent...
4633 Santeetlah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 8.72 mi
Fresh mountain air and wide open spaces make it easy to disconnect to reconnect. Retreat to the...
Deyton Camp, 1037 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 10.42 mi
With over 5,000 Sunoco gas stations across the country, it’s easy to fill up close by.
1037 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 10.55 mi
(828) 479-9412(828) 479-9412
Fill up before riding the Tail of the Dragon or the Cherohala Skyway
88 Lower Mountain Creek Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.13 mi
Our unique tiny house style cabins are perfect for family vacations, motorcycle tours, romantic g...
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195 Old U.S. 129, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.15 mi
Rivers Edge Treehouse Resort offers comfort and style, feel at one with the trees in an outdoor, ...
167 Lodge Ln, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.26 mi
The Gleanings Resort Luxury Suites and Cabins offer a special escape from the normal vacation re...
341 Riverview Dr, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.3 mi
The essence of the perfect North Carolina family mountain vacation, this smoky mountain cabin set...
You must call for directions !!!!, 4989 W Buffalo Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.31 mi
Enjoy a complimentary award winning country breakfast served in your own private room. Four decks...
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211 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.32 mi
Papa’s Pizza To Go offers carry-out, delivery and dine-in Papa’s Pizza To Go found it...
724 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.43 mi
(828) 479-4843(828) 479-4843
206 N Main St, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.62 mi
(828) 479-6042(828) 479-6042
Gas Station Robbinsville NC
140 Laura St, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.63 mi
Car Wash Repair Service ATM Restroom Wifi Restaurant Grocer Reward Harris Teeter...
448 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.65 mi
(828) 735-0761(828) 735-0761
Barbecue restaurant in Robbinsville North Carolina drive and self service food.
429 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.68 mi
El Pacifico Restaurant is a family-owned and operated business that started October of 2003 locat...
400 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.68 mi
(828) 479-9405(828) 479-9405
We are a family owned & operated restaurant. Freshly hand patty hamburgers to fresh vegetable...
3156 Fontana Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.74 mi
(828) 479-1251(828) 479-1251
374 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.75 mi
Fuels Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines Diesel ATM-IN Food Offerings Air Loyalty cards 24 Hour ...
374 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.75 mi
(828) 479-8973(828) 479-8973
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Robbinsville, NC, USA 11.8 mi
Cherokee National Forest-43 Miles-NC & TN  The Cherohala Skyway motorcycle ride is a thril...
140 Ford St, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.8 mi
Manor is a family operated business. We take pride to provide the same quality of care, friendlin...
272 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.82 mi
237 E Main St, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.83 mi
“Homemade and carefully crafted, served with extraordinary hospitality.” Since March 2003, this f...
253 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.85 mi
he San-Ran Motel, an American owned and operated business since 1968, is located at 253 Rodney Or...
235 Squally Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.86 mi
(828) 479-9791(828) 479-9791
Stay in this tree-house type 200 sq ft one room glamping cabin nestled in the backwoods with priv...
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111 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.92 mi
All the comfort you need plus amenities you’ll love By staying with us, you’re gett...
302 Ford St, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.94 mi
Hello, My named is Chef Shea Blalock Anderson. I was raised in Western North Carolina and attende...
674 Tallulah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 12.71 mi
810 Tallulah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 12.85 mi
“Experience a unique dinning experience at Cafe de Olla” Our family-owned and run bus...
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40 Fontana Dam Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 13.32 mi
130 curves-22 Miles-Largest Dam East of the Rockies   TheHellbender28.com motorcycle road is...
386 West Stecoah Heights, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 13.78 mi
The Cabins in the Woods is a gorgeous property nestled above Stecoah Valley just off NC-28.  Wit...
300 Knoll Top, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 13.84 mi
In The Great Smoky Mountains Near Robbinsville, North Carolina The Inn, our dream, is a true log...
157 Tallulah Cartway, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 13.97 mi
DRAGON’S REST CABINS & LODGING Affordable cabins and vacation rental on Tallulah Creek.  Loca...
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