The Tail of the Dragon

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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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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 getaways, and camping adventures. Cabin rates start at $38 per night. You can also choose to stay in our campground. We welcome tents, RVs, and campers. Escape to the mountains and enjoy our general store, concrete driveway, covered bike parking, WiFi, firewood, ice, and a clean, warm bathhouse. We are honored to offer a 15% military discount (ID required @ check-In).

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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, “back to nature” setting.

Located on the Cheoah River near Robbinsville, North Carolina, this vacation experience is surrounded in all directions by scenery that would make a professional photographer envious.

We are excited for the chance to once again share the beautiful part of the North Carolina Smokies we call “home” with our guests. This year we will celebrate our 8th season and we look forward to greeting returning guests and meeting new friends who will be staying with us for the first time. To make your “river experience” more fun, we’ve added rock steps down to the Cheoah… easy access for any who want to cool off after a day of adventuring. Also new this year, “Grab and Go Lunches” from our favorite restaurant, The Willow Tree! Order your sack lunch ($11) or gourmet hiker’s pack for two (starting at $40) by 9pm the evening before and pick up Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays between 10am and noon at The Willow Tree. Full details and menus coming soon!

347 Old U.S. 129, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.22 mi

Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, fries

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 retreats. The secluded Smoky Mountain location promises privacy in a natural mountain setting only a short distance from the quaint country town of Robbinsville, North Carolina. There are no crowds or busy 4-lanes and the air is crisp and fresh.

Our accommodation options include Private Luxury Suites that are available in the main resort building.  The multi purpose Harvest House vacation home can rented by the room or entire house and is equipped for group retreats. And The Pasture vacation home is situated in it’s own private 4 acre retreat.

The Gleanings Resort is much like a lodge environment, sitting on a ridge in the mountains. Our quality accommodations will satisfy the most discriminating guests and our rates are a real value.

The grounds are immaculate with many places to enjoy nature. Views from the higher elevations of the main resort will inspire you. There is also a swimming pool and hot tub available for all guests.

341 Riverview Dr, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.3 mi

The essence of the perfect North Carolina family mountain vacation, this smoky mountain cabin sets the standard for family lodging. Situated in the heart of the Snowbird Mountains on Snowbird Creek the outdoor enthusiast will be as close to paradise as they can get on this earth. You can catch your limit of Rainbow or Brown trout without starting your car. Hike to waterfalls or a stretch of the Appalachian Trail. Tranquility and seclusion on a private road affords long quiet walks and a safe place for the kids to act like kids. Our lakes and creeks will give you memories your family will cherish for a lifetime.

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 with creek views for your enjoyment. Gas grill, campfire area, hot tub, hiking trails just to name a few of the amenities right out the front door. Private entrance, fridge and microwave and tv in each room. Jetted bathtub and outdoor hot tub.

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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 its niche in small town U.S.A. The company currently operates franchised locations in four states. Papa’s Pizza To Go provides a diverse menu featuring pizza, breadsticks, hot and cold subs, chicken, salads, pastas and desserts. With over two decades of success, Papa’s Pizza To Go remains committed to serving customers an expanded menu with quality products to satisfy all appetites at a reasonable price. Order online at papaspizzatogo.com for carryout or no contact delivery

Pizza, subs, salads, bread sticks, wings, desserts

Tapoco Road, Robbinsville, NC, USA 11.36 mi

Fantastic little pineapple whip stand. Was a pleasant surprise to come across this after driving the Cherohala Skyway. The owner was very friendly and recommended the pineapple float which was awesome and refreshing! Lived the pieces of pineapple mixed in. Definitely a must stop if you are in the area.

664 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.42 mi

OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 11:00am to 4:00pm

FOOTLONG HOT DOGS, SANDWICHES AND BURGERS, SOUPS AND SALADS, PREMIUM SIDES

724 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.43 mi
(828) 479-4843(828) 479-4843
290 N Main St, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.55 mi
(828) 479-3370(828) 479-3370
3204 Fontana Rd, Fontana Dam, NC 28733 11.56 mi
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
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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 located in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Our goal is to offer delicious, made-from-scratch Mexican food at a reasonable price with family-style dinning.

We are warmly embraced by locals and tourists who are seeking for a unique dinning experience, authentic taste of Mexico along with art and culture.

We take pride with our made-from-scratch dishes, each made from the heart and crafted with pride and cooked according to honored family recipes. We use the freshest, finest ingredients from our scratch made salsas, sauces, guacamoles, tortillas, beans, sides and we use traditional Mexican items to ensure the best quality.

We also take pride with our excellent and fast customer service. We are passionate to ensure you enjoy your dinning experience with us.

We invite you to visit us! Celebrate traditions, enjoy the company of family and friends, share laughter, create memories and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine that will tickle your taste buds and bring your senses to the bright and colorful kitchens of Mexico.

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 & home cooked dinners.

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

From adding more balanced options to our Happy Meal®, to serving up fresh beef Quarter Pounder® burgers that are cooked when you order, we’re always finding ways to show our commitment to our customers and our food.

374 Rodney Orr Bypass, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA 11.75 mi

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