Tail of the Dragon
Are you looking for an adventure? Do you have a motorcycle or sports car? If so then you may want to consider taking a ride to Deals Gap, better known as the "Tail of the Dragon" or just the "Dragon." The Dragon is a popular and internationally famous destination for driving enthusiasts. The Dragon in Tennessee offers up to 318 curves over 11-miles. The road earned its name from its curves resembling the tail of a dragon. The stretch bears the street name Tapoco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway in Tennessee and is signed entirely by U.S. Highway 129. Since part of the road is also the southwestern border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is not development along the 11-mile stretch. The road travels mostly through forested area. Along the route there are a few scenic overlooks and pull off points. The speed limit on the Dragon was 55 mph prior to 1992; however, in the 1990s and early 2000s, the limit was reduced ...