Tail of the Dragon (US-129 Deals Gap)
The undisputed benchmark of technical mountain motorcycle riding in North America, packing 318 continuous banked curves into an 11-mile stretch through the Great Smoky Mountains with zero intersecting roads or driveways. Renowned apexes like Gravity Cavity, the Whip, Copperhead Corner, and Beginner's End demand precise throttle-to-lean discipline and constant line maintenance. Heavy commercial trucks are legally banned, but enforcement of the 30 mph speed limit by Blount County deputies and TN Highway Patrol is relentless. Beware oncoming lane crossers on blind turns and leaf litter or wet patches under dense tree cover.
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Rider-Friendly Lodging
Legendary 1930s Alcoa stone lodge perched right on the raging rapids of the Cheoah River, 5 miles south of the Tail of the Dragon. High-end rider hospitality with roaring river vistas, stone hearths, and an upscale evening tavern where motorcyclists toast surviving 318 curves.
Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is Tail of the Dragon (US-129 Deals Gap)? ▼
Tail of the Dragon (US-129 Deals Gap) spans 11 miles and packs approximately 318 curves (28.9 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 1,088 ft - 1,988 ft and technical rating 9.5/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, NC (Latitude 35.4725, Longitude -83.9189) and finishes at Tabcat Creek Bridge / Chilhowee Lake, TN (Latitude 35.5348, Longitude -83.9877).
How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation? ▼
Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.