Tail of the Dragon

The Tail of the Dragon is the 11 mile (18 km) stretch of US 129 that runs from Deals Gap, the mountain pass on the North Carolina and Tennessee state line, into Tennessee. It is famous for 318 curves in those 11 miles. The road borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and runs near the Little Tennessee River.

In Tennessee the road is also State Route 115, through Blount County. It draws motorcycle riders and sports car drivers, and the community of Deals Gap sits 0.7 miles south of the gap at the junction of US 129 and NC 28.

The speed limit was 55 mph until it was cut to 30 mph, and police presence on the Tennessee section has risen sharply. Tennessee banned vehicles over 30 ft from the mountainous section in Blount County after a safety review.

• The 318 curves run back to back through the forest, with no intersections along the 11 miles.
• A few scenic overlooks and pull offs sit along the route. The Calderwood Dam Overlook is one of them, looking over Calderwood Dam.
• Motorcycle riders and sports car drivers share the road with local traffic.
• Best way to experience it: drive it yourself in your own car or a hire car, or ride it on a motorbike. Guided tours run in the area.

• The speed limit is 30 mph and police patrol the Tennessee section.
• Vehicles and trailers over 30 ft long are banned from the mountainous section in Blount County, Tennessee.
• Motorcycle crashes are frequent on this road.
• Deals Gap, at the junction of US 129 and NC 28, is the south end. At the Tennessee end, the National Park Service's Foothills Parkway from Chilhowee is popular with people heading to drive the Tail of the Dragon.

• Last verified: 3 November 2026
• Official link: https://www.smokymountains.org/attractions/tail-of-the-dragon/