Posted in Tennessee
May 13, 2016
One Of The Most Dangerous Roads In America Is Right Here In Tennessee
Have you heard of “The Dragon?” Maybe, maybe not. I definitely hadn’t until a weekend trip found our tiny Honda Civic on one of the most lauded roads in the world. Yeah, you heard that right – the world. Stretching from Tennessee to North Carolina, the Tail of the Dragon is an 11-mile jaunt that proffers 318 turns by the end of it, beckoning motorcyclists and thrill-seekers from around the world.
Once you're on the Tail of the Dragon, you aren't off it until the end. There are no exits.
Why, you ask? Because the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, making sudden drop-offs a very common thing.
In 2014, an average of 1,057 travelers made their way down the road - per day.
You're sure to find wildlife on your way down the Dragon. People have spotted anything from rabbits to bears to deer, so you'll want to be careful.
Also, contrary to popular belief, the road is patrolled by state troopers. You definitely can - and will - get pulled over if you're going too crazy.
Interesting fact: "The Fugitive," starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, was filmed not too far from the Dragon. Depending on where you start you may find yourself walking in their footsteps.
Although summer months are crazy busy, the winters get pretty slow. We're talkin' maybe 50 vehicles a day, making it a bit easier to go slow and steady.
The views are beautiful, but remember - the road itself is the real attraction. There is a high number of accidents on the road, and you don't want to find yourself a casualty.
Have you ever been? Any tips for newbies?
