The Tail of the Dragon Is 11 Miles Of White Knuckle Driving In Tennessee That's Not For The Faint Of Heart
By Meghan Kraft|Published August 28, 2020
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
If you’re a thrill-seeker caught in the heart of the United States, then there are a few places you’re bound to have on your bucket list. Places like the Loneliest Highway, The Pines to Palms Highway, maybe even the experiential drive through Arches National Park are bound to pique your interest. The Tail of the Dragon is shared by North Carolina and Tennessee and is perhaps one of the most fascinating drives in the American south. Learn more about it below!
The Tail of the Dragon is known for its 318 curves along 11 miles. It's shared by Tennessee and the state of North Carolina; it's designated as US-129.
The road is considered a destination experience for motorcyclists and drivers alike. At the base of the Tail of the Dragon, you'll find a smattering of small businesses and eateries that cater to the out-of-town visitors looking to try their hand along the roadway.
The turns are tight and the experience seems to stretch much further than a mere 11 miles. The Cherohala Skyway is nearby, and though it is not as intense to drive, it does clock in at roughly 60 miles.
Twisty, wild, two-lane tourism is the name of the game if you're on the Tail of the Dragon. Make sure you use the designated pull-offs to see some of the most beautiful views in the mountains, and take the turns carefully.
The roadway borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Little Tennessee River, so the views make the experience all the more incredible. You may have even seen the Tail of the Dragon featured in movies like The Fugitive and Two-Lane Blacktop.
If you've white-knuckled your way up and around Tennessee by way of the Tail of the Dragon, then leave your experience in the comments! We can't wait to hear.
