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318 curves in 11 miles

Times of the Year

Late October through Early April
Weather can be a problem most of the time between late October and early April. There can be good riding days in this time frame, but you can encounter snow, ice, cold rain, and sandy roads. We have seen snow as early as Halloween and as late as April 15.

Early April through Late May
A good time to ride the Dragon before the summer crowds arrive. Traffic is usually light. Weather can be extremely good. Trees leaf-out in late April, so before that you still have good views of approaching curves and traffic. The last weekend in April can be busy with the Harley Rally in Cherokee attracting many bikers.

June through the middle of August
This is family vacation time and the traffic picks-up on the Dragon. There is usually good weather with warm pavement. This is the time that law enforcement usually tightens, especially if there has been a rash of injuries/deaths. Honda Hoot fills the Dragon in June. Weekends find many bikes here if you are looking for the “show”.

Mid-August through September
Many vacationers have departed to get their kids back in school, but traffic is still above average. Rain can interfere in August. Opening season for bear hunting is a good weekend to avoid (usually around September 21). Lean on the Dragon and Harley Rally in Cherokee make for a busy September weekend.

October
Leaf lookers invade the mountains. Slow cars and heavier than usual traffic can interfere with good Dragon runs, especially on the weekends.

Best Fall Colors
Best color times are hard to pin point. It has been late in recent years.... first week in November. You will see various stages of color at different elevations anytime from October 15 to November 15.

History of the Dragon

The Tail of the Dragon, also known as Deals Gap or just the Dragon, is considered by many as one of the world's best motorcycling and sports car roads. Anyone looking for an exciting piece of asphalt will enjoy this stretch of US 129 at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. Route 66, which gained notoriety because of the popular 1960’s television show, is perhaps the most well known road in America. It stretched thousands of miles from Los Angeles to Chicago, but today only short segments remain. But the Dragon is only 11 miles long and someday might surpass the mystical legends of that famed route. The Tail of the Dragon, also known as Deals Gap or just the Dragon, is considered by many as one of the world's best motorcycling and sports car roads. Anyone looking for an exciting piece of asphalt will enjoy this stretch of US 129 at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. Route 66, which gained notoriety because of the popular 1960’s television show, is perhaps the most well known road in America. It stretched thousands of miles from Los Angeles to Chicago, but today only short segments remain. But the Dragon is only 11 miles long and someday might surpass the mystical legends of that famed route. The Dragon, as many have found, is truly a unique road. In 14 miles there are only two intersections; NC28 to Fontana Dam and the lightly traveled gravel road at Parsons Branch. There are no buildings other than the Crossroads of Time. There are 318 curves in the 11 miles located on the Tennessee side. Most of the time there is very little traffic and the vehicles that do use this road are primarily motorcycle riders and sports car drivers looking for the thrill of their lives. It is remote - there is very little evidence of human population within 20 miles in any direction. Most of the roadway is bounded by United States Forest Service property, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and forested land owned by Alcoa Aluminum who operates the dams located along US129.