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All the United States North Carolina Forneys Creek Tail of the Dragon
AO Edited

Tail of the Dragon

This winding road of 318 curves is a must-visit for (careful) motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts.

Forneys Creek, North Carolina

Added By
Ken J
Email
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A few easy turns.   William Klos/cc by 2.0
A few easy turns.   William Klos/cc by 2.0
Tail of the Dragon   Phantoms Secret / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Cheoah Dam from the bottom of the Dragon.  
Cheoah Dam from the bottom of the Dragon.  
Cheoah Dam Powerhouse from the bottom of the Dragon.  
Cheoah Dam from the bottom of the Dragon.  
Remains of an old house in the now defunct town of Calderwood.  
Black bear asleep in the trees on the Dragon.  
Old Roadbed normally under the Calderwood Lake.  
The “bend” as seen from the Overlook.  
The sign at the Dragon Store.  
A Triumph TR6 having fun on the Dragon.  
Small waterfall from the side of the Dragon.  
View of Calderwood Dam from the Overlook.  
Small group of British sports cars enjoying the dragon.  
Tail of the Dragon   Phantoms Secret / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Highway 129 crosses along the beautiful, rugged southwestern border of the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The highway's collection of turns and bends have earned it the nickname "Dragon's Tail." Along this stretch of road are drastic curves with names such as "Beginner's End" and "Gravity Cavity." These nicknames aren't meant to be taken lightly, as accidents along the highway are frequent. 

Commercial trucks with a trailer longer than 30 feet are forbidden from operating along this stretch of highway. Truck drivers may even lose their commercial driver's license for attempting to traverse the dangerous highway. With this lack of commercial traffic, Highway 129 is a tempting destination for motorcycle and sports car lovers from across the globe.

The highway is so popular that several companies run photo services along the route catering to adventurous motorists. Simply drive the road on any summer day and your photo will be taken numerous times and available to purchase online. 

The route was originally used by the native Cherokee and herds of roaming buffalo before it become an official Tennessee route in the 1920s. The road was named TN72 on the Tennessee side. It was seldom used until the mid-1990s, when motorcycle and sport car communities began to take notice.

At the southern end of the roadway in North Carolina, two permanent stores across from each other offer a number of souvenirs, t-shirts, and cold drinks.  It's considered bad luck by some to buy souvenirs or put dragon stickers on your vehicle until you've actually traversed the road safely. The shops are seasonal and are only open during the spring and summer months.  During these months anticipate heavy traffic along the popular roadway.  

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The speed limit has dropped from 55 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour and is frequently patrolled for traffic violations. Bring your action camera and motion sickness pills. Keep in mind that rescue squads can take up to an hour to reach the location of a wreck. Double yellow lines means do not pass. Keep an eye out for weekend daredevils. Cabins, restaurants, and shops can be found at either end of this stretch.

Community Contributors

Added By

KenJ

Edited By

IJVin, Collector of Experiences, Phantoms Secret

  • IJVin
  • Collector of Experiences
  • Phantoms Secret

Published

September 4, 2019

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Sources
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two-Lane_Blacktop
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deals_Gap,_North_Carolina
  • https://tailofthedragon.com/trucks-on-the-dragon/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fugitive_(1993_film)#Filming
  • https://tailofthedragon.com/
Tail of the Dragon
Forneys Creek, North Carolina, 37885
United States
35.474048, -83.92101

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of North Carolina

North Carolina

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Stories 34

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of North Carolina

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Stories 34

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