We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 33 Great Smoky Mountains National Park Attractions »

Tail of the Dragon

Route 129, Deal's Gap, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
4.5 of 5 stars 41 Reviews
Type: Scenic Drives
Update attraction details
Write a Review

41 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    26
    13
    2
    0
    0
Date Rating
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

USE CAUTION and stay alert, tedious drive . Everyone should do it once. Just be careful and watch for motorcycle daredevils. There have been many fatalities on this winding curving road More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Streetsboro, Ohio
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Many bikers have heard of this 11-mile stretch of Hwy 129. I 1st heard of it at different swap meets and bikers I met who've rode this, so I felt like I needed to give it a go. Am I glad I did! I stayed overnight nearby and took Hwy 28 out of Franklin to Hwy 143 for gas in... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Greenwood, Indiana
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 16, 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Let me start by saying I am 68 and my wife is 65. And we drive a Ford Five Hundred sedan. We had visited a good friend in North Carolina and wanted to get back home to Indiana. My brother-in-law and sister had brought their 'Vette down and ran the Tail last year and raved about it. The options to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chipley, FL
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2012

The most amazing ride anyone could ever want to take. Enjoyable for all ages. The fall is a beautiful time for a ride. Less traveled than the parkway an the beauty is wonderful. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Comstock Park, Michigan
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2012

I had never heard of it when I saw the route on the TN state map several years ago. I drove it in our family car since there was no alternative once we started. There are 318 switchback curves in 11 miles, and it ends in NC. It is TN 129 at the west end of the Smokies. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Knoxville, Tennessee
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2012

Great scenery but lots of traffic. Mostly bikers so watch out. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Cherokee, North Carolina, United States
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2012

the view is spectacular, you may see many different types of vehicles and motorcycles . CURVES ARE AMAZING. Long trip, but a once in a lifetime experience that you don't want to miss. Take food and drinks. Also if you get carsick - you probably will. Young kids will get bored. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Maryville, Tennessee
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 13, 2012

Ok, this is a road, not "an atttraction" per se. But with something like 318 curves in an 11 mile stretch, this section of US 129 at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, this is radically fun to drive. The cops know all about it, too, don't you worry 'bout that none! I noticed the first time I went that the... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Pickering, ON Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2012

What a thrilling ride! We were in our Nissan 350Z, I videotaped it and it's nearly as much fun watching it again, and hearing our nervous laughter and comments. Beautiful views, dangerous curves, and some crazy riders out there! Be careful and enjoy it - there have been many accidents, as The Tree of Shame at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2012

We went up over the weekend and had fun. We enjoyed the sights and people. The views were beautiful and the people were awesome! Only problem we had was when an idiot in a yellow convertable thought it was ok to stop in a blind curve just to make out with his woman in front of the camera guy. He... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travelers who viewed Tail of the Dragon also viewed

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
5 of 5 stars 125 Reviews
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Clingman\
4.5 of 5 stars 156 Reviews
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
 
Mount LeConte
5 of 5 stars 35 Reviews
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Laurel Falls
4.5 of 5 stars 78 Reviews
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
 

Been to Tail of the Dragon? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Tail of the Dragon, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »