Tail of the Dragon
Tail of the Dragon, Robbinsville: Hours, Address, Tail of the Dragon Reviews: 4.5/5
Tail of the Dragon
Tail of the Dragon
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives • Off-Road & ATV Trails
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
12 within 3 miles
Pineapple Whip
21
1.9 mi$ • Dessert
Graham Coffee Co
4
2 mi$$ - $$$
The Hub
434
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Papa's Pizza To Go
40
2.2 mi$ • Quick Bites • Pizza
Lynn's Place
299
2.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Pacifico Mexican Restaurant
119
2.6 mi$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
T.Dubb's
9
2.6 mi$ • American • Barbecue
Southern Gals Family Restaurant
42
2.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Diner
Wendy's
32
2.7 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Fast Food
Subway
7
2.8 mi$
Attractions
8 within 6 miles
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
1,218 reviews
Excellent
904
Very good
223
Average
72
Poor
9
Terrible
10
John L
Collegeville, PA179 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
Didn't have a bike, but drove south to north more by accident than planning. Took the GSM parkway and at the end discovered we were at the south end of drive and just had to take it toeards Cherokee. Even fun in a car, watching the biked goong south was grear and pulled over for a few north bound bikes. Need a bike next time.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Indy-ND
South Bend, IN3,338 contributions
Sep 2021
We had a big family trip with my sisters to Gatlinburg to do a remembrance for mom, who passed a year and a half ago. Her and dad went to Gatlinburg every year on vacation, so us kids spent a long weekend there.
Anyway, I wasn't going to miss my chance to drive the Dragon, so I decided to take the Mini and head down a day early with my daughter. We stopped on the north end at about 10 and checked out some of the cars parked at 129 HUB. There was an Audi R8 v10, a couple Vipers. an M4, and a few other cars out front. A whole mess of Porsche 914s came by while we were walking around.
I put my teen daughter in charge of the GoPro and off we went. I had nobody in front of me for maybe 2/3rds of the way. I came up on a few bikes, a truck pulling a boat trailer and a bicycle (!!) along the way. Eventually, all of them kindly pulled off to let me by. I pulled off for a bike that caught up.
It was an amazing drive. The Mini loves the curves. I had no intention of doing anything stupid, so the drive was a lot more fun than frightening. You can easily see that things can go bad really quickly on that road.
Once we made it to Deals Gap, we checked out the gift shops and had lunch. Once was enough for us as we had a lot of things to get to that afternoon. I did buy a few of the photos that were taken by the people that set up on corners. They did a great job.
Anyway, I wasn't going to miss my chance to drive the Dragon, so I decided to take the Mini and head down a day early with my daughter. We stopped on the north end at about 10 and checked out some of the cars parked at 129 HUB. There was an Audi R8 v10, a couple Vipers. an M4, and a few other cars out front. A whole mess of Porsche 914s came by while we were walking around.
I put my teen daughter in charge of the GoPro and off we went. I had nobody in front of me for maybe 2/3rds of the way. I came up on a few bikes, a truck pulling a boat trailer and a bicycle (!!) along the way. Eventually, all of them kindly pulled off to let me by. I pulled off for a bike that caught up.
It was an amazing drive. The Mini loves the curves. I had no intention of doing anything stupid, so the drive was a lot more fun than frightening. You can easily see that things can go bad really quickly on that road.
Once we made it to Deals Gap, we checked out the gift shops and had lunch. Once was enough for us as we had a lot of things to get to that afternoon. I did buy a few of the photos that were taken by the people that set up on corners. They did a great job.
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
HolyTraveller
23 contributions
Oct 2021
Absolutely bonkers. Such an adrenaline rush this drive. I totally knew what to expect from this drive of approx 300 hairpin curves as it felt like they are not going to end . I was planning to take it in daylight but couldnt make it in time. When i reached the drive from North carolina side it was near sunset and I was driving honda pilot. I wish i had a sports car to take all the adrenalin. There were motorcycle riders zooming past me like its nothing and i was surprised at the number of vehicles at that time on the 11 miles. There are no pullouts and so staying in the lane was a big challenge as I also have to keep up with other cars in my lane. Motor cycles no way they didnt stay in my lane as they zoomed past me which added some extra stress. My kids were saying their head was spinning with each curve but over all we nailed the tail in the twilight.
Written October 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Deborah K
Carbondale, CO37 contributions
Oct 2021
The 1st time I was on this I was in the passenger seat and got pretty green. I took ginger chews,had the moon roof open as well as all the windows and drove this time which made it fun for me!
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
orleykathleenm
Ramat Gan42 contributions
Oct 2021
We reached 129 Tail of the Dragon without knowing what it was... and then as we started winding our way upwards sports cars and motorcycles zipped us by at enormous speeds, taking the curves with great nerve (and impressive performances).
It was a little stressful trying to get out of the daredevils' way, but exciting to watch.
When we were there, only one driver smashed into a tree, but I assume it happens often.
People with carsickness should avoid this road...
Photographers are tucked at different corners, taking videos that can be purchased online... We then visited the Dragon's Tail store to buy mementos
It was a little stressful trying to get out of the daredevils' way, but exciting to watch.
When we were there, only one driver smashed into a tree, but I assume it happens often.
People with carsickness should avoid this road...
Photographers are tucked at different corners, taking videos that can be purchased online... We then visited the Dragon's Tail store to buy mementos
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tony K
Moreno Valley, CA660 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
It was mid week & light spotty rain so there wasn’t many vehicles. We were in our 20’ Class B Motorhome and drove the 11 miles. I pulled over about 4 times to let faster cars pass by. I could see how crazy crowded it would be on weekends
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dukefan32
Moncks Corner, SC66 contributions
Sep 2021
Fun for cars too, if you can keep the motorcycles off your quarter panel. They like to ride there so they can be in your picture.
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kinzukid
Loudon, TN343 contributions
Sep 2021
Don't go on a busy fall weekend. Lot of cars and motorcycle that all want to go fast down the 317 hair pin turns, all in 11 miles. Nerve racking.......
Went again mid-week, and the traffic wasn't too bad. There are lots of places to pull off and let the fast go by.
Went again mid-week, and the traffic wasn't too bad. There are lots of places to pull off and let the fast go by.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jane H
Reading, PA6 contributions
Aug 2021
Anyone see or hear of a man standing on a hill with a red tipped flashlight after dark on the tail of the dragon? Our first time and this certainly added to the tale of tail of the dragon.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kevin A
Charleston, SC129 contributions
Aug 2021
Short of being on an actual racetrack, you couldn't ask for a better driving opportunity. It was the most fun I have ever had driving my personal car. There are no homes or businesses once you are on the Tail. You don't have to worry about people pulling out into the street as you are coming around a corner. Of course, the people coming from the other direction need to stay in their lane. The drive is gorgeous, but you are so caught up in the driving experience, it is hard to catch much of what is going on around you other than the adrenalin rush of your own car. I'll definitely do it again. And again.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jane H
Reading, PA6 contributions
Anyone ever see anything scary at night on your ride? My husband and I saw a man standing about 15’ up a hill. Unfortunately, I don’t know where we were but we drove down during the day and back up at night. I want to say we were less than half way, the road turned right with a small pull off on the left side of the bend. There was a motorcycle in the pull off and directly above the bike there was a man standing next to a large box. The area was lit enough for me to see the box and him wearing tan overalls. He was holding a flashlight that had a red tip. My first thought was someone was decorating for Halloween and just that quick I thought it’s not that time of the year, 8/16/21 and there are no houses. This is a legitimate question and it was terrifying.
tadams75
Greenwood, SC10 contributions
Is this a good place to begin the tail of the dragon ride?
PaulyPauly2014
Knoxville, TN5,169 contributions
Yes, or near Robbinsville from you way and over....Recommend also doing fontana damn
Hi my husband and some friends are thinking of going to NC next week to ride their bikes in the Tails of Dragon road. I see you recently experienced this trip and it will be first time for my husband too. My biggest concern now is COVID and the places where he can stay overnight. Since you have been there recently, can you please share your experience with COVID restrictions in hotels, road? they will drive there from Florida, do you know if there are checking points around there were they will need to be on quarantine? Where would you recommend they stay if they have to get a hotel? they are taking their camping stuff and are well prepared to camp, are there any safe places to camp in that area? Your help is very much appreciated. Thank you! Veronica
5mattis
Kuopio, Finland2 contributions
I would highly recommend The Iron Horse Lodge and Resort.
Iron Horse Motorcycle Resort is located in western North Carolina, this secluded, 39-acre resort on Stecoah Creek is surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The area has some of the best motorcycle riding in the world and is
minutes from the famous Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap.
More info available from their webpages (cannot add the address here, use google).
TexInNC
Charlotte, NC4 contributions
I saw your photos and review and had to comment. I had a 61 Impala at one time - yours is so pretty! How did you get the photo of your car that you posted? I read that there are photographers along the way but how do you get the photo from them? Thanks for the review - we are going this weekend!
Dan H
Mount Dora, FL13 contributions
There are a few photographers along "The Dragon" who just randomly take photos on different segments of the road. They'll have a sign at each location that displays their website where you can search and find your specific photos. Once you find your photos, you can then decide which (or all) of the photos that you want.
In my case, I was renting the vehicle so I just did a screen capture off of the website. Of course, the photos that you'll find on their respective websites for sale are larger and in HD.
I bought photos the time before when I rode my motorcycle on the dragon. If you're going, ENJOY!
457douglash
Newnan, GA56 contributions
Where can you park a trailer? The plan is to trailer the bike through metro ATLANTA. Thanks in advance.
There are some small towns at either end of Hwy 129 that you may be able to park a trailer for a while.
Planning on a visit n would like a recommendation of what time of year? Motels about every 300 miles from the start in Tennessee to snake in North Carolina.
Charles T
Logview Teaxs, United States78 contributions
My wife and I fell in love with the Tapoco lodge. Very comfortable with a nice breakfast in dining room and Great Pizza downstairs in the pub. Other than Knoxville at the Holiday Inn downtown, we didn't stay anywhere else in the area, although we did checkout Fontana Village before going to Tapoco. For what its worth, we plan to go back. It was great and the staff super!!!
How long does it take to drive
GERALD B
South Pasadena, Florida330 contributions
It depends on whether one drives like a little old lady or one wants to set a new time record run. It also depends on how much traffic there is, cars, bikes or motorcycles all use it. It also depends on how many stops you make to take pictures or get out of the way of faster people. Early morning is a great time. Overall I would say 20 minutes for super fast to 60 minutes for snail pace.
denisestogsdill
Cartersville, GA
we are driving from north ga and wanted to know where to stay we were thinking murphy cherokee
Dan H
Mount Dora, FL13 contributions
Robbinsville is close.
denisestogsdill
Cartersville, GA
we are planning to ride up the evening before we ride the dragon the next day we are coming from north ga - where do you recommend staying? we were thinking about murphy or Cherokee, nc
Dan H
Mount Dora, FL13 contributions
I stayed at the Buffalo Creek B&B. Great place, great hosts. And a fun drive to get there. But, the last mile is gravel road. And, whatever you do, DO NOT take "Jim's Lane"; it's nothing more than a logging trail although it'll show up on a lot of GPS as a valid road. Just proceed on by and your GPS will recalculate. At that point, you're pretty close anyway.
DENNIS D
SAINT LOUIS7 contributions
Is it better heading north or south?
Charles T
Logview Teaxs, United States78 contributions
If you have someone riding shotgun who gets nervous like my wife, by all means go north. Great question to ask, I learned the hard way going across Logan's Pass at Glacier National Park in Montana and on the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado. Thought my wife was going to kill me...learned my lesson now.
