USA Road Trip Routes | Tail Of The Dragon

USA Road Trip Routes | Tail Of The Dragon

If there was one road I could choose to be a part of every roadtrip that road would be US-129 aka “Tail of the Dragon” in Deal’s Gap, NC. Not only does this area have some of the best views of the Smokey Mountains but also it contains my favorite road to drive in America.

Starting in western Tennessee and ending in North Carolina the road boasts 318 curves in 11 miles. The crazy thing is you don’t need to be traveling fast to enjoy this road, on average you’re probably somewhere around 30MPH and less than 20 in the really tight corners.

I suggest keeping both hands on the wheel at all times unless of course you want to wave to one of the many photographers taking your photo as you cruise along the route:

Yet another reason to cruise this twisty road…you’re instantly a celebrity!
Here’s links to the photographers websites where you can download the photos after you’re done riding the dragon:

http://www.killboy.com/
http://www.us129photos.com
http://129slayer.com/

Here’s a video explaining more about the dragon and it’s history:

And here’s a video about how dangerous it can be to ride the dragon:

If you decided the dragon is too risky for you there are other great roads in the area with scenic views. One that I’ve drove which I highly suggest is the Cherohala Skyway:

So if you find yourself heading westbound on I-40 from Tennessee to North Carolina I highly suggest taking a detour to visit the country’s twistiest road. I’ve driven it twice by car but have to do it on a motorcycle:

Roadtrip | New York – Louisiana: September 2010