The emergency room is an hour away, and you probably won’t have cell service to call for help if you need it.īring a first aid kit containing bandages, rubbing alcohol, gauze, gloves, antibacterial ointment, and your preferred pain reliever. Bring an Emergency Kitīecause this is a remote area, you need to really prepare beforehand. Some motorists drive it at a slower speed than usual to familiarize themselves with the turns. It couldn’t hurt to get a little acquainted with the route before attempting the Dragon. Don’t make any sudden avoidance moves if you see another car or motorcycle.Īccording to the local sheriff’s office, most fatalities are of people outside the area. Allow plenty of space between you and the car ahead. Most accidents are due to speeding and over-braking. It’s not a place to speed and drift as if you’re on a closed course. Also, be mindful of what this drive is and isn’t.
Tail of the dragon driver#
Drive at Your Skill Levelīe realistic about what kind of driver you are and what level of experience you’ve had. Avoid speeding and over-braking on the Tail of the Dragon. You could be ticketed for even touching the double yellow. This is perhaps the most important tip of all. The best thing you can do to avoid such a crash is to leave space between your vehicle and others and take it slow enough you won’t need to brake. Even the most attentive bikers and motorists can end up in dangerous situations.
In 2018, 75% of crashes on the Tail of the Dragon involved motorcycles.
It’s crucial here because cell phone reception is poor.īefore you go, text someone all the details about where you’ll be and what you’re driving and give a time by which you’ll check in if all is well. When attempting something this risky, you always want to let people know where you’re going. Be sure to avoid driving on the Tail of the Dragon after dark! Tell Someone Where You’re Going Take a look at the Tail of the Dragon’s Facebook page or website before heading out. Sometimes the road is closed or inaccessible due to fallen rocks or accidents. Weekends between 11 AM and 5 PM are the busiest.ĭo not attempt this drive at night. 5 Tips to Know Before You Go Go At the Right TimeĮarly mornings and late afternoons are the best, least crowded times to drive the Tail of the Dragon.
Tail of the dragon pro#
Pro Tip: If you prefer driving a motorcycle over an SUV, we found the 5 Best Motorcycle Camper Trailers for your next adventure! Adrenaline junkies will enjoy cruising down the Tail of the Dragon. There’s a tree at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort known as the “Tree of Shame.” Motorcyclists hang parts of their wrecked vehicles there as a warning to others. While adrenaline junkies celebrate besting the Tail of the Dragon, many regret trying. Between 20, 37 deaths were recorded there.Įven at low speeds, the blind curves, narrow roads, and weather conditions add up to create a lot of risks in any vehicle. If this tells you anything, you can look online to find maps of the deaths that occurred there. Is It Safe to Drive the Tail of the Dragon? Pro Tip: Want to stop by the Smoky Mountains while driving Highway 129? We uncovered The Best Time to Visit Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s in the Deals Gap mountain pass outside the Smoky Mountains on Highway 129. The Tail of the Dragon is entirely in Tennessee, though just past North Carolina’s border. Boasting 318 turns in 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon is one dangerous ride. The remoteness of these roads is part of their appeal and their danger too. In that 41 mile stretch of road, the only facilities are a couple of restrooms. The road is often desolate at night, and winter conditions can make it hazardous.
Tail of the dragon drivers#
That part of Highway 129 is also home to other roads beloved by motorcyclists and sportscar drivers for the long sweeping corners. If something a little less death-defying is your speed, go for the natural beauty. The Cherohala Skyway is nearby and has gorgeous scenery, especially in fall. Some curves have names like Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, and Brake or Bust Bend. With all the turns, the road resembles a twisty dragon’s tail. Throughout its 11 miles, there are 318 turns. The Tail of the Dragon is an adventurous stretch of road for bold drivers.
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