Overall Route Rating
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4.55 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.55
320 Reviews

Deal's Gap (AKA "The Dragon" or "Tail of the Dragon")

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2003

Rider Reviews

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GJRonK
2629 McR Points
July 27, 2012
--I understand this is the road to which many…
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Noica
2 McR Points
November 4, 2011
Nice ride. I rode it the first time around 2002…
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Written Directions

Deal's gap is not the easiest road to find on a map because it is just a small 11 mile stretch that hugs the border of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its very sparsely populated southwest corner. Most of the road lies in Tennessee yet a small section of it crosses into North Carolina. Suggest you use the Online Map Link to get your bearings. The closest town to the north end of Deal's Gap is Tallahassee, TN and the closest town to the south end of the road is Tapoco, NC. And, keep in mind that when you get close to the road, all the locals can point you in the right direction if you are not sure.

Scenery

Beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery includes some lush forests and evergreen covered mountains.

Update/Addition from Michael S. McDonald: People from all walks of life are drawn to the seducing curves of the Dragon (other wise known as Tail of the Dragon) at Deal's Gap, also known as US Hwy 129. They make their pilgrimage to test their skills, or in some cases, to be bitten by the Dragon. The area surrounding the Dragon was one of the last areas of North Carolina to be settled due to its inhospitable terrain. The southern Appalachian Mountains are made up of two separate ranges; the eastern range is the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the western range is known as the Great Smoky Mountains. For thirty-six miles along the TN/NC border the GSM are more than 5k feet in altitude with 16 peaks stretching to more than 6k feet. All of this altitude translates to treacherous travel, especially for the pioneers in their day, but also for us as motor-sport enthusiasts today

Drive Enjoyment

318 curves in 11 miles - what more needs to be said? Well these just aren't any curves as there are many sharp turns, steep drop-offs, not many cars, lots of bikes ... overall a real challenging road. The road is mostly in good shape as its become a real tourist draw and the local government knows to keep the road in good shape and the people will keep coming. Its challenging and exciting for some, scary to beginning riders, be careful on this one.

Update/Addition from Michael S. McDonald: 318 curves in 11 miles. By the time you reach the plateau from which the end (otherwise known as the turn around) your will be spent but very eager to hit the tight turns that are banked to perfection. Pay very close attention to on coming cars and large trucks as the turns are hairpin and they do come into your lane!

Tourism Opportunities

Not many pull-outs, one store at the end of ride, be sure to go in and see pictures of crashes that have happened along the road.

Update/Addition from Michael S. McDonald:

- GAS STATIONS : Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort

- FOOD: Dragon's Den Grill, , located at the resort

- HOTEL: Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort

- REPAIRS: NONE, You can get some very minor repairs at the resort. Nearest

repair is Wheelers, 16 miles south or the 129 Pit Stop located in TN 12 miles

north of the Gap.

- PULL OFF'S/OVERLOOKS: 1, Dragon overlook.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Nice Deal's Gap web site - Visit North Carolina web site. - A Deal's Gap video contributed by Chas - Visit North Carolina web site
 

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a2rbnud
April 29, 2022
60 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Too many old men in European supercars. It's a nice ride, but do it during the early morning hours on weekdays to avoid the suicidal knuckleheads. Be sure to stop at Deal's Gap to see the Tree Of Shame.
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Brainsprain
January 29, 2016
36 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
My girlfriend and I did this road in August two up with all our luggage for a two week trip. It deserves respect but is not as difficult as some we had done earlier in our trip in the Blue Ridge and Smokies. We traveled almost a consistent 30 to 35 MPH with few slow downs from that speed. It is a beautiful drive. Obviously, many want to test their metal and go as fast as possible. More power to them. We were there on a week day and there was still plenty of traffic so I really see little possibility of going much faster. To me a greater test was Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain. Both near each other in North Carolina near Boone. Both are steeper with far more challenging curves than Dragon's Tail.
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FJR2010
August 26, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
I've been riding the Gap for 15 years, but first rode it in the mid-1970s. For 2014, the pavement is much improved. There are some new repairs and the turnouts are a real plus. I agree with people who say it's overrated, however. It's almost too technical and traffic clogged to ride at a sporting pace. The reason to go is for the zoo, I guess. Beginner riders can certainly tackle it; nervous riders of any vintage might not enjoy it. And please, no matter what your pace, check your mirrors. Some of us ride this section fast and there are numerous turnouts to allow faster rides to get by. Hope you'll use them. As for being passed, you can also just give up the left third of your lane and a skilled sport rider will get by safely. Oh, hell, I was once passed by a cruiser rider after I gave him some space. Ya never know. Everyone should do the Gap just once. Repeats are optional. There are far better roads in this area.
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