Show all reviews

2630 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

--
I understand this is the road to which many others are compared. For number of curves per mile, it may have no peer. For viewing, there are thousands of roads that are more scenic, such as the nearby Cherohala Parkway. As you are concentrating s

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Nice ride. I rode it the first time around 2002 on a rented bike from Pigeon Forge. A lot has changed in the past years...more bikes, more cars, more cops, more wrecks, and also more semi's trying to cut a few miles off of their trip (WATCH THE CURVES). When in the area, I usually ride the Foothills Parkway, Cherohala Skyway, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (Gatlinburg, TN.) and Great Smoky Mountain Parkway. You can make a loop around from Gatlinburg, through Townsend (great little sandwich shop in the gas station - great homemade pimento cheese), picnic on the side of the mountain just outside of Townsend, ride the Foothills Parkway, ride the 'Dragon' to Deals Gap (stop and take a short break), leave on NC 28 South and ride down past Fontana Village and Lake (check out the Fontana Dam overlook...real nice), head toward Cherokee, NC on 441, blow some money at Harrah's, and cruise through the Smoky Mountain Park back to Gatlinburg. About a good days ride with beautiful scenery and several rest stops.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I have ridden the Dragon about 6 times, and it is still one of the best roads to test your skills on. NOT for the weak of heart, our group has taken novice riders on this road, but they are warned to be very careful, and DO NOT push their skill level . . . ride your ride and enjoy the experience!!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

It is not hard to find, hell you can't miss it. Take SR 28 from Franklin or US 129 from Robbinsville and it is at the intersection of those two! Everyone should ride it once, so you can know what everyone is talking about. But don't ride for a lot of scenery or you wil be part of the landscape. It is not for rubbernecking, it is technical and can be work (fun work). Hellbender 28 coming from the east is a much more scenic ride if that is what you like.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Deal's Gap is, without a doubt, a great ride, I recommend it to anyone who can make it to the area. With that said, I do think it's a little overrated. The scenery is beautiful, the curves require some skill, and the resort itself is a neat place but, it's only 11 miles. The road is patrolled and the speed limits are strictly enforced. As always, the most challenging part of the road is other riders/drivers. Riding during the week seems to be the best bet, traffic is low. I know several people who think other rides are much more beautiful and challenging. Still, I plan on going back to ride the "Tail" and explore some of the other roads in the area.

35 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Still one of the best rides in the nation for bikes. The scenery is great and the road surface is excellant. Took this ride before in June of 2010 on a weekend. Way too many sport bikes riding stupid but the only crash I saw was Harley rider and his female companion. A Goldwing almost crashed into me in a curve crossing the center line. So, maybe the sport bikes were not so bad after all. I took the trip this time in Dec. 2011 and it was great. Very few bikes at all and all of them serious safe and skilled. The Deals Gap Resort is closed during the winter months but Robinsonville NC has everything you need. I have made the trip from OK to the Dragon twice now and it is well worth it.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I have been going to the Dragon every year since 1997. Have done it will over 150 times. Any one who is newer to motorcycling should not ride the Dragon or other roads in the area. You will be a danger to yourself and other bikers. To many times I have gotten behind a inexperienced rider who does not know how to ride a cruve or counter steer who goes to slow for safe riding and will not pull over. This is when the Rice Rockets get impatient and will try and run you off the road. Bit of advise if someone is faster then you please pull over and let them pass. I always will and it makes the ride more fun to ride at my pace. With that being said the whole are has some of the greatest motorcycle rodes to can ride for weeks and not run out of cruves. If you want scenic beauty go to Colorado here all you will see is trees. I hope to retire in 7 years and I have a place 60 miles from the dragon so I can ride every day if I choose.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

WE RODE OVER FROM TEXAS TO RIDE THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON, CHEROHALA SKYWAY, AND BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY. IT IS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY TO RIDE IN. IF YOU RIDE THE DRAGON, YOU HAVE TO RIDE THE CHEROHALA SKYWAY TOO. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THE VIEWS!! THIS IS NOT A RIDE FOR FRESH BEGINNERS AND SPEED DEMONS. IF YOU WILL SIMPLY USE COMMON SENSE, STAY ALERT, AND OBEY THE SPEED LIMITS, YOU WILL HAVE NO PROBLEMS. WE HOPE TO COME BACK IN THE NEAR FUTURE. RIDE SAFE AND ENJOY YOURSELVES!!!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I have ridden 10 hrs. 3 different times to ride this road. I want to go back again.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Myself and my husband have done Tail of the Dragon 4 times at 2 seperate visits. This is the most challenging and thrill ride I have done so far. I loved it! After the ride you end up at a motorcycle resort, which I thought was a great concept.Have a bite to eat or just people watch, then you can keep going onto other great rides in the area. Great senery and lots of turns!!!

16 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Have ridden The Dragon twice. It is an awesome ride. But if you don't pay attention, you wont ride it twice. If the sign says 20 mph it doesn't mean 25!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Excellent!! Rode it many times, love it. Challenging but enjoyable. Watch for the crotch rockets trying to break a speed record!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Very nice ride. keep your eyes open and keep your line. watch out for cars trucks and harley riders crossing the yellow line. I been 4 time in the last 2 months and every time i have almost been hit by a harley that blows the curve. and ive seen 3 harleys go down in front of me so please know the limits of your riding and your bike!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Two friends and I rode Deal's Gap in mid-June, and had a good time. We were on Harleys, and that seemed to be the ride-of-choice on our Monday. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was outstanding, and most of the bikers behaved themselves. As my friend says, "It's a good road...with a GREAT agent." In other words, we were a little underwhelmed that the storied Tail of the Dragon didn't live up to its widespread reputation. Don't get me wrong: the road grabbed our attention and demanded a degree of technical expertise. But I believe that if a rider can successfully negotiate some of the roads LEADING to US129, he/she will be successful on the Dragon itself.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

I do a lot of touring on my bike averaging 15-20k miles per year. I've been from Georgia to Quebec and everywhere in the Smokies, Adirondacks, and Appalachians and no road compares to this one (and surrounding areas of Robbinsville) the pavement is amazing and you have fairly good line of sight without too many blind turns. As for the comments that say it's too congested, that is true during normal "business hours" where "hogs" do their part hogging the road from shoulder to shoulder. But for us sport guys go early or around dusk and you will not be disappointed. Even did a night run (have an hid which helped a lot compared to my friends stock lights) which was really intense.

62 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This road is simply sensory overload. You have glimpses of grand vistas, more curves than you can count (but apparently someone did!), and the surrounding roads are just a plus. It also has a "bike week" feel to it in the warmer months due to the amount of bikes there. Riding a cruiser, I prefer to ride it uphill, slows easier and hits the curves better (for me anyways). It's also great to see the crotch rockets "slay" The Dragon

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Been to the Dragon 4 times in the last 3 years and it is a world class ride that deserves it's world wide reputation. I love turns and this road has more than I can ask for in it's short length. Only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because of the sometimes crowded conditions ... although I love seeing all the other bikers out there, sometimes I wish it was more of a less known hidden ride known only to the local riders. Either way, it's worth the trip no matter where you are coming from.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Wont be back. Speed limit dropped to 30 cops writing tickets for 40. I have been coming to hit this one for years but after seeing the guy in front of me get pulled over and ticketed on a straight section probably a quater mile long doing 40 I will go around this one. Slowed down to around 30 fell asleep at least twice before reaching the gift shop.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Look, don't hype something up so big that it almost is a let down. The first time I rode this I arrived at about 745pm and no one was around. Boy did I really enjoy it. The next day I arrived about the same time but was greeted by a bunch of douchebags on crotch rockets hauling ass about 50 mph. Finally the last day I was heading south on 129 to RTE 28, did this during the day. Again a bunch of SOA cuts everywhere and just plain rude people. While I enjoyed riding the road I did not like the faggotry that people brought. After all the roads I rode, this was my least favorite.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

THis was an amazing Trip for me. i loved the ride and the entire area, Watch the weather though in the mountians because you will get rainined on. The tail is only one of the amazing roads in this area.

1039 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Just read an article in the May 11 issue of Car and Driver. The article called "Chasing Tail" (page 76) was based on three sports coups (Audi TT RS, BMW-1 Series M, Infiniti IPL G37) being tested out on the Dragon's 318 curves in 11 miles. Among other things, it has some nice photos of the road and scenery as well as an interesting chart that show's that in addition to the turns, the Dragon's fun factor is increased by it's elevation gains as well ... in those 11 miles it rises from 800 ft above sea level to 2000 ft above sea level ... a 1200 ft elevation gain in only 11 miles!

11 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I've ridden the Dragon many times. Everyone needs to ride it once just to say they've done it. However, the Dragon is WAY over-rated. There are many roads in the area that are much better rides. Unless you go there during the week or very early on the weekend, it's overcrowded and there are generally a bunch of idiots riding it that should have a driver's license much less a license to operate a motorcycle.

18 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I rode The Dragon for the first time recently and was only somewhat impressed with the experience. There are so many better roads in this area that are more enjoyable than this one. The things I disliked the most about The Dragon were the amount of traffic, lack of scenery, and the extremely short length. In order to really enjoy the curves, I think I'd have to ride back and forth a few times before moving on with the rest of my ride.

The Dragon is a must-ride-at-least-once for just about every motorcyclist, though.

72 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

My wife and I, have rode for many years. And have been on many, many roads. And we have rode the Dragon for many years also. Spring, Summer, and Fall. The Dragon is the best ride you could ever go on. But if you don't like to have fun or or even like to ride your motorcycle, or just can't ride. Please Please stay away. Stay far, far way. from Deals Gap or even the Great Smoky Mountains area. Because this ride area is for people who like to ride and have FUN.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

If your in the area it is a must do ride! Folks at Deals Gap are friendly and it is usually nothing but motorcycles of all types, That is where you pickup you tee-shirt and gas if you need some. The Scenery will make it hard to keep your eyes on the road so when you hop on you bike for the ride keep that in mind. The curves are amazing and it is better to go during the week then on the weekend as the Leo's are few and far between. The weekend however is loaded with them so keep that in mind when you make the trip.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Just got back from the Dragon with my son and it was awesome! Son has FZ6R and is hard to keep up with on the HD Fat Bob. Rode it many times over two days on Wednesday and Thursday...not very busy in middle of the week and did not see any police for two days! Many people from Texas, New York, Ohio and Florida staying at Deals Gap. 11 miles of pure adrenaline rush...if you have not traveled to this area you should spend a week because there are many other listed rides in this area!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I rode this for the first time in April 2011, and it was a blast! Sure, you have to pay attention to the curves and oncoming traffic, not the scenery, but if you want to watch the scenery, then ride pillion! I don't consider myself an overly aggresive rider, but scraped the pegs 3 times on the 2 runs I did...probably not supposed to lay the Ultra over that far...Will get back to it as soon as time and life/wife allows, and hopefully will hit the other roads int he area as well.

4 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This is a great technical ride that requires skill and concentration. Plenty to see if your eyes weren't glued to the road 99.9% of the time.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

The Dragon is the most awesome road in America. It will scream at you to try it again and again. Try a night ride!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

318 turns of complete excellence. Been to the tail twice over the last 10 years and can't wait to go back. A challenge for the novice, a thrill for the advanced, and scenery that will take everyones breath away. Be careful of the speed limits as they are strictly enforced.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Standard

I live about two hours from Deal's Gap. I have been there several times, but every time I leave, I anticipate my return. It has a reputation for being awesome for a reason. I would recommend it to any rider, unless I know that they were inclined to ride beyond their skills. That said, if you will let her, the Dragon will teach you to be a better rider. I'll be back.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Reading these comments is eye opening for this local. 30 years ago this area was totally, 100% a "pass & let pass" community. Didn't matter, bike, car, work truck, late to work, late for a hot date, fast or slow - when we could see we went around - whoever came up fast in the mirrors got help getting around - no knotted knickers ever.

Times change. Reading some of these I can't help recalling the time I saw a bunch of unknown to me but obviously my fellow citizens filing into a McDonald's in Rome - the real one...

4000 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

A great road that is, simply, a victim of it's own success. The fact is that there are other even twistier (!) roads in the area, but they can't match it all coming together like TotD does. It's a state road, so the pavement is pristine, there's towns not too far away, there's great views nearby. It's a very good hub rode that just happens to be a madman. Other twistier roads are further off of the beaten path, so-so pavement, semi-residential etc etc. It's always worth going down once a year to this area, and this rode is compulsory...but it's not the twistiest in the area.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I was expecting more than this ride can provide. although it has many turns, none of it can be called "technical" The Cherohala Skyway was truly spectacular with some technical turns. The views tremendous. I live on the "Twisted Sisters" in the hill country of TX. If you are looking for technical rides..... don't miss TX 337 from Leakey to Vanderpool...only for seasoned riders!

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

One of the best rides I have ever been on. Absolutely love all of the curves. Staying at the Deal's Gap Resort was awesome and definitely an experience I want to do again. Love the Tree of Shame.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Full of curves- yes. Lots of assorted bikes and fancy cars-yes. However, if you get car sick like I do... It was a nightmare of a ride. I wanted to shoot myself or at least have God smote my sick butt off my V-Rod. Rode all the way down. Stopped by a creek and tried to not throw up. Then, I had to do the whole ride again backwards. Never again... I can only imagine how much fun the ride could have been if I hadnt been car sick.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

I road the dragon 2 times. The 1st time it was in a group ride for Amerivespa Chattanooga and the 2nd time on my own. The road is definitely not for beginners. There is one turn that the banking is opposite of the turn so if u went into the turn at or near the limit, the angle of the road will make u scrape and possibly go into on coming traffic to avoid laying it down. The downsides, too many people riding or driving past their skills and someone driving really slow in a minivan or something. I suggest u don't go take a look at the tree of shame until u r done riding the dragon. It puts pressure on you, LOL

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

We loved it,ride it both ways,watch out for semis in your lane it can be tricky for a novice and yes the sport bikes love to come up and pass touring bikes i think the scenery was great but didnt get to see much ,the semi we met kept my eyes on the road ahead

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

As advertised. Not quite as busy as I expected it to be on a low 70's fall day that was beautiful. Great road, great scenery. Watch the four wheeled vehicles and sport bikes.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Myself and two friends went from Columbus MS to top of the Blue Ridge Parkway, down to Cherokee and culminating in a run on the Dragon (129). We had my V Star 1100, a 1800 Goldwing and a Bergman Executive 650 and had an absolute blast.. The Berg has an unfair advantage, its faster than thought, I believe. Deals Gap store has all the trinkets and t-shirts you'll need uncluding "Dragon" water and gas. We're going back soon.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Loved the resort, but the road was a little scary. Lots of sport bikes. Would not recommend for the faint of heart.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

The best road I have driven on ever. As stated 318 "roller coaster" curves with almost no cross roads and no houses etc.

10 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

probably the most overrated road there is,flat and no scenery just turns...lots and lots of turns

4000 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Pay VERY close attention to your mirrors on this ride. Deals Gap has developed the reputation lately of being a "racetrack" for sport bikes. There are numerous documented cases of passing slower-moving riders on their own lane. Use extreme caution. Also, law enforcement has cracked down on the speed limits lately. No warnings are being given, but tickets issued liberally.

4 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Nice ride but to touristy for me. There are many great roads to ride in the area that are not congested and are just as good as the Dragon

8 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

One bad thing about it is amount of traffic at times (especially on weekends).

37 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

The ride is as good as the reviews. We visited the Dragon the last part of June 2014, with clear skies and bountiful turns. One thing I notice on other reviews are the comments on no elevation changes during this ride. I thought there were several turns that either were heading up or down into a turn. No issues riding the bike but I was expecting a more flat riding plain than what I experienced. A pleasant surprise to have these tight turns with some hills to work around. Be careful, one of our party got a ticket riding "left of center", which they didn't cross the yellow but leaned over the yellow on a tight turn.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I made the complete east coast trip through the smokies. Must say that I agree this is a road you should ride, stop and get the T-Shirt so you can say been there done that then move on. Durango,CO is 100 miles closer for me so I got the T-Shirt and won't go back. The 28 is a better ride.