The drive south along U.S. Route 129 from Tallassee, Tennessee to Deals Gap, North Carolina is more than just a trip—it’s an experience. We begin this legendary journey just east of Tallassee, where US-129 meets the scenic Foothills Parkway. From there, the highway hugs the contours of Chilhowee Lake, offering peaceful lake views and a gentle introduction before things take a more thrilling turn. As the road curves around the lake’s northern and eastern edges, the terrain begins to shift. What starts as a relaxed, wooded lakeside drive quickly becomes one of the most famous stretches of road in America.
As we approach the bend where the lake turns west, the character of the drive changes entirely. This is where we enter the famed Tail of the Dragon—an 11-mile gauntlet of relentless curves, elevation shifts, and narrow mountain passes. Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, this portion of US-129 boasts an astounding 318 curves in those short 11 miles. It’s no surprise this road is considered a bucket-list destination for motorcyclists, sports car drivers, and road trip aficionados alike. While it’s known for its adrenaline-pumping challenge, the Tail of the Dragon is also renowned for its stunning surroundings. Towering hardwood forests and mountain ridges rise on both sides, and the smell of pine and mountain air fills your lungs as you navigate each curve with precision.
Along this stretch, you’ll pass Calderwood Dam—a striking concrete structure built in the 1930s. It’s worth slowing down (or pulling off, where safe) to take in the sweeping views of the reservoir below and the steep hills that cradle it. The dam is a reminder of the engineering feats required to tame and travel through this rugged landscape. Though the road demands your full attention, the scenery begs you to steal a glance at the mist-covered ridges and sparkling water.
Eventually, the road crests and dips one final time as you cross from Tennessee into North Carolina, where the Tail of the Dragon concludes at Deals Gap. This tiny mountain outpost is much more than just a waypoint. It’s home to the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, which has become a cultural hub for riders from across the country. Here, you’ll find food, fuel, lodging, and maybe a few tall tales being exchanged on the patio. You can even pose your bike or car next to the famous “Tree of Shame”—an ever-growing memorial made of shattered parts from those who pushed the limits a little too far.
Driving from Tallassee to Deals Gap isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about embracing the thrill of the road, respecting the power of nature, and enjoying a route that has earned every bit of its legendary status. Whether you’re carving through the corners on two wheels or cruising in a convertible, this 15-mile segment of US-129 delivers a mix of danger, beauty, and satisfaction like few other roads in the United States.
Copperhead Corner
Hog Pen Bend
Wheelie Hell
Sunset Corner
Gravity Cavity
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