Best Rides Across America: Route 129
Key Takeaways
- Route 129 is only an 11-mile ride with 318 curves, better known as The Tail of The Dragon.
- The route takes you through the stunning foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains as you ride through thick canopies and picturesque water features.
- Various unique points of interest dot the route, including multiple artificial dams, the “Tree of Shame,” The Dragon’s Lair Gift Shop, and more.
- The route includes so many curves that it can be challenging for even experienced riders, so the speed limit is a fixed 30 MPH.
- Optimal riding seasons include summer for incredible weather and fall for chasing colorful foliage. Avoid winter for icy roads and weekends for increased traffic.
- Prepare for the journey with the proper riding gear, and consider gifting your riding partner a road bell for extra protection.
U.S. Route 129: The Tail Of The Dragon
U.S. Route 129 is an auxiliary route of U.S. Route 29, which intersects in Athens, Georgia, and runs for 582 miles. Starting in Chiefland, Florida, it passes through Georiga and North Carolina before intersecting with I-40 in Knoxville, Tennessee. Although this highway travels through Georgia, bikers and sports car owners are primarily interested in a portion closer to the end of the road. On the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you’ll come across a mountain pass that stretches from Tab Cat Creek to Deals Gap, which you won’t want to miss.
This portion of the highway, better known as The Tail of the Dragon, is only about 11 miles of the lengthy road. Throughout these 11 short miles, the highway consists of 318 curves, making it one of the most enjoyable rides throughout the country. Additionally, no developments on this stretch allow you to focus on the road. With this number of twists and turns and no developments, The Tail of The Dragon is commonly called America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road, so it’s best to have it on your radar.
The copious amount of curves is not the only reason to visit this famous section of the highway. In this portion of the road, you’ll pass through the rolling foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, where you’ll grab occasional glimpses of the peaks through the leaves of the towering tree-covered canopy. Various points of interest dot this path through nature, including serene water features, overlooks, unique engineering wonders, and shops. We’ve compiled a vast amount of information into this guide so you can make the most of your journey through The Tail of The Dragon.
Scenery
The copious amount of curves is not the only reason to visit this famous section of the highway. In this portion of the road, you’ll pass through the rolling foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains, where you’ll grab occasional glimpses of the peaks through the leaves of the towering tree-covered canopy. Driving through this dense section of forest surrounds you with a tunnel of foliage. You won’t be able to see much of the mountain range due to the amount of trees, but there are various water features and overlooks you can pull off to do so. Whether you want to stick to this portion of the highway or take a detour, you can still catch great views of the surrounding area.
As you wind through this section of the Great Smokey Mountains, getting a different view of the area will be nice. Consider pulling off to Cherohala Skyway, where you’ll have expansive, sweeping views of the mountains instead of being surrounded by forest. The Skyway is about 10 miles away from the end of the tail but makes for a significant detour. However, to stick to the tail, consider stopping at one of the overlooks for some views.
Calderwood and Santeetlah Overlook offer great views of the mountains without having to veer off the beaten path. If you want to spruce up your mountain views, consider stopping by one of the water features. Calderwood Lake and Fontana Lake offer a picturesque view of water surrounded by tree-covered mountains. There’s plenty of nature to see, but don’t forget about the unique works of engineering and quaint stores dotted throughout the road.
Love riding around the smokies? Check out Drive The Smokies for more scenic-filled drives!
Points of Interest
You’ll encounter numerous engineering marvels while cruising through these winding roads of the 129. Most of these will be the dams you can find at one of the various water features in the past. There are four of these dams, which range in size and provide hydroelectric power to the area. Not only do they provide power to the area, but they also enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings and help with flood control, further helping preserve the natural environment of the tail. Check out Fontana, Fugitive, Calderwood, or Chilhowee Dam if you are interested in these engineering marvels.
There are still plenty of other unique stops, even if you’re not interested in the various dams of the area. You must stop at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort if you’re on your bike. This stop serves as a “basecamp” for riders in the area and hosts a few key sights. First is the Tree of Shame, a somber yet fascinating display of vehicle parts that didn’t make it through the Dragon unscathed. There’s also a gift shop for memorabilia and restaurant offerings quickly to refuel and reflect on your ride through the Smokies.
Another good find is the Dragon’s Liar Gift Shop. Located at the Tennessee end of the section, this shop offers souvenirs and clothing to remember your ride. It’s a good place for enthusiasts to take a break, meet up and share some stories. You’ll want to watch for photo options while you make your way between these two significant stops. Multiple photographers will set up at different locations along the route so you can grab a picture during your ride. These change occasionally, but watch for the major stops, and you’ll undoubtedly run into one. The Tail of The Dragon sounds like a ton of fun, but it’s best to ensure you have the proper gear and planning before setting off.
Tips for the Trip
Most riders chase The Tail of The Dragon due to the countless twists and turns, which is also its biggest challenge. This section of road has a legendary status in American car and motorcycle culture because it’s both fun and challenging. Due to the problematic status of these curves, the speed limit was reduced from 55 mph to 30 mph in 2002 to address ongoing safety concerns. Additionally, a more substantial police presence monitors the route in case accidents occur. Be sure to obey the speed limit, and don’t exceed your skill range when driving and taking the curves.
Among these safety concerns, avoiding partaking in this ride during the winter is best. Not only because snow or ice can cause driving problems but also because it’s dreadfully dull in the winter. No trees and chilly winds make for a bland and not-so-fun drive. We highly recommend partaking in this journey during the summer to be involved in the tunnel of nature or, if you get lucky enough, take the ride during autumn and be captivated by the bright colors of the changing leaves. If you’re not a fan of traffic, then it’s best to avoid traveling on the weekdays as it can get quite congested.
Tame The Dragon
U.S. Route 129 and its Tail of the Dragon has become the ultimate ride for bikers and sports car owners. From the entertaining twists and turns to the luscious surroundings and stony peaks, it’s a ride you’ll want to embark on. If you’re ever in the area or planning a dedicated trip through this pass of the Great Smokey Mountains, we hope this article helps you with your journey. It’s essential to ensure you make the proper preparations before your journey. Whether traveling with others or by yourself, you might want to consider extra protection in the form of a road bell. Check out our Route 129-inspired road bell, and may it inspire you to partake in the journey forward.
