Looking to put the top down and enjoy the cool mountain air on a scenic drive this summer? It sounds idyllic, actually. People from all over the country head to Route 129 in North Carolina to experience an 11.9-mile twisty mountain road that’s widely known for its thrilling curves and challenging course.

Welcome to the Tail of the Dragon, a path originally worn down by animals such as buffalo before becoming one of the most challenging (and dangerous) motorcycle and sports car roads in America.
Flickr/Rick Flores
Encompassing nearly 12 miles through the forest in both North Carolina and Tennessee, the Tail of the Dragon has an impressive 318 curves.
Google Maps
But the curves aren't the only parts of this thrilling drive to illicit white knuckles for motorists and cyclists alike.
TripAdvisor/DRAGON SLAYER

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Just staying in your own lane and making sure others are doing the same in hundreds of curves can be unnerving, even for the most experienced of drivers/riders.
TripAdvisor/NPFLL
In the last 10 years alone, more than 20 fatalities have occurred on this short stretch of road. But for those who need to let the blood flow back into their hands during the ride, the good news is there are a few places to pull over.
TripAdvisor/wolf55
Once inside Tennessee, the Tail of the Dragon Overlook is one that shouldn't be missed - even if you're not feeling stressed from the curvy roads.
TripAdvisor/Jeff L
From here, you'll have a fantastic view of Calderwood Lake, complete with a camel back mountain in the middle.
Google Maps/Michel Robitaille

In North Carolina, drivers and cyclists will find the start of the Tail of the Dragon near Robbinsville at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. For those wanting an equally beautiful and climatically cool top-down drive that’s not as unnerving, the Moonshiner 28 scenic drive in North Carolina begins just down the road from where the Tail of the Dragon begins. Who knows? Maybe you’ll decide to adventure onto both scenic drives?

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Featured Addresses
Tail of the Dragon, 17555 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA