When most folks think about daredevil driving or high-speed roadways, they’re probably not immediately calling to mind a backroad through the Tennessee mountains. That’s where they’re wrong. The Tail of the Dragon is known around the world for its mind-bending turns and allowance for high speed. It may be a sleeper hit, but we have a feeling one drive down this 11-mile roadway is going to make it in your family history books forever. Learn more about it below, and maybe plan a trip out to East Tennessee. A true adventure awaits!

Tail of the Dragon - Facebook
Tucked away high, high in the eastern mountains of Tennessee is a road of epic proportions. It fosters heroic stories of speed and daring, invites daredevils from around the world to enjoy its hairpin twists and turns, and is known by only one name...
Donna_0622 - Flickr
...the Tail of the Dragon.
PentaxianK1ii - Flickr
With 318 curves in 11 miles, the Tail of the Dragon has become a global legend for a reason. The road is filled with motorcyclists and sports car drivers every day, chock full of humans looking to take those turns hard and fast. There are even photographers along the way to capture your speedy adventures!

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Scott Anderson - Flickr
We do have to warn you folks: once you get on the Tail of the Dragon, there's no turning back. Known officially at US-129, the twisty road is bordered by both the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains. There are no driveways along the 11-miles, and you won't find a single intersecting road either. Once you're on the Tail, you're on it until the end.
PentaxianK1ii - Flickr
Of course, you can take a break when you need to! There are gas stations and restaurants at both ends of the road, which begins in one state and ends in the other. You can travel the Dragon either from North Carolina to Tennessee, or vice versa. Continue along the Cherohala Skyway afterward to continue to experience the beauty of the mountains.
Tail of the Dragon - TripAdvisor
There is a series of scenic overlooks along the way as well, so you can pull off and take some family photos or perhaps even take a breather. All that driving can run that heart rate up! Have you ever been on the Tail of the Dragon? Are you daring enough to take the plunge?
Scott Anderson - Flickr

Although we won’t be directing you to social media, you can learn more about the Tail of the Dragon with a visit to its official website. You can even buy a photo of you driving the road from one of the freelance photographers that set up along the way. What a treat!

It’s a pretty incredible drive, that Tail of the Dragon, but have you ever explored beneath the surface of Tennessee? 

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