Beware the tail of the Dragon

Anyone looking for an exciting highway will enjoy this stretch of US129 also known as The Dragon’s Tail. This stretch of highway boasts 318 curves in 11 miles; it is America's number one motorcycle and sports car road.  This highway closely follows an old Indian trail that wound through Graham County before climbing the Smoky Range and crossing into TN at Deals Gap, where it continues along the ridges before emerging at Calderwood, and finally on to Fort Loudon. The Dragon is considered by many as one of the world’s best motorcycling and sports car roads.

The road is desolate and full of beautiful scenery. It is not a difficult ride, but it is not a road for the squeamish. Average daily traffic is approximately 400 vehicles, the highest elevation at Deals Gap is 1,962 feet and the elevation changes drastically at different points of the ride.

Different times of the year that are ideal for riding this curvy road are early April through late May before the summer crowds arrive. The weather can be particularly pleasant this time of year with trees blossoming their foliage in late April. The last weekend in April is the Harley Rally in Cherokee which attracts many bikers so traffic will definitely build up on this weekend.  In Mid-August through September, many vacationers have departed to get their kids back in school, but traffic is still above average. Rain can interfere in August. Around September 21 is the opening of bear season which would be a good weekend to avoid.

June through the middle of August is family vacation time and also when the traffic picks-up on the Dragon. There is usually good weather with warm pavement. This is the time that law enforcement usually tightens, especially if there has been a rash of injuries/deaths. Honda Hoot fills the Dragon in June. Weekends find many bikes here if you are looking for the “show”. The least traffic on the Dragon is before 11 am and after 5 pm. The heaviest traffic is noon to 3 pm. Night riding on the Dragon can be an interesting experience.

The nearby Cherohala Skyway is quickly becoming the number two destination with its remote 60 miles of scenic mountain highway. This area also has other incredible roads to travel like the Moonshiner 28, Devil Triangle, The Diamondback, Six Gap North Georgia, The Snake and Great Forest Service dual Sport Riding.

I'm alway interested in hearing about out of the places to travel on motorcycle, so let me know.