📥 Download Trip Files
Get the complete itinerary and GPS route for your adventure!
Import the KML file into Google Maps (My Maps) or your GPS device for turn-by-turn navigation!
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
Explore the complete route with all stops and points of interest. Click on markers for detailed information about each location.
Tip: Open this map on your phone during the ride for real-time navigation. You can also download the KML file above to import into your preferred GPS app.
📋 Trip Overview
Quick Facts
- Total Distance: 140-160 miles (riding only)
- Riding Time: 5-6 hours
- Total Day Time: 11 hours (including pickup/return and stops)
- Best Season: April through October
- Best Days: Weekdays (less crowded than weekends)
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
⚠️ THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON ⚠️
US Highway 129: 11 Miles • 318 Curves
One of America's most legendary motorcycle routes. Known worldwide for its challenging curves and breathtaking mountain scenery. This is NOT a road for sightseeing - it demands your complete attention and respect!
🕐 Daily Schedule
Morning - Departure & Rental
Drive to Maryville via US-321 S and US-411 S
Distance: ~25 miles | Time: 30-35 minutes
Rental Options:
- Freedom Rentals of TN - Veteran-owned, offers free shuttle from Knoxville Airport. Various bikes: Harley-Davidson, Victory, Honda, Yamaha. Phone: 865-406-2771
- Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson - 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN. EagleRider rentals available. Phone: 865-977-1669
- Get maps and local tips from rental shop
- Check weather conditions
- Ensure proper gear (helmet, jacket, gloves)
🛣️ The Route - 5 Legs
Maryville to Tail of the Dragon (9:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
Route: US-411 S/US-129 S from Maryville → Continue on US-129 S when it splits → At Foothills Parkway junction, turn left onto US-129 S toward Deals Gap
Distance: ~45 miles | Time: ~1.5 hours
Highlights: Foothills Parkway - scenic mountain ridge views, photo opportunities
THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)
US-129: 11 miles with 318 curves from Tennessee into North Carolina
⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY TIPS
- Keep your eyes on the road at ALL times - this is NOT a sightseeing road
- Tennessee State Troopers actively patrol and enforce speed limits
- Watch for tight hairpin turns, steep elevation changes, narrow lanes
- Stay alert for oncoming traffic and wildlife
- Ride within YOUR skill level - many experienced riders have crashed here
11:00 AM - Deals Gap Stop
Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort - At the North Carolina end of the Dragon
- ⛽ Fuel up (IMPORTANT - limited fuel ahead!)
- Visit the famous "Tree of Shame" with motorcycle parts from crashes
- Grab snacks/drinks
- Check out the gift shop and dragon statue across the street
- Photographers station here - photos posted online in 3-4 days at Killboy's website
- Optional: Ride the Dragon again in opposite direction (many riders do this!)
Deals Gap to Robbinsville (12:00 PM - 12:30 PM)
Route: Continue on US-129 N
Distance: ~12 miles | Time: ~30 minutes
Note: This 11.5-mile section has tricky off-camber curves - take it easy and watch for gravel
CHEROHALA SKYWAY (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
⛽ 12:30 PM - Robbinsville: FUEL UP!
NO FUEL FOR 50 MILES ON THE SKYWAY
Lunch in Robbinsville (see restaurant section below)
1:00 PM - Cherohala Skyway (NC-143/TN-165)
43-mile National Scenic Byway through Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests
- Santeetlah Overlook - Highest point at 5,390 feet with panoramic mountain vistas
- Multiple scenic pull-offs along the route
- Long sweeping corners and beautiful forest views
- Temperature can be 10°F cooler at higher elevations - bring a jacket!
Optional Side Trip: Bald River Falls (90-100 feet high) - Take River Road (Forest Service Road 210)
Distance: 43 miles | Time: ~1.5 hours (with stops for photos)
Return Loop to Maryville (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
3:00 PM - Tellico Plains (see restaurant section below)
Route Back to Maryville:
- TN-165 N to TN-68 N
- TN-68 N to US-411 N
- US-411 N back to Maryville
Distance: ~50 miles | Time: ~1.5 hours
Evening - Return
Final inspection and share your stories!
~30 minutes via US-411 N and US-321 N
🍽️ Restaurant Recommendations
Robbinsville, NC (Lunch - 12:30 PM)
Lynn's Place
El Pacifico Restaurant
Papa's Pizza To Go
Huckleberry's Bakery by Willow Tree
Tellico Plains, TN (Rest Stop - 3:00 PM)
Tellico Kats
Tellico Grains Bakery
Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center
Near Deals Gap / Tapoco Area
Tapoco Tavern at Historic Tapoco Lodge
Dragon's Den Grill & Pub
Wildwood Grill at Fontana Village
Mountview Bistro at Fontana Village
🛡️ Safety Tips
Before You Ride
- Get your motorcycle checked before heading out (tires, brakes, fluids)
- Check weather forecast - avoid rainy days and winter conditions
- Wear proper protective gear: approved helmet, riding jacket, gloves, boots
- Bring layers - temperature varies greatly with elevation (10°F+ difference)
- Bring water and snacks
- Fully charge your phone and bring a portable charger
On the Dragon
⚠️ Critical Safety Rules
- DO NOT speed or ride recklessly - the Dragon has claimed many lives
- Stay in your lane - no crossing the center line under any circumstances
- Watch for slower traffic, oncoming vehicles, and wildlife
- Use pull-offs to let faster riders pass - don't let ego put you in danger
- No stopping on the Dragon itself - wait for Deals Gap or designated pull-offs
- Don't let peer pressure push you beyond your comfort level
- Be especially careful on blind curves - assume someone is in your lane
General Riding Tips
- Start early to avoid afternoon heat and crowds
- Take breaks every 1-2 hours to stay alert
- Stay hydrated throughout the day
- Fuel up whenever possible - gas stations are sparse
- Keep your phone handy but don't use it while riding
- Ride your own ride - don't try to keep up with faster riders
- If you feel tired, take a break - fatigue is dangerous
📞 Contact Information
| Location | Contact |
|---|---|
| Freedom Rentals of TN | 865-406-2771 |
| Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson | 865-977-1669 1820 W. Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville |
| Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center | 423-253-8010 225 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains |
| Historic Tapoco Lodge | 14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC |
| Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort | 17548 Tapoco Rd, Tapoco, NC |
| Emergency Services | 911 |
ℹ️ Additional Information
What to Bring
- Required: Valid motorcycle license, credit card, ID
- Safety Gear: DOT-approved helmet (may be provided by rental), riding jacket with armor, gloves, boots
- Clothing: Layers (jacket for higher elevations), sunglasses, sunscreen
- Accessories: Phone, portable charger, camera/GoPro, earplugs
- Optional: Rain gear, spare phone battery, snacks, water bottle
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season: May through October
- Avoid: Winter months (November-March) - road can be icy and dangerous
- Avoid: Weekends - much more crowded with tourist traffic
- Best: Weekdays in Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for beautiful foliage and moderate temperatures
Photo Opportunities
- Killboy Photographers - Stationed at various points on the Dragon. Photos posted online at killboy.com within 3-4 days
- Dragon Statue - Across from Deals Gap for the classic photo op
- Santeetlah Overlook - Highest point on Cherohala Skyway (5,390 ft)
- Foothills Parkway - Multiple scenic overlooks
- Bald River Falls - If taking the optional side trip
Nearby Attractions (If Extra Time)
- Fontana Dam - Tallest dam east of the Rockies (225 feet), featured in "The Fugitive" movie
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest - Virgin forest with trees requiring 5 adults to reach around
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Borders the Dragon on the northern side
- Cheoah Dam - Featured in "The Fugitive" starring Harrison Ford