[Curahee]

I will be driving this road in a few weeks, and would appreciate hearing from anyone who has done it, i.e. things to watch out for, gearing, speeds, special attractions, etc.
For those unfamiliar, the "Tail" is U.S. 129 going from east Tennessee into west North Carolina. Over 300 curves in a distance of about eleven miles. Thanks.

 

[Norm]

Was there 2 years ago with my '10 GS, my personal take, forget about speed, probably about 30-35 is about it, then you have to slow down to negotiate the next turn, so you might as well keep a constant speed of about 25. After about a third of the way through, I got bored as hell, it started to become tedious, all you're doing is swinging the wheel left to right constantly, no straight driving at all. I couldn't wait to hit a straight away towards the end on the TN side, what a relief. I got the "been there, done that" T-shirt, will never do it again.

Now this is my take on it, so you may love the hell out it and turn around and do it again.

Most importantly, don't let that car's power get to you, you go too fast, you will lose it. When I went through, two tow trucks were yanking a C5 out of the bush at one spot, and a biker at another that ran into trees.......not fun.

Just drive conservatively, you should be OK. Enjoy.

 

[C7DriverOnt]

As was said drive conservatively and no drinking and driving. My wife and I were at a run down there a few years ago and after a banquet one of the participants took a lady on a run thru it after dinner and killed her, ended up in the trees crushing the passenger side of the vehicle. There are lots of deer and it is a busy place so best drive with that in mind and give yourself a bit of an out. If you drive on the edge there too many things can go wrong, even it isn't your fault. If the leaves are falling it can get slippery as well. It's a beautiful area, fun drive (although it is work), there are no trophies handed out so take it easy.

 

[Racer_X]

It is beautiful country - especially this time of year... Be careful of all the bikers - some really like to push the limits. Enjoy, take your time and drive defensively!

 

[Chip]

I believe that Brandon (vabuckeye) just did some portion of this drive a couple of weeks ago on his way to Alabama. Maybe he will see this thread and give you / us some feedback on that part of his trip.

 

[Curahee]

Thanks for the feedback. Keep it coming!!

 

[Moxychacha]

This road is better served as a motorcycle road and can become congested at certain times of the day. Be on the watch out as you will experience many serious riders maxing their bikes on the tail. They are simply faster and more maneuverable with this type of road compared to a sports car. My suggestion is drive it once. Park your car and sit back and watch how aggressive the bikers will get. You may even see a wipeout or two!

 

[Ragtop]

It is a great ride, did it in May. When I finished, I was so sad it was over I turned around and did it in opposite direction. You don't have to go but 5 or 10 mph over speed limit to have an exhilarating ride (conditions/traffic/curves permitting of course). Best advice is to avoid weekends and later in day when traffic could be heavy. I stayed in hotel in Alcoa, TN hotel night before (Tail of the Dragon special rate, go to Tail of Dragon website) so I could hit it in the morning. Did my first run around 10 am. Traffic increased steadily afterwards. On my second run, a lot of motorcycle traffic, which will slow you down, as the cycles can't go as fast as the c7 on the curves. Keep a good distance behind vehicles in front of you, especially motorcycles of course. Be hyper vigilant for traffic crossing over double yellow into your lane. I did not have a single incident, but saw a lot of videos from people who did encounter that sort of thing.

 

[Taber10]

And because it has gotten so popular, there has been an increase in interest from not only motorcycle and sports car clubs, but also with local law enforcement. I had a good run, early in the morning, but it got very crowded and very controlled later in the day. This was in 2010.

 

[mjw930]

To be clear, the motorcycles that slow you down are cruisers and Harley's, not the sport bikes. I've driven that area in sports cars and everything from a V-Rod to a K1600. You can go stupid fast on an R1

I'm in that area every summer and honestly, it's not even close to my favorite road. Most of the roads leading into it are more fun and faster.

Regardless, the C7 enjoyed it

 

[Z51Stingray]

Deer, lots and lots of deer. You're going during the rut. That's "mating season" for you city folk.

The speed limit was also dropped to 30 mph. Follow it!!!

Back in June, a week after we went on it, a guy was killed on it.

Two years ago, a guy here at work went on it and ended up in the hospital out there for 6 months. He finally came back to work a few months ago.

It's a fun drive, but use the pull-offs when someone comes up from behind, follow the speed limit, stay in your lane, and be vigilant.

 

[vabuckeye]

I did it on labor day and there wasn't too much traffic I thought; however it was also raining while I was in it. I never topped 40 mph and I got out of 3rd once, mainly stayed in 2nd. It as a great ride and the online sites took some great photos of me driving it. The pull offs are a great way to let faster drivers go by. I was lucky in that I didn't have anyone in front or behind me. Enjoy your trip and stay alert add you will see it is very demanding that you alert and in control at all times.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Corvette Stingray Forum mobile app

 

[CruznCorvette]

Be sure to drive it on a weekday. Less motorcycles.
Here are some other great roads in the area - Devil's Triangle, Moonshiner 28, Cherohala Skyway. (See links below)
You are going to have a blast!!

Devils Triangle TN survive this hostile two lane adventure...
Moonshiner 28 Motorcycle Tour | Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rentals & Tours
The Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway

 

[Z51Stingray]

Be sure to drive it on a weekday. Less motorcycles.
Here are some other great roads in the area - Devil's Triangle, Moonshiner 28, Cherohala Skyway. (See links below)
You are going to have a blast!!

Devils Triangle TN survive this hostile two lane adventure...
Moonshiner 28 Motorcycle Tour | Smoky Mountain Motorcycle Rentals & Tours
The Cherohala Skyway, a National Scenic Byway

What he said! Those roads are awesome too!

I actually enjoyed the Cherohala and Moonshiner 28 much more than the TOTD.

 

[Ragtop]

Funny, I hit all those roads the day after I picked my C7 up at NCM. Was quite a break-in!

 

[rdslon01]

There are many other roads throughout Appalachia which are more intense, especially with respect to elevation change, and are still extremely curvy. The Tail of the Dragon just happens to be extremely well-marketed, and not as remote as some of the other ones which are more intense.

 

[Racer_X]

Also while in the area check out the Blue Ridge Parkway - its a good mix of lots of curves and some nice straight aways - great scenery and lots of pullouts. A nice way to bond with your C7 while not stressing out over who else is on the road.

 

[sk!p]

Always remember you go where you look.

 

[Chip]

Like on all roads, situational awareness is key to a safe ride / drive!

 

[bbrown450]

Get the new road and track very good article I there that address all of this