Tail of the Dragon

7671 Views 37 Replies 24 Participants Last post by vabuckeye, Oct 1, 2014

Curahee

Discussion Starter · Sep 25, 2014

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.

21 - 38 of 38 Posts

mjw930

· #21 · Sep 28, 2014 (Edited)

3

Just for grins, here's me going "down" the dragon on my K16

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And here's me going "up" the dragon in the C7

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This one with a tad more G loading (note the left front suspension compression)

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It's all good

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Geo Vette

· #22 · Sep 28, 2014

Driving TheTail of The Dragon seems to be a popular
destination. However, I just don't get it. Why look
forward to driving at slow speeds on a road full of
curves and then deal with bikes.
I for one prefer the open straight road which
allows for breathtaking acceleration. I know how
this car handles curves so no need to
validate it again. Just my opinion.
If you all drive it be safe.
Geo Vette

AllFlash

· #23 · Sep 28, 2014 (Edited)

Agree totally... The Dragon IMO is a waste in a car. I say this having done it more than once on my VTX 1800. I typically go with friends, let the new guys experience what its like to ride the Dragon (grab on to the rope now folks) and then show them some of the fun roads. Cherahola Skyway is ten times the ride for a vehicle as it has the curves, long straightaway, as well as the fact that it is always clear enough to open things up while local police are concentrating on the Dragon. I would also rather jump on 129 South from the Dragon to Robbinsville, or better yet stay at the Fontana lodge and get a few good runs around the lake where the roads are sweet. If you are heading there from the North be sure to head through Jefferson Forest and hit Snake Run...watch those switchbacks though and take it easy that you don't hit that front end on the uphill and downhill curves at both ends of the run.

Milliwatt Rob

· #24 · Sep 28, 2014

To paraphrase Yogi Berra, nobody drives there any more because it is too crowded.

I know a number of roads with twisties around here, which, fortunately, are fairly deserted. And since I am not telling, maybe they will stay that way.

mjw930

· #25 · Sep 28, 2014

Geo Vette said:
Driving TheTail of The Dragon seems to be a popular
destination. However, I just don't get it. Why look
forward to driving at slow speeds on a road full of
curves and then deal with bikes.
I for one prefer the open straight road which
allows for breathtaking acceleration. I know how
this car handles curves so no need to
validate it again. Just my opinion.
If you all drive it be safe.
Geo Vette

The area is great for exploring on a bike or in a sports car. The Dragon is a destination but no one drops in without experiencing the surrounding roads. You make a run there because it's a well known destination and because of that you can get some great action shots from the photographers that have taken up residence, that's the only reason I take the time to run 129, it's a boring, slow speed run that unless taken on a weekday morning is a total waste.

We happen to vacation every summer in the N. GA mountains so we usually take a day to cruise NC which invariably runs by Deals Gap. 90% of the time we are on bikes but N. GA was our destination from the NCM after picked up the car so there really wasn't a better way to get there but to go over 129 out of Knoxville.

NC28 south out of Fontana through to Franklin is a much nicer run.

Curahee

Discussion Starter · #26 · Sep 28, 2014

AllFlash said:
Agree totally... The Dragon IMO is a waste in a car. I say this having done it more than once on my VTX 1800. I typically go with friends, let the new guys experience what its like to ride the Dragon (grab on to the rope now folks) and then show them some of the fun roads. Cherahola Skyway is ten times the ride for a vehicle as it has the curves, long straightaway, as well as the fact that it is always clear enough to open things up while local police are concentrating on the Dragon. I would also rather jump on 129 South from the Dragon to Robbinsville, or better yet stay at the Fontana lodge and get a few good runs around the lake where the roads are sweet. If you are heading there from the North be sure to head through Jefferson Forest and hit Snake Run...watch those switchbacks though and take it easy that you don't hit that front end on the uphill and downhill curves at both ends of the run.

Yes! We're also planning to do the Cerahola.

stevette

· #27 · Sep 29, 2014

Curahee said:
Yes! We're also planning to do the Cerahola.

Take Cherohala Skyway from north of Robbinsville, NC and pick up hwy 360 to TN 411. Look on map and pick up US129 (aka The Tail of the Dragon) off 411. Great loop.

Reactions: 1

Modshack

· #28 · Sep 29, 2014

Milliwatt Rob said:
To paraphrase Yogi Berra, nobody drives there any more because it is too crowded.

I know a number of roads with twisties around here, which, fortunately, are fairly deserted. And since I am not telling, maybe they will stay that way.

Yup...Miles of roads as good or better than the dragon without the crowds....Lots within a 40 mile radius of the dragon...
My car guy buddies rarely drive the dragon anymore..

Steven Bell

· #29 · Sep 30, 2014

I just read a great story in one of the automobile magazines....it looks SO cool! They said it was a 9 mile run, but it doesn't really matter.

cc505

· #30 · Sep 30, 2014

My take is the Dragon is what you make of it. You wanna go BIG balls and push it…. then its a dream come true. Drive it like granny and your guaranteed two things…. a nap about half way through and a safe return home….your call! The other roads in the area can be just as much fun

mjw930

· #31 · Sep 30, 2014

Not sure I agree with the "dream come true" analogy. For me the dragon the car equivalent of a par 3 "executive" golf course vs. a championship layout like the Angeles Crest Highway in CA or even NC28 north of Franklin, NC.

vabuckeye

· #32 · Sep 30, 2014

3

As you can see, I didn't have the best weather to make the drive, but it was still fun.

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Ragtop

· #33 · Sep 30, 2014

Those rain shots are the most interesting I've ever seen! Especially with the bit of sunlight.

Reactions: 1

jsvette

· #34 · Sep 30, 2014

Fascinating shots vabuckeye! Did you take a 'camera crew' with you? Well done.

Reactions: 1

vabuckeye

· #35 · Sep 30, 2014

jsvette said:
Fascinating shots vabuckeye! Did you take a 'camera crew' with you? Well done.

Haha no, I wouldn't do that to people I like. These were taken by 3 different websites set up in several different curves. You have to pay to download them. They do a good job. Can't wait to go back through there on a sunny day.

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

CUSA

· #36 · Oct 1, 2014

NEVER go over the Centerline on the Dragon!

vabuckeye said:
As you can see, I didn't have the best weather to make the drive, but it was still fun. View attachment 13644

Nice pics, I've some from several times in the rain with my roadsters over the years, they always have a special look to them. However, Please remember the Dragon is a Very Dangerous road and you NEVER want to be caught over the centerline, especially in the rain & on a curve.

Ragtop

· #37 · Oct 1, 2014

I'm sure buckeye had a clear view ahead. Right?

vabuckeye

· #38 · Oct 1, 2014

I did for that curve but cusa is exactly right, you should never be over the center lines on that road, ever.

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