How Dangerous Is Tail of the Dragon?

The Tail of the Dragon is not a race track But even at that speed, if you don’t negotiate the blind corners well enough, it could lead to a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer, a motorcycle, a car, or even a large animal. Approximately 37 deaths were recorded between the years 2000 and 2017.

What is the tree of shame?

A tree covered in wrecked motorcycle parts is a warning to riders. Some time in the 1980s, a group of Harley Riders started the “Tree of Shame,” now a fixture at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. The tree is covered in parts from motorcycles that have crashed, or been “bitten by The Dragon,” at some point in time.

Why is it called the Tail of the Dragon?

Deals Gap, located at the North Carolina and Tennessee State Line, is the highest point on the Dragon at 1962 feet above sea level. It was likely named for one of the early families who settled here. We’ve been driving and riding the Tail of the Dragon since 1975.

What is the Tail of the Dragon motorcycle ride?

Riding The Dragon The Tail of the Dragon is a two lane stretch of road on US 129, also known as Tapaco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway on the Tennessee side. With more than 300 curves over a stretch of 11 miles, it has been featured in movies and TV shows like Top Gear, Thunder Rod, The Fugitive and more.

How many have died on Tail of the Dragon?

Four people died, three of whom were motorcyclists. In North Carolina, there were 10 crashes in 2019 on the Tail of the Dragon. Nobody died, but six of the 10 crashes were of motorcyclists.

Why is the Tail of the Dragon so dangerous?

The Tail of the Dragon is dangerous for various reasons. It has lots of curves and slopes, unpredictable weather, and lots of vehicles on it. Regarding the unpredictable weather, the sun could be shining one moment, and then suddenly snow could be falling in the next moment.

How long does it take to ride the Tail of the Dragon?

about 30 minutes
How long does it take to ride the Tail of the Dragon. The speed limit on the road is 30 miles per hour (48 kph). So you can complete a one-way trip in about 30 minutes.

Where do you stay when riding the Tail of the Dragon?

Lodging

• Dragon City Resort, Punkin Center TN.
• Hog Hollow Retreat, Robbinsville NC.
• Sleep Inn Bryson City NC.

How many people have died on the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee?

And some of them will die as a result; “The Dragon” has claimed 20 victims since 2011, including four in 2017.

Are there cops on Tail of the Dragon?

Tennessee Sheriff and Highway Patrol units routinely patrol the Tail of the Dragon. At times enforcement is stepped up when a lot of complaints are made. During heavy enforcement, you can expect plain wrappers on the Dragon, speed clocking, road blocks for license/inspection, and numerous marked cars along US129.

How long does it take to drive the Tail of the Dragon?

Roughly half an hour for a one-way trip. It’s 11 miles long. You’ll average 25-30 mph depending on how you drive it.

How long does it take to do the Tail of the Dragon?

How long does it take to ride the Tail of the Dragon. The speed limit on the road is 30 miles per hour (48 kph). So you can complete a one-way trip in about 30 minutes.

How did tail of the Dragon get its name?

The road earned its name from its curves being said to resemble a dragon’s tail. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Tree of Shame, where crashed motorcycle bits adorn the tree and dangle from its branches as a reminder of the road’s dangers. These dangerous conditions could lead to a serious accident.

Is the tail of the Dragon a motorcycle road?

Tail of the Dragon Is Near Other Great Motorcycle Roads Too! Another MAJOR BONUS of riding the Dragon is that you are in the midst of simply some of the best motorcycle rides in the world.

What happens at the end of the tree of shame?

After riders have successfully slayed the Dragon, they can smile at the parts left behind by other riders who were not so fortunate. While we don’t recommend adding parts to the Tree of Shame, it does happen a few times too many each season.

Where is the tail of the Dragon in Tennessee?

Deals Gap, also known as Tail of the Dragon, is a portion of U.S. Route 129 in Blount County, Tennessee, situated in a gap in Swain County, North Carolina, United States. It’s heralded as one of the most scenic drives in USA.