Tail of the Dragon | Smoky Mountain Tours

Tail of the Dragon:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap is a favorite byway of motorcyclists and sports car drivers because of its 318 curves in 11 miles.

From Wears Valley, you will travel Wears Valley Road to Townsend, TN. Turn right onto Lamar Alexander Parkway and travel 7 miles to the entrance to Foothills Parkway West. You will then travel 35.4 miles to arrive at The Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap.

View of the Western Smokies from Look Rock overlook on Foothills Parkway West

Deals Gap has a population of 6, so don't expect to be greeted by attractions and shops. Although you will not be greeted by traffic pulling out in front of you from side roads, the speed limit is 30 mph and is strictly enforced by law enforcement.

Some of the Dragon's sharpest curves include Copperhead Corner, Hog Pen Bend, Wheelie Hell, Shade Tree Corner, Mud Corner, Sunset Corner, Gravity Cavity, Beginner's End, and Brake or Bust Bend.

If you leave the Wears Valley area early in the day, you might want to eat a hearty breakfast at one of the great mom and pop restaurants in the Valley.

If you prefer lunch cooked up by locals, try one of the mom and pop restaurants in Townsend. If you can wait a little longer to eat, check out Dragon's Den Pub and Grill at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort.

On your return trip to Wears Valley, you will want to have dinner at a restaurant in Townsend. Most restaurants in the Wears Valley area are open for breakfast and lunch only.