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Deal's Gap (Note: this world famous motorcycle ride is also known as "The Dragon's Tail," "The Dragon," or "The Tail of The Dragon" and appears on the North Carolina Motorcycle Roads Page because part of it is found in that state.)
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State:
Tennessee
Submitted
By: Mark H.
Date Submitted: Jul 03
Motorcycle Type: 97 Goldwing
Motorcycle Road Length: 11 Miles
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"Deal's
Gap is to motorcycle riding what the Tour De France is to
bicycle racing, what the Indy 500 is to auto racing, and
what the Super Bowl is to football ... this is it!":
Jim Penske, Founder of the Association of Motorcycle Riders
of America
"Noted to be one of the top ten most sought out motorcycling
riding adventures in the US! 318 turns in 11 miles of scenic
and twisty US 129. With no distractions, the Dragon winds
its way up and over the mountains of Tennessee into North
Carolina and is the gateway for all NC has to offer. Like
the land that time forgot, you will not find any driveways,
gas stations, subdivisions or mini malls. In place of all
the hustle and bustle of big city life, you will find many
scenic and beautiful places to stop and take time to soak
in all the natural beauty": Michael S. McDonald |
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Motorcycle
Road Scenery: 
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Beautiful
Smoky Mountain scenery includes some lush forests and evergreen
covered mountains.
Update/Addition
from Michael S. McDonald: People from all walks of life
are drawn to the seducing curves of the Dragon (other wise
known as Tail of the Dragon) at Deal's Gap, also known as
US Hwy 129. They make their pilgrimage to test their skills,
or in some cases, to be bitten by the Dragon. The area surrounding
the Dragon was one of the last areas of North Carolina to
be settled due to its inhospitable terrain. The southern
Appalachian Mountains are made up of two separate ranges;
the eastern range is the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the western
range is known as the Great Smoky Mountains. For thirty-six
miles along the TN/NC border the GSM are more than 5k feet
in altitude with 16 peaks stretching to more than 6k feet.
All of this altitude translates to treacherous travel, especially
for the pioneers in their day, but also for us as motor-sport
enthusiasts today |
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Motorcycle
Road Quality:
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318
curves in 11 miles - what more needs to be said?
Well these just aren't any curves as there are many sharp
turns, steep drop-offs, not many cars, lots of bikes ...
overall a real challenging road. The road is mostly in good
shape as its become a real tourist draw and the local government
knows to keep the road in good shape and the people will
keep coming. Its challenging and exciting for some, scary
to beginning riders, be careful on this one.
Update/Addition
from Michael S. McDonald: 318 curves in 11 miles. By the
time you reach the plateau from which the end (otherwise
known as the turn around) your will be spent but very eager
to hit the tight turns that are banked to perfection. Pay
very close attention to on coming cars and large trucks
as the turns are hairpin and they do come into your lane!
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Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities: 
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Not
many pull-outs, one store at the end of ride, be sure
to go in and see pictures of crashes that have happened
along the road.
Update/Addition
from Michael S. McDonald:
- GAS STATIONS
: Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort
- FOOD:
Dragon's Den Grill, , located at the resort
- HOTEL: Deals
Gap Motorcycle Resort
- REPAIRS:
NONE, You can get some very minor repairs at the resort.
Nearest
repair is Wheelers, 16 miles south or the 129
Pit Stop located in TN 12 miles
north of the Gap.
- PULL OFF'S/OVERLOOKS:
1, Dragon overlook.
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Written directions:
Deal's
gap is not the easiest road to find on a
map because it is just a small 11 mile stretch
that hugs the border of The Great Smoky
Mountains National Park on its very sparsely
populated southwest corner. Most of the
road lies in Tennessee yet a small section
of it crosses into North Carolina. Suggest
you use the Online Map Link to get your
bearings. The closest town to the north
end of Deal's Gap is Tallahassee,
TN and the closest town to the south
end of the road is Tapoco,
NC. And, keep in mind that when you
get close to the road, all the locals can
point you in the right direction if you
are not sure. |
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Additional
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