Experience The Tail of the Dragon this Spring
It’s known as the best ride in North America.
It’s a destination for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts alike.
It’s a road with a long history that goes back to the “road” just being an animal track created by large herds of buffalo.
It’s The Tail of the Dragon.
Winding through The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, just across the North Carolina border, this road got it’s name from the number of twists and turns that you find on it. In this 11-mile stretch of road, there are 318 curves! The road is mainly flat with banked asphalt curves, making it an easy road to travel along from the novice motorcyclist to the thrill-seeking rider. With a speed limit of 30, no intersecting roads, and a strict no eighteen wheeler policy, it’s also an exceptionally safe drive. All eleven miles of this road run through The Great Smoky Mountains and the road offers views that you just can’t find anywhere else.
The best time of year to ride or drive The Tail of the Dragon is from March to November after the last snowfall and before winter rolls back in over the mountains. Catch it in early spring time as the mountains are beginning to come back to life with a blanket of green leaves stretching across all of the trees. In the summer, you’ll have pleasant, warm days to cruise with your windows down. And in the autumn, you’ll be able to see the beauty of the fall foliage with colors from deep, golden yellows to vibrant oranges and reds.
The Tail of the Dragon is approximately 2.5 hours up the road from our inn, and makes for a great day trip during your stay with us! Not only will you get to experience the breathtaking views that The Tail of the Dragon offers, but you’ll also get to take in all of the scenery as you travel through the Blue Ridge Mountains to get there. Plan a long weekend with us—travel in on a Thursday evening, drive up to the Tail of the Dragon on Friday when it’s less crowded, and then come back and relax on Lake Toxaway with us for the remainder of your weekend adventure.
However you choose to experience The Tail of the Dragon—by motorcycle or by car—it’s guaranteed to be the very best ride of your life!
For more information on how to plan your trip to The Tail of the Dragon, click here.