Day 3 Roundtrip Great Smoky Mountains The Tail of the Dragon south to north
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RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 20-08-2025
Route Summary America is the perfect country to explore by motorcycle. Many tour companies offer organized trips, but there's also the charm of mapping out your own routes and riding independently. There are good motorcycle rental companies throughout the country, and the motorcycles are often the latest models and well-maintained.
We'll be driving along the beautiful roads in Nashville and North Carolina, and this area is characterized by its beautiful, idyllic landscape, with two-lane roads winding through the countryside. You can visit charming towns, villages, and attractions. Be careful, though, as the roads are sometimes of very poor quality and are barely lit, if at all, after dark.
This route is truly worth 5***** stars, because of the beautiful roads, stunning panoramas and multitude of sights along the way.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
9h 33m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
291.17 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review This is a day with many beautiful winding roads, including the world-famous Tail of the Dragon (U129), an 11-mile (17.7-kilometer) road with 318 bends! We'll ride it from south to north. On day 4, we'll ride it from north to south. We'll also ride along many rivers and mountain lakes, and see several dams.
We leave early and our first stop is the Fontana Dam, a hydroelectric dam on the Little Tennessee River and the largest dam in the eastern United States, and at the time of its construction, it was the fourth largest dam in the world.
We drive along Cheoh Lake to the southern starting point of the "Tail of the Dragon." Here you can take pictures of the large metal dragon, the "Tree of Shame." There's also a souvenir shop and a gas station, so buy a souvenir and fill up your tank.
The "Tail of the Dragon" is a famous section of US 129, an 11-mile two-lane highway that runs along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The "Tail" is known for its 318 curves. It's a popular destination for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts, who can enjoy a challenging and scenic driving experience. The road, also known as Deals Gap, runs through the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest.
It's a real treat for motorcyclists. Be aware, however, that it can get busy with cars and other motorcyclists, so watch out for oncoming traffic. Overtaking is prohibited, and you're not allowed to drive on the opposite side of the road. Checks are frequent, and fines are hefty. More information about this fantastic road can be found in the link at the bottom of this review.
On your way up the Tail, be sure to stop at Calderwood Lake Lookout, which offers stunning views of Calderwood Lake and the dam of the same name in the distance.
We continue along Chilhowee Lake and the Foothills Parkway, a national parkway that traverses the foothills of the northern Great Smoky Mountains. This section offers spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains on one side and the Tennessee Valley on the other. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Cumberland Mountains, 50 miles to the west.
Lunch is planned at Pigeon Force, Iron Boar Saloon next to the Hog Shed across from the Rocky Top Harley-Davidson dealership. You can also pick up a T-shirt there. After lunch, we'll drive to Gatlinburg via Cosby. Optionally, you can take a shorter (faster) route from Pigeon Force by following I-321 to Gatlinburg, saving about 43 miles and 40 to 50 minutes.
There's plenty to see and do in Gatlinburg. This city, which played a key role during the Civil War, is a tourist attraction both summer and winter. There are many hotels, bars, restaurants, and other attractions. More information about Gatlinburg can be found in the link at the bottom of this review. Gatlinburg is a lovely city to plan an extra night, which we did on day 5 of this 6-day trip.
From Gatlinburg, it's another 100 kilometers through the Great Smoky Mountains to the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge and Resort, so keep an eye on your time. On the way to Stecoah, you'll pass several beautiful spots, such as "The Loop Over" on Highway 441, a circle in the road with a small stone tunnel. Another beautiful spot is the "New Found Gap lookout," where you have a magnificent view of the Great Smoky Mountains.
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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North Carolina
About this region
North Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th-most populous of the 50 United States. It is bordered by Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and Tennessee to the west. Raleigh is the state's capital and Charlotte is its largest city. The Charlotte metropolitan area, with an estimated population of 2,569,213 in 2018, is the most-populous metropolitan area in North Carolina, the 23rd-most populous in the United States, and the largest banking center in the nation after New York City. The Raleigh-Durham-Cary combined statistical area is the second-largest metropolitan area in the state, with an estimated population of 2,079,687 in 2019, and is home to the largest research park in the United States, Research Triangle Park.
Earliest discoveries of human occupation in North Carolina date back to 10,000 years ago, found at the Hardaway Site. North Carolina was inhabited by Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan speaking tribes of Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans. North Carolina was established as a royal colony in 1729 and was one of the Thirteen Colonies. North Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England who first formed the English colony, Carolus being Latin for "Charles". The Halifax Resolves resolution adopted by North Carolina on April 12, 1776, was the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies during the American Revolution.On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States constitution. In the run-up to the American Civil War, North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, becoming the tenth of eleven states to join the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, the state was restored to the Union on July 4, 1868. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina's Outer Banks. North Carolina uses the slogan "First in Flight" on state license plates to commemorate this achievement, alongside a newer alternative design bearing the slogan "First in Freedom" in reference to the Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves.
North Carolina is defined by a wide range of elevations and landscapes. From west to east, North Carolina's elevation descends from the Appalachian Mountains to the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain. North Carolina's Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 m) is the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone; however, the western, mountainous part of the state has a subtropical highland climate.
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Earliest discoveries of human occupation in North Carolina date back to 10,000 years ago, found at the Hardaway Site. North Carolina was inhabited by Carolina Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan speaking tribes of Native Americans prior to the arrival of Europeans. North Carolina was established as a royal colony in 1729 and was one of the Thirteen Colonies. North Carolina is named in honor of King Charles I of England who first formed the English colony, Carolus being Latin for "Charles". The Halifax Resolves resolution adopted by North Carolina on April 12, 1776, was the first formal call for independence from Great Britain among the American Colonies during the American Revolution.On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States constitution. In the run-up to the American Civil War, North Carolina declared its secession from the Union on May 20, 1861, becoming the tenth of eleven states to join the Confederate States of America. Following the Civil War, the state was restored to the Union on July 4, 1868. On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully piloted the world's first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk in North Carolina's Outer Banks. North Carolina uses the slogan "First in Flight" on state license plates to commemorate this achievement, alongside a newer alternative design bearing the slogan "First in Freedom" in reference to the Mecklenburg Declaration and Halifax Resolves.
North Carolina is defined by a wide range of elevations and landscapes. From west to east, North Carolina's elevation descends from the Appalachian Mountains to the Piedmont and Atlantic coastal plain. North Carolina's Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet (2,037 m) is the highest point in North America east of the Mississippi River. Most of the state falls in the humid subtropical climate zone; however, the western, mountainous part of the state has a subtropical highland climate.
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Route Collections in this region The Original Southern Dozen Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee Virginia and North Carolina
The Southern Dozen; hit the throttle and hold on tight!
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
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The 10 most downloaded routes in the USA from RouteXpert Hans van de Ven
Hello and welcome to this collection of the Top 10 MyRoute app downloaded routes in USA.
There will be a great new event to be announced soon, where all these routes can be driven.
Download them all now and place them in a new "Top 10" folder, so that you always have them at hand.
If you are going to drive one of these routes in the meantime, track them with the MRA Mobile App or with MRA Navigation. Take some photos (moments) along the way as these will come in handy.
Create a travelogue of your Top 10 driven routes and add the recorded track to it.
There will also be some great prizes on offer, so keep an eye on the MRA-RouteXperts page and your mail.
The 10 routes are:
1. D13 Estes Park Denver
2. D03 Chadron Custer
3. D01 Pigeon Forge round trip through the Smokey Mountains
4. D08 Kalispell Sandpoint
5. D10 Colville Wenatchee
6. D09 Sandpoint Colville
7. D04 Custer Wall
8. D11 Wenatchee Seattle
9. D08 Cody Yellowstone NP
10.R13 San Francisco Monterey
There will be a great new event to be announced soon, where all these routes can be driven.
Download them all now and place them in a new "Top 10" folder, so that you always have them at hand.
If you are going to drive one of these routes in the meantime, track them with the MRA Mobile App or with MRA Navigation. Take some photos (moments) along the way as these will come in handy.
Create a travelogue of your Top 10 driven routes and add the recorded track to it.
There will also be some great prizes on offer, so keep an eye on the MRA-RouteXperts page and your mail.
The 10 routes are:
1. D13 Estes Park Denver
2. D03 Chadron Custer
3. D01 Pigeon Forge round trip through the Smokey Mountains
4. D08 Kalispell Sandpoint
5. D10 Colville Wenatchee
6. D09 Sandpoint Colville
7. D04 Custer Wall
8. D11 Wenatchee Seattle
9. D08 Cody Yellowstone NP
10.R13 San Francisco Monterey
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