Tail of the Dragon was instrumental in advising TN DOT on these safety features. 8. He fell over the side of an embankment and the bike rolled over him. Near bustling Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but a world away, Tail of the Dragon runs from Chilhowee Lake in Tennessee to the tiny settlement of Deals Gap, which is just over the North Carolina border. A number of the posts still remain. If you see another vehicle coming at you in your lane, hug the white line in your lane. 0000062533 00000 n For 11-miles, U.S. 129 winds and twistsmore than 300timesthrough the mountains of Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. One of our most exciting runs was on icy roads in our Expedition with 4-wheel drive engaged. 1998 - No deaths: No fatal motorcycle crashes in 1998. _Fd HDPt'0r*i3,Aq'ZH( pj.d)@w*--. Reaching 480 feet into the sky, this massive concrete structure is the tallest dam east of the Rocky Mountains. Other scenes such as the train wreck were filmed near Bryson City. In the last week, two motorcyclists died on The Dragon. Another death at Wheelie Hell in August technically not on Dragon. . 2007 - 953 Then conflict between the father and son ensues. Remarkably, the driver was able to crawl out of the vehicle largely unscathed. Another scene was shot at the Fontana Marina. With hundreds of cambered, blind curves and crests, a moment spent looking the wrong way could lead to catastrophic consequences. Trip up the Dragon rolled through a deadly crash scene. If youre in doubt, stick with the Dragon. With no intersecting roads or driveways to interrupt a cruise, it has become idyllic for many driversand especially motorcyclists, thousands of whom "ride the Dragon" each year. 1999 - One death: Only one motorcycle death in 1999 According to the Sheriff's Office of Blount County, there were 178 crashes on this road between November 2015 and April 2017, with 90 injuries and three fatalities. Granted I took broad liberties in standardizing corners geometry, but I think the results are interesting. While you shouldnt really let your gaze drift to enjoy the view of this dam, you can pull over in one of the designated pullouts near the north side; just be aware that these spots arent that big and they fill up quickly. As you can see, the Dragon won!! It's often even better enjoyed with friends. The road was paved around 1930, and before long, it became an under-the-radar destination for driving enthusiasts. 318 curves 2000 - One death: Blount County had four motorcycle deaths in 2000 including one fatality on the Dragon. Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. We'll leave the rest for you to describe after you tryit. 1986 - 147 "It's so hard to go on without him.". How many deaths on the tail of the dragon? Many people confuse traffic deaths from as far away as 100 miles as being "on the Dragon". We have always loved this piece of asphalt, finding it a thrill in whatever we happen to be riding or driving. These records were set back in the early 1990s when there was little traffic on the Dragon. One sportbike death in head-on near Parsons Branch. How do I keep bugs off my patio this spring? The local newspaper reported on one accident involving three fatalities in an auto crash as "on the Dragon". Tail of the Dragon T-Shirt Shack 2019 - August 10 Slingshot in ditch then o road MM 1.9. 0000057476 00000 n One day we crossed in a snow storm riding two-up on our FJR in freezing temperatures. CLICK HERE for DOT details. For a truly unique experience, book a stay at the Rivers Edge Treehouse Resort. One death. Four people died, three of whom were motorcyclists. "He found a love in life and passion in life that some people spend their whole life never having.". 1996 - 576 Dragon Death Map Dragon Radar Map Dragon Cherohala Loop Cherohala Skyway Map Graham County Trails, Lakes Graham County Waterfalls Gravel Wagon Train Road Town of Lake Santeetlah Smoky Mountain Loop . Many just remember curve after curve after curve and surviving the run of their lives with a hoot and a big smile on their face. Several earthen berms were constructed to prevent bikes from going down steep drop-offs. It's better than any roller coaster we've ever been on. Luke's sister, Lydia, said his passion for life is inspiring. However, it is not uncommon to see trucks that are either lost or using US129 as a shortcut. 0000057589 00000 n The name stuck, at least until around 2000, when the Tail of the Dragon website went live and that moniker became well known. Saw a dread body, so that was a memorable ride.. Theres lots to do here, too. Luckily, there was no northbound traffic at the time to hit the stricken Ferrari, which could have made a bad incident much, much worse. My idealized corner geometry is very simple: So, if the Dragon were "standardized", you would have318 corners 183 feet apart, each with an Entrance/Exit angle of 60 degreesand a corner radius of 29 feet. Dragon Death Map. 34 0 obj <>stream 2018 - Three (Two*) deaths: Oct 5 GA cruiser rider off road, but death was a result of a medical emergency, not the accident. 2011 - One death: August 3 Tennessee sportbike rider run over by 18 wheeler at mm 5. Low-key and friendly, Lynns Place serves Southern favorites like fried okra, sauted local trout, and the Dragon Slayer, a chicken breast covered in barbecue sauce and topped with bacon and mozzarella cheese. 2019 - Two deaths: Aug 10 - 70 year old crashed Slingshot at 1.9. NOTE: 4 deaths over 65 yrs old. However, if you go too hard and end up in the wall, expect to find little sympathy from the broader community. 1995 - Two deaths: In 1995, two men died in separate July 3 motorcycle crashes on the Dragon during the holiday weekend. One sportbike rider at 8.2 (found three days after wreck). We recommend our users to update the browser. Best gifts for the graduate with travel plans, Blount Co. 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The Tail of the Dragon averages one to two fatalities a year. There are also two apartments, a pair of firepits, and tennis courts. The only gas station on the stretch of U.S. 129 is at the end of the tail in North Carolina. Tabcat Bridge to Deals Gap - plus 1085 feet 0000057673 00000 n The curviest road in America Deals Gap is a mountain pass between Tennessee and North Carolina where over 11 miles, youll twist through 318 turns. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Free shipping worldwide. One cruiser went off road in Ron's Run with rider suffering heart attack. Authorities are encouraging motorcyclists to wear boots and jackets to prevent road rash, reflective gear so other drivers can see them, and helmets to lower the risk of death or traumatic brain injuries. Sept 28 motard off road at 7.2. 0000040621 00000 n deals gap on a goldwing/gl1800 by yellow wolf dragons tail. Of those, 90 resulted in injuries and three were fatal. The Tail of the Dragon is not a difficult road to ride. 2007 - 1200 It is not a road for the squeamish, but if you're looking for a lot of excitement, don't miss this one. 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The second death occurred on Sunday August 4 when Lendry R. Obanna Jr., 24, of Jacksonville, Florida, lost control of his 2000 Yamaha R6. 0000106810 00000 n At least 13 people have died on the road in the past 5 years, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol. Twisting between the perimeters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, this legendary section of U.S. Highway 129 is considered one of the most excitingand dangerousdrives in the country. Conquer the 318 curves in 11 miles on the Dragon, a section of U.S. Highway 129 that starts near Robbinsville and Fontana Dam. By Road: Recommended Websites for more information: Tailofthedragon.com, Email her at cdonnellyderoven@citizentimes.com or follow her on twitter @plz_CLARify. 0000010756 00000 n Thenumbersfor 2019 arent much better:93 crashes, 67% involving motorcycle drivers. 2020 - 978 A passenger on the motorcycle, Amos Tallent, 42, of Ellejay, Ga. was taken by Rural Metro Ambulance Service to Blount Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries. Aside from the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort, you should check out the Two Wheel Inn. It is now commonly known as Fugitive Dam. The Tail of the Dragon is only 11 miles long and the following facts pertain only to those 11 miles. TN last repaved the Dragon in June of 2002. While its certainly scenic, this trip is really all about the ride, and if youre the one whos driving, youll definitely want to keep your eyes fixed on the road. Four people died, three of whom were motorcyclists. Scenic129.com. It offers 28 rooms, a gorgeous riverfront location, two restaurants, and a 125-acre site filled with walking paths and hammocks. 2019 - 1310 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 road then levels and slightly straightens until a series of curves approaching the intersection of Moonshiner28, another great road in itself. I only ever endorse products that I have used and benefited from personally. 2004 - 878 This stretch of U.S. 129 goes by the name Tapoco Road in North Carolina and Calderwood Highway in Tennessee, and it is surrounded by stunning roadways such as the Cherohala Skyway. The North Carolina portion of the Dragon was lowered to 30 mph in early 2005. Stark Love, a silent film, was shot in Graham County and the surrounding area in 1927. How many people died on the Tail of the Dragon in 2021? 2023 www.citizen-times.com. Given its reputation, it would be wise to drive conservatively, particularly if one is unfamiliar with the road or the conditions. Prior to hitting the road, take a look at the route on a Tail of the Dragon map so you know what to expect. In North Carolina,there were 10 crashesin 2019on the Tail of the Dragon. 2013 - 1069 We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Willow Tree Catering, Bakery, and Restaurant, This $12 Root Spray Conceals Gray Strands Until Your Next Wash Day, I Took an All-Electric Road Trip in CaliforniaHeres What Surprised Me the Most, Your Guide to an Alaskan Road Trip: Anchorage to Fairbanks, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And if youre traveling by motorcycle, dont forget your helmettheyre required for both drivers and passengers in North Carolina and Tennessee. These scenes are near the end of the movie. Almost every day for the past 3 years, his family said he could be found testing the limits on The Dragon. Legend has it that in the 1830s, a group of Cherokee Indians used the trail to avoid forcible removal to land west of the Mississippi along what came to be known as the Trail of Tears. Nobody died, but six of the 10 crashes were of motorcyclists. Walk it off with a stroll around downtown Robbinsville. His needless death was not in vain as it resulted in the State of Tennessee finally banning these vehicles from the famed roadway. It is not even accurate to say someone dies every week on the roads in close proximity to the Dragon. Tabcat Bridge to Hwy 28 - 11.8 miles It took 34 years and more than $100 million to construct the Cherohala Skyway, but when it finally opened in 1996, the 43-mile National Scenic Byway and National Forest Scenic Byway was a winner, offering some of the most glorious views in the region. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. 1999 - 565 The Tennessee figures do not count the traffic coming into the Dragon from North Carolina that turns around and heads back into North Carolina. The Reason For Most Crashes at the "Tail of the Dragon" Features The Reason For Most Crashes at the "Tail of the Dragon" Jack Korpela June 8, 2022 Motorcycles crashes at the famous Tail of The Dragon near Deals Gap, NC and Smokey Mountain National park are very common. 0000107064 00000 n Buried up to his ass Brake gently, and downshift when necessary. This is a very special and unique highway. 1987 - 283 In Robbinsville, which was developed around 1930 as a village for dam workers, youll also find the Historic Tapoco Lodge Resort. 0000088925 00000 n Example video title will go here for this video. If youre in the mood to sightsee, use the designated pullouts along the Dragon. It is now illegal for trucks longer than 30 feet to operate on the Tail of the Dragon. In 2002 the speed limit was lowered to 30 mph, which is still in effect today. HL y~Kjp`+086'o=an6Y,?~O1rZYjz~{S\__-7Szs^z+J~3}O-7+}U9(]T*[+4J}{}St^WO(@iw\1;+jgYB06v*i[jv8S["n'M>3-lK1B.SWRwyzRkU?D{%FK69C Sm/6SnO[[>O=Cl"Q9,f6[O&_/lM[4-b7fE7^hq*mBK8F%t2eMswv->caR*}QZ \#8g-v.rN{/EA=+\`6O*WEGv]T2pHdt|b}|\J@Ph/~-8M!,,uW[sn+[QXI) p/pNA;S],= Its about 90 miles west of Asheville, North Carolina, and 60 miles south of Knoxville, Tennessee. It's part of the "Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort," which also includes a motel and sundry shop. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). The inn is located about 20 miles farther down U.S. 129, just south of Robbinsville, North Carolina. At Moonshiner Steakhouse, youll find more than big steaks, Caesar salads, and burgersthough they are all delicious. To some the Dragon begins on the North Carolina side at Fugitive Bridge with a view of the Cheoah Dam where Harrison Ford jumped from in the movie The Fugitive. 0000041111 00000 n One motorcycle rider at Tabcat Bridge parking area. . Dont pull over along the roadway. Tabcat Bridge to Fugitive Bridge - plus 321 feet. A 66 year old Goldwing rider died near mm 8. "If you could see the joy in his eyes whenever he was out riding," said Lisa. ]http://www.youtube.com/user/cyclecruzaSUBSCRIBE to my new new 100% MotoVlogs Channel:http://www.youtube.com/user/cyclecruzavlogs WEBSITE/Blog:http://www.cyclecruza.comINSTAGRAM:http://www.instagram.com/cyclecruzaFACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/cyclecruza1TWITTER:https://twitter.com/CycleCruzaGET CYCLECRUZA STICKERS HERE:http://cyclecruza.com/ccstickersMERCH (Get SportBike T-Shirts and Hoodies):http://www.cyclecruza.spreadshirt.comMusic in Video:Takeoff by Ethan Meixsell (Free YouTube Library) 2014 - Three deaths: May 19 sportbike vs car at 10.8. Nobody died, but six of the 10 crashes were ofmotorcyclists. hb``a`` You will hear a lot about the fastest times on the Dragon. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 2012 - Four deaths: June 6 cruiser off road at mm 3.5 (possible heart attack). The Deals Gap Riding Society record for an amateur rider was a 22 minute round trip run, which averaged out to 11 minutes one way (50.7 mph average). 0000000916 00000 n Stick to your skill level. 0000018161 00000 n <<26E940FE51F7DC43BC00621507A4D422>]/Prev 224013>> When he returns to marry his girlfriend he finds that his widowed father has taken her hand. June 16 Cruiser off road at mm 8.0. 2014 - 1600 How many people have died on tail of dragon? Many of the Dragons turns actually tighten as they curve, making them even more challenging than they seem. Watch out for a few twiststhat areoff-camber and several that are decreasing radius curves. The overall record was 18 minutes, or 9 minutes one-way (62 mph average). North Carolina DOT. The Tail of the Dragon is about you, the pavement, and two white knuckles holding tightly to a steering wheel. Its located at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort. But the other area roads do have a much higher death rate than the Dragon itself. Most road trips are about the scenery. Investigators determined that Green was traveling north on The Dragon and as she negotiated a right curve she looked away from the road briefly and traveled into a ditch on the left side of the roadway; as the Trike came out of the ditch, she over-corrected, causing the Trike to turn over onto the roadway, according to the sheriffs office. The Blount County Sheriffs Office said an Alabama woman died and a passenger was injured in a motorcycle accident on The Dragon (U.S. Highway 129), a popular scenic roadway in East Tennessee with 318 curves in 11 miles and hugging the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Chilhowee Lake in Blount County to Deals Gap on the Tennessee-North Carolina stateline. NOTE: Tennessee and North Carolina have banned 18-wheelers from this highway, but that doesn't mean you won't meet one sneaking through. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "38cf8a01-c7b4-4a61-a61b-8c0be6528f20" }).render("6ea159e3e44940909b49c98e320201e2"); }); Yep, its a long list, but trust usyou need to take these precautions. In North Carolina, there were 10 crashes in 2019 on the Tail of the Dragon. Dragon's Tail - Tail of the Dragon Hell Roads (Death Roads) Deals Gap, North Carolina Show more What not to do on the Dragon. Legend has it that in the 1830s, a group of Cherokee Indians used the trail to avoid. Keep your eyes on the roadbut be sure to glance up occasionally to be sure youre not headed for a collision with one of the deer, wild pigs, or bears that roam the surrounding forest. FATALITIES: Click Here to view Tail of the Dragon Death Map with death location since 2000 Many people confuse traffic deaths from as far away as 100 miles as being "on the Dragon". The Tail of the Dragon is one of the most famous driving roads in the United States, snaking between Tennessee and North Carolina. 2008 - 844 Tabcat Bridge to Fugitive Bridge - 6.0 miles, TENNESSEE That bridge is actually 225-foot-tall Cheoah Dam, which was constructed in 1919. Chef Shea Blalock Anderson, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, opened this restaurant as a way to elevate the mountain cuisine of her native North Carolina. April through October is the peak time for Dragon slayers to hit the highway; winter weather in the area is unpredictable and can make the drive even more treacherous. The family is left with unbearable pain and now urging people to understand the risks involved. 1989 - 582 This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. "I tell people I had an angel on this Earth for 18 years and now he's gone on to work somewhere else," she said. The Dragon ends 11 miles across the mountain in Tennessee at Tabcat Creek Bridge. Raw video: 'Dragon' crash survivor says final goodbyes, Man says his final goodbyes after a 2016 motorcycle crash on "The Dragon. 2016 - 1126 endstream endobj 5 0 obj <> endobj 6 0 obj <>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/Properties<>>>/Rotate 0/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 7 0 obj <>stream Next comes Deals Gap and the Tennessee State Line where the real action begins. We have kept an accurate count of the deaths on the Dragon since 1995. The Sheriffs Office Traffic Safety Unit is continuing to investigate the accident. Friends and LEOs searched several hour before finding body. Around 2 weeks ago,18-year-old Luke Hutsell from Maryville was killed while riding on the Tail of the Dragon. Here he lies with pistons and crank %%EOF How many people died on the Tail of the Dragon in 2021? U.S. 129 probably started life as a path used by wildlife and, later, hunters. 0000151323 00000 n For more on where to go and what to see around the country, check out our Ultimate American Road Trip Guide. Many town scenes were filmed in Asheville. The story line features a mountain family whose son escapes to the big city for an education. Driving a little too fast on curvy mountain roads is one thing, but barreling down Tail of The Dragon with people hanging out of your windows . NOTE: The parking area death actually occurred while the rider was stopped. In North Carolina, there were 10 crashes in 2019 on the Tail of the Dragon. There are also scenes along 129 on the Little Tennessee River. 1997 - One death: A single motorcycle fatality is listed in 1997. Take a break and stop at our Tail of the Dragon store. "I don't have any regrets about letting him ride," said Hutsell's mother Lisa, who said he found his calling early in life. Check out these other real-life movie locations you can actually visit. An opening scene states "MAN IS THE ABSOLUTE RULER - WOMAN IS THE WORKING SLAVE". Three of thosemotorcyclistsdied. Some additional warning signs were installed. Aug 30 heat stroke/heart attack. If you want a pest-free patio this spring, the most important thing you can do is take away those elements that bugs find desirable. Considered a classic film because of its realism, the movie portrayed the mountain people as slothful and backwards. We think a passerby needed the boots. 0000049213 00000 n DEALS GAP The Tail of the Dragon, colloquially known as "The Dragon," is a curvy stretch of Highway 129, running through Blount County and into North Carolina. BCSO said in a 10-year period, the 11-mile stretch saw 27 fatal motorcycle wrecks four more than on the rest of Blount County's 1,100 miles of road in the same time period. 2011 - 1265 [New Motovlog every Thursday! Hell Roads - Tail of the Dragon - YouTube 0:00 / 6:46 Sign in to confirm your age This video may be inappropriate for some users. Located at the North Carolina end of the Dragon, the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort offers rooms, a campground, a restaurant, gas, and a shop where you can purchase drinks, supplies, and Dragon-themed paraphernalia. July 31 one death. While there is no development along the way, and thus no vehicles to pull out and surprise drivers, the sheer death toll in the last few decades should be warning enough. Amazingly, the passenger seat and footwell still appears to be covered in plastic film from the dealership. 4 0 obj <> endobj The 1971 cult classic movie Two-Lane Blacktop was partially filmed on the Dragon. Although it is bordered by the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest, driving on The Dragon is no time for sightseeing. Today, locals are enthusiastically divided about what the roadway should be called. That all changed in 1992 when an Atlanta motorcycle enthusiast formed the Deals Gap Riding Society and began to refer to the roadway as the Dragon. Just a few hours away, on U.S. 441, youll find another one of the most scenic drives in America. Lisa continues to beam with pride because of her son and is determined to keep his legacy alive. Beginning atDeals Gap onthe Tennessee/North Carolina state line is the Tail of the Dragon. The North Carolina locals who use it frequently call it "that damn road to Tennessee" or "The Robbinsville Turnpike". 2003 - No deaths: There were several deaths in the surrounding area of the Dragon, but none that we know of on the 11 miles of the Dragon itself. May 28 trike into bank at 2.9. "'I said, 'Luke you have to be careful on The Dragon, I would not be able to go on and survive.' Stick to the posted speed limit, which is 30 mph, and dont tailgate. There are no intersecting roads, no houses with driveways and no businesses. Nobody died, but six of the 10 crashes were of motorcyclists. The last copy of the movie was thought to have burned in a fire at Paramount Studios, but a copy was found in 1968.
