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Riding a motorcycle can be irresistible. The fresh air, connection with nature, and thrills around sharp bends are like nothing else. But you need to keep your safety in mind, especially if you visiting this dangerous road for motorcycles. 

Is the Tail of the Dragon a dangerous road for motorcycles?

Yes, the Tail of the Dragon is a dangerous road for motorcycles. However, it’s also the most popular road for motorcycles and sports cars. 

The Tail of the Dragon Road features 318 curves in only 11 miles, meaning dangerous twists are around every corner for thrill seekers. 

Plus, the road is located in the Great Smokey Mountains and Cherokee National Forest with scenic vows and lots of other winding roads. 

About 28 motorcyclists have died on this road and it averages about two deaths per year. However, injuries and crashes occur at a much higher rate. The people from out of state with flat roads are most commonly injured. 

Two people on a motorcycle on the road
Motorcyclist on his vehicle taking a curve | iStock

The Tail of the Dragon convenience store has walls lined with photographs of wrecks. There are also snacks…

As people navigate the twists and turns, it’s common to accidentally cross the center line, entering oncoming traffic. So, even if you’re on your best behavior, ride defensively. 

The Tail of the Dragon should be driven at a maximum speed of 30 mph. Going at this rate takes about 30 minutes to complete. It’s not a race course! 

But if you love riding your motorcycle, then the Tail of the Dragon is a must with the cool temperatures and beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains, so here are a few safety tips. 

You and your passengers are required to wear motorcycle helmets as it is the law in North Carolina and Tennessee where the road is located. 

The straight sections may tempt you to speed, but stay steady. There are surprising bends at the ends of the straightaways. 

Pay attention to other people’s singles and remember to use your signals with plenty of time to make others aware of your intentions. 

Know that the curves change. They can become suddenly sharper, making it difficult to maintain your lane at higher speeds. 

Don’t show off for pictures. The sides of the road could be lined with photographers, but ignore them and watch the road.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.