10 Essential Rules for Driving the Tail of the Dragon

Understanding the Tail of the Dragon

• 🐉 The Tail of the Dragon, also known as the Gap, is a legendary 11-mile stretch in East Tennessee with 318 curves.
• 🚗 It's considered one of the greatest driving roads in America, attracting around 500,000 visitors annually.
• 🕊️ This video is dedicated to the memory of Ron Johnson, the "grandfather of the Tail of the Dragon."

Critical Driving Rules

• ⚠️ The most important rule is to stay in your lane and never cross the double yellow line, as there are no passing zones and blind curves.
• 🚦 Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, as accidents, wildlife (bears, deer, mountain lions), and other hazards can appear unexpectedly.
• 🅿️ Utilize the 104 paved pull-offs to allow faster traffic to pass, accommodate slower vehicles, or deal with car issues or sick passengers.
• 🚫 Do not attempt to pass other vehicles, especially in a car, as there are no safe opportunities and it can lead to accidents.
• 🐢 The speed limit is 30 mph, and drivers should slow down significantly in areas with pedestrians, such as the Tabcat Bridge and the Tail of the Dragon store vicinity.

Vehicle and Driving Preparation

• 🛞 Check your tires thoroughly; they are crucial for grip and safety. Ensure they are not older than 5 years and inspect for wear, especially on the inside due to extreme camber.
• 🧘 Drive smoothly and deliberately, avoiding jerky movements or excessive braking. Trust your car's grip and learn its balance, especially on off-camber or blind curves.
• 📵 Be prepared for no cell service in the area. Download offline maps and consider using walkie-talkies for communication.
• 🤝 It is highly recommended to drive or ride with a friend or in a group for safety and communication in case of an incident.

Exploring the Region

• 🗺️ While the Dragon is the main attraction, explore the surrounding areas like the Cherohala Skyway and the Hellbender, which offer equally amazing mountain road experiences.
• 🌎 The entire region of eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, southeastern Kentucky, and North Georgia is filled with incredible, often undiscovered, mountain roads.

Tire Recommendations

• 🏆 The Bridgestone Potenza RE71 RS is recommended for sports cars due to its performance and grip.
• 🚗 For luxury vehicles, the new Bridgestone Turanza Prestige offers a quiet ride, excellent wet/dry performance, and longevity.