The Dragon

Calderwood Highway to Blount County

Deal's gap is not the easiest road to find on a map because it is just a small 11 mile stretch that hugs the border of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its very sparsely populated southwest corner. Most of the road lies in Tennessee yet a small section of it crosses into North Carolina. Suggest you use the Online Map Link to get your bearings. The closest town to the north end of Deal's Gap is Tallahassee, TN and the closest town to the south end of the road is Tapoco, NC. And, keep in mind that when you get close to the road, all the locals can point you in the right direction if you are not sure.

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Ride details

Date: May 1, 2026
Difficulty: Advanced
Distance: 11 miles
Organizer: Motorcycle Route Author
Gas / rest areas: Update/Addition from Michael S. McDonald: - GAS STATIONS : Deal's Gap Motorcycle Resort - FOOD: Dragon's Den Grill, , located at the resort - HOTEL: Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort - REPAIRS: NONE, You can get some very minor repairs at the resort. Nearest repair is Wheelers, 16 miles south or the 129 Pit Stop located in TN 12 miles north of the Gap. - PULL OFF'S/OVERLOOKS: 1, Dragon overlook.
Safety notes: 318 curves in 11 miles - what more needs to be said? Well these just aren't any curves as there are many sharp turns, steep drop-offs, not many cars, lots of bikes ... overall a real challenging road. The road is mostly in good shape as its become a real tourist draw and the local government knows to keep the road in good shape and the people will keep coming. Its challenging and exciting for some, scary to beginning riders, be careful on this one. Update/Addition from Michael S. McDonald: 318 curves in 11 miles. By the time you reach the plateau from which the end (otherwise known as the turn around) your will be spent but very eager to hit the tight turns that are banked to perfection. Pay very close attention to on coming cars and large trucks as the turns are hairpin and they do come into your lane!