Almost every place has a road that seems more dangerous than most, but not every state can boast of having one of the most perilous roads in the entire world. The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee is one beautiful and deadly drive that offers stunning views – at a price. Keep scrolling to find out more about this famously dangerous American road.
The Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee is one of the most deadly drives you can take in America – and one of the most beautiful.
Facebook/Tail of the Dragon
Bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, this road has over 300 curves.
Flickr/Frank Kehren
Furthermore, once you start down the road, you’re on it for the long-haul. There are no exits.
Flickr/Thematthewknot
So what makes this road particularly dangerous? The sheer number of blind turns and sudden drop-offs with no guard rails mean that drivers have to be on alert at all times.
Facebook/Tail of the Dragon
Cars and motorcycles taking the turns too quickly can easily find themselves veering into oncoming traffic or tumbling off the road entirely.
Flickr/Frank Kehren
Making matters trickier, the area is surrounded by a lush natural landscape. This means that animals like deer and foxes frequently dart across the road and startle motorists.
Facebook/Tail of the Dragon
About 1,057 people travel the road each day during the summer months, but that number drops to just 50 in the winter due to hazardous conditions.
Facebook/Tail of the Dragon
Still, there’s a reason people just can’t resist hopping on this dangerous road despite its high accident rate.
Flickr/William Klos
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
Flickr/Steve Harwood
If you want to ride the Tail of the Dragon for yourself, head to U.S. 129 in Tennessee. Just remember to wear your seatbelt.
Flickr/Andrew Pascarella
Would you ever drive the Tail of the Dragon? Do you have any tips for first-timers? Let us know in the comments! For another one of the most stunning drives in America, check out this 469-mile drive that just may be the best road in the country for taking pictures.
Facebook/Tail of the Dragon
Flickr/Frank Kehren
Flickr/Thematthewknot
Flickr/William Klos
Flickr/Steve Harwood
Flickr/Andrew Pascarella
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