The Tabcat Creek Bridge in Tennessee, along Chilhowee Lake — where the Dragon's curves finally straighten out. The north end and the second addressable start.
Welcome to the Tennessee end of the Tail of the Dragon, here at the Tabcat Creek Bridge along Chilhowee Lake. I'm Ranger Quinn, riding shotgun with you, and that's Ranger Boone Merrick along for the tales. If you're starting from this end, you're about to take on the Dragon southbound, toward Deals Gap and the North Carolina line.
Same commandments, because they don't change: the famous three hundred and eighteen curves are dead ahead, the limit is thirty and heavily enforced, and you never, ever cross the double-yellow. Crossing the centerline in a curve is how people get hurt on this road. Stay in your lane, use the pull-offs, and ride your own ride.
The good news from this end: the lake keeps you company for the first stretch before the road tightens up, so use that easy bit to get your rhythm. When you're ready, point south and let the Dragon take you. Boone, get 'em started.
Photo: Brian Stansberry · CC BY 3.0
