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Tapoco Road: Robbinsville to Deals Gap, Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Photo: William Klos · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Drives North Carolina The Smokies

Tapoco Road: Robbinsville to Deals Gap

Tapoco Road, US 129, NC 143 · Robbinsville → Near Deals Gap

Twisty17.2 mi25 min1,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 2,200 ftOne way
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The drive

Tapoco Road is the North Carolina side of US 129, and it is the approach to the most famous motorcycle road in the Southeast. It leaves Robbinsville and runs north through the Nantahala National Forest, 17 miles and about 25 minutes, to a point just short of Deals Gap, where the Tail of the Dragon begins. In Tennessee the same road is the Calderwood Highway.

On the way it passes Cheoah Dam, which was completed in 1919 at 225 feet and was the world's highest overflow dam at the time. The village of Tapoco grew up around its construction and powerhouse. The curves on this drive are moderate, with one twisty stretch near the end.

The Dragon itself is 11 miles of US 129 with 318 curves, starting at Deals Gap on the Tennessee line. This drive stops before it so the two don't repeat. Motorcycles, sports cars and cyclists share this approach too, especially on weekends.

Along the way

  1. Robbinsville (Tapoco Road)
  2. Near Deals Gap
Elevation
1,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 2,200 ft
RobbinsvilleNear Deals Gap
Curves
Mostly moderate, with one twisty stretch
RobbinsvilleNear Deals Gap
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Tail of the Dragon starts at Deals Gap, just past where this drive ends; photographers work from the pull-offs along it.
  • Weekends are the busiest, with motorcycles, sports cars and cyclists on the same road.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check NCDOT DriveNC.

Questions about this drive

How long does Tapoco Road from Robbinsville to Deals Gap take?

Tapoco Road (US 129) from Robbinsville to just short of Deals Gap is 17.2 miles and takes about 25 minutes.

What is the Tail of the Dragon?

It is an 11-mile stretch of US 129 with 318 curves, starting at Deals Gap on the Tennessee and North Carolina line.

Is Tapoco Road the same as US 129?

Yes. Tapoco Road is the North Carolina name for US 129, and the Tennessee side is called the Calderwood Highway.

Does this drive include the Tail of the Dragon?

No. The drive ends just short of Deals Gap, where the 11-mile Tail of the Dragon begins.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Tapoco Road: Robbinsville to Deals Gap, from Robbinsville to Near Deals Gap