For most people in East Tennessee, a trip down US 129 means a trip to the airport or Maryville & Alcoa. However, just a few more miles down the road you'll hit a stretch of this highway known for its 318 curves in 11 miles. 
The Tail of the Dragon, as its called, takes you along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, past two lakes and deep into the forest.
To get to the Dragon take US 129 south of Maryville. For several miles it runs with US 411 before splitting off again. Soon after entering this stretch you'll understand why this is such a popular stretch of road.
"Officially" the first few miles of this stretch of road aren't part of "The Tail of the dragon", but the rolling hills, old barns and the Smoky Mountains in the background make this a great way to start the fun ahead. 
Just past the community of Pumpkin Center, TN you begin to drive along the tailwaters of Tellico Lake, TVA's last foray into lake building. If you look closely, you will see several remnants of life before the lake including the pedestals of an old bridge that once crossed the Little Tennessee River.
Driving through the community of Tallassee you will have the chance to stop and get gas (your last for more than 10 miles), or fill up your other tank at the Tallassee Store. Just across the road there is a boat landing and a view of Chilhowee Dam.
As you drive along the shores of Chilhowee Lake you will quickly notice the absence of any kind of development. Enjoy some time along the shores of this lake on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are several places along the road where you can walk closer to the lake's edge.
When US 129 takes a sharp turn away from the lake at Tabcat Bridge, the curves start to multiply quickly. This is a favorite stretch of road for motorcycle riders and sports car drivers. You quickly ascend up the mountain and deep into the wooded hills of East TN and Western NC.
A popular stop along this stretch is the overlook at Calderwood Dam. The dam was built in the 1930's to help power the nearby ALCOA plant in Blount County. There are places to pull over and enjoy the view, but on the weekend you might find it a bit more difficult to find a parking spot.
Basically, this stretch of road looks like it was laid out by a drunk snake. It's curve on top of curve on top of curve. It's only 11 miles to Deals Gap, NC, but it may seem like it takes you hours to get there.
Finally as you pull into Deals Gap you can take a break at the Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort where you'll find a grill, gift shop, convenience store and even a place to spend the night.
From here you can either head back to Tennessee or explore some of the other area attractions including Fontana Dam (the highest east of the Rockies) www.tva.com/sites/fontana.htm, Santeelah Lake www.alcoa.com/tapoco/en/info_page/santeetlah.asp or Robbinsville, NC www.grahamcountytravel.com/. You can also return to Tennessee via the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) http://www.examiner.com/x-15048-Knoxville-Day-Trips-Examiner~y2009m7d30-Sunday-Drives-Cherohala-Skyway .
Nearby attractions: Fort Loudoun Historic Site , Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
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