Head to head
318 corners in 11 miles, or the empty ridge road next door?
Our pick is the Cherohala Skyway.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 10 March 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Tail of the Dragon, US129 | Cherohala Skyway |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Driving score | 9.6 / 10 | 9.2 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.0 / 10 | 9.4 / 10 |
| Length | 18 km | 69 km |
| Where | Tennessee and North Carolina | Tennessee and North Carolina |
| Season | Busy with bikes at weekends, heavily policed | Ice and closures possible in winter |
Verdict
The Dragon is a corner counting exercise with heavy police presence, photographers on the apexes and a 30 mph limit. The Cherohala is a proper high ridge road with almost no traffic and far better views.
Ride or drive the Dragon once, early on a weekday morning, and you will understand the fuss. Then go and do the Cherohala twice.
The roads
Tennessee and North Carolina
318 curves in 11 miles, the most famous stretch of asphalt in America.
11.2 mi · Rating 9.3 / 10 · 34 min
Tennessee and North Carolina
Wide, fast and empty, the grown up alternative to the Tail of the Dragon next door.
42.9 mi · Rating 9.3 / 10 · 2 hr 9 min
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