Tail of the Dragon, United States

Photography Tour in Tail of the Dragon

The best photos of Tail of the Dragon aren't at the obvious landmarks. The real magic is in the side streets, the reflected light, the unexpected angles that only reveal themselves to those exploring on foot.

318 curves in 11 miles — the most thrilling stretch of road in the eastern United States, winding through the Great Smoky Mountains on the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

Top Photography Tour Spots

•Calderwood Dam overlook — a viewpoint above the 1930 ALCOA hydroelectric dam at the Tennessee end, with views of Calderwood Lake nestled in the mountains

Hidden Photography Tour Gems

•Cheoah Dam — the dam where Harrison Ford leaped in 'The Fugitive' (1993), located 4 miles west of Deals Gap on Route 28, often missed by drivers focused on the Dragon itself
•Tapoco Lodge — a 1930 lodge on the Little Tennessee River near Deals Gap, originally built for ALCOA dam workers, with a riverside restaurant and a quieter base than Deals Gap

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best photo spots in Tail of the Dragon?+

roamee's photography tour of Tail of the Dragon takes you to the most photogenic spots — iconic viewpoints plus hidden locations with unique angles that most photographers miss.

What are the most instagrammable places in Tail of the Dragon?+

roamee curates a walking route through Tail of the Dragon's most photogenic locations with tips on the best time of day, angles, and compositions for each spot.

Best sunset spots in Tail of the Dragon?+

roamee's photography tour includes the best sunset viewpoints in Tail of the Dragon — with golden hour timing tips and walking directions to reach each spot.

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