Rock Slide Closes Part of 129 Dragon

A rock slide has left part of 129, known as Tail of the Dragon,  closed on the Tennessee side (between the Dragon and Happy Valley Road/Foothills Parkway).  Click here to watch the video!

Although the road did open briefly with one lane, it is now closed in both directions. The initial re-open date was targeted for March 20th but that is in question due to some testing. (We will add an update here when we know more).

***UPDATE*** TDOT closed 129 at the NC/TN boarder and it looks as though the road will not open until March 26. The “full closure” is largely due to the inability of TN emergency vehicles able to access the Dragon.

Latest Update – 04-08-10 – TDOT has announced in a press release that the 11 mile section known as the Tail of the Dragon will be open from 8 am to 8 pm beginning Monday April 12, 2010. The only access is from North Carolina US 129. THP announced that there will be zero tolerance for traffic violations.

LATEST UPDATE 7-9-10 – : ROAD OPEN! NOW GET OUT AND RIDE!

YOU CAN ride the dragon from the North Carolina side (outside of Robbinsville) but plan on a long day (extra 100 miles) if you are trying to make it back to TN. (Alternate: Cherohala Skyway and US 441 Great Smokey Mountains)

Here is a video of a guy that ran into the rocks AFTER the slide occurred. News Crews were filming at the time.