Crash on notorious road known as ‘The Dragon’ starts wildfire in Smoky Mountains park

UPDATE: The wildfire is 100% contained and U.S. 129 reopened Nov. 9. A 40-acre perimeter has been established around the fire and crews will continue to monitor the area, according to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The original story is below.

A motorcycle crash on the notorious stretch of road known as “The Dragon” ignited a wildfire that has spread across 100 acres inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, according to Tennessee officials.

The fire was 90% contained Monday, Nov. 9, and some ongoing “rain is likely to help tremendously,” the Tennessee State Highway Patrol reported on Twitter.

All lanes of U.S. 129 are closed between Deals Gap, North Carolina, and the Tabcat Boat Launch area in Tennessee, officials said.

The two-lane stretch of highway is known as “The Dragon” and “Tail of the Dragon,” and has a reputation for being one of the most “exciting” and dangerous roads to drive on in the country.

The wildfire was first reported around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, about 2 miles west of Parson Branch Road, near Chilhowee Lake, National Park Service officials said in a news release.

“The motorcycle lost control and collided into the roadside. Upon collision, the motorcycle was engulfed in flames which ignited the wildfire,” park officials said.

“The motorcycle operator was able to safely exit the accident site before the fire erupted.”

Much of the fire had been extinguished late Monday, but one area continued to smolder, officials said. The fire was located near Cattail Branch in the backcountry “and is not near any hiking trails,” the park said.

The highway could open as early as Tuesday, Nov. 8, officials said.

“The Dragon” is considered a thrill ride for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. It gets its name from its curves like a dragon’s tail.

“This stretch of two-lane road has become a hugely popular destination for motorcyclists and sports car drivers,” according to Dangerousroads.org.

“The road features 318 curves in just 11 miles. ... With hundreds of blind curves, long blind crests, and high degrees of camber, this claustrophobic scenic forest road presents plenty of opportunities to leave the pavement both laterally, and longitudinally.”

This story was originally published November 7, 2022 at 3:06 PM with the headline "Crash on notorious road known as ‘The Dragon’ starts wildfire in Smoky Mountains park."