If you don't know, then you're too far away! (JK)
"The Dragon" and "Tail of the Dragon" are just names for Deal's Gap. Deal's Gap (or Deal's Pass) is located along Hwy 28 / 129 at the NC & TN border. The Dragon is considered by many as one of the world's best motorcycling and sports car roads.
MSN map
HERE
Tail of the Dragon website
Deal's Gap website with interactive maps.
I generally start my trip in Walhalla, SC and drive up 28. Partly because Walhalla is where my parents live, but partly because 28 is twisty and scenic the whole way and makes a nice trip.
My trip takes me past a pre-civil war
railroad tunnel, through many scenic towns such as
Highlands, NC, past the
Cherokee Indian Reservation (and a
Harrah's Casino), and near to
Fontana Village (and the
tallest dam east of the Rockies!) If you enjoy history, this is a trip to be taken time and time again! If you just enjoy driving your Porsche on twisties, then this is a trip to be taken time and time again!