Tail of the Dragon Dragon Statue

Unfortunately didn't get to have my WRX on this trip but did the drive in my Chevy Suburban and the pull offs were more than large enough to accommodate my extra large SUV. Even on a cold Tuesday morning there were more than enough vehicle sightings to make the trip out worth it. I'd love to go back on a weekend though to see more cars and bikes. Absolute blast of a time 10/10 one of the best stretches of road I've ever been on.

We saw the 25-foot-long metal dragon statue with gleaming red eyes at the entrance of the Tail of the Dragon Souvenir store. The statue is named "Calestar" by Ron Johnson, the owner of the souvenir store and the statue itself.

This fierce dragon statue was built in 2012, by welder Peter Macaluso with hundreds of different motorcycles and car parts including an old Plymouth speedometer on the left thigh. There is a box on the lower neck with a pipe leading up to his nostrils to make the statue seem breathing smoke when a smoke bomb is lit. Beforehand there was no motorcycle on the tail of the statue, it was added later.

On different occasions, the statue gets decorated with occasion-related ornaments. When we went there it was fall and the statue was decorated with corn, pumpkins, and fake skulls.

Don't miss the chance to take a photo with the statue as it represents the namesake of the place.

Tail of the dragon is a super fun place to go with your fast car or motorcycle. So many curves and winds through the mountain. Drove it a couple times and wow how fun and heart pumping. The scenery is beautiful. Sites and stops are great to. They have a couple souvenir shops where you can get clothes or trinkets.

I just love this place! Can't say enough good things about the areas in TN/NC... there's just so many great qualities for being in the mountains, besides the legendary Dragon, which is just super awesome in itself. I had so much fun!!! Highly recommend. I slayed it AGAIN!

Wear your seatbelts or helmets and stay in your own lane.

Seriously, stay in your lane life your life depends on it.

11 miles of joy. Sharp turns, good views, several pull offs for a break or photos.

Love stopping in to shop and check out all of the bikes and cars in the area. Always a fun time!

Cool place to get souvenirs and they have a tall deck you may sit and watch all the cars and bikes go past.

Awesome drive for car enthusiasts. Not just the Tail of the Dragon, but Foothills Parkway and Happy Valley Rd, and many more in this area.

If anyone is into motorsports driving motorcycle riding it is a must to come and see drive this road it is beautiful amazing cannot tell you what kind of experience it is it is definitely something to check off the bucket list if you are ever considering coming this way please visit this place the best road I've ever driven on

Sincerely felt at home. Rest in peace Steve Gilboy.

Great ride . But be very careful people driving crazy
On a motorcycle I would be very experienced.

Anybody that Lives to Ride needs this on a Bucket List. I'm just gonna put a ✔ and leave it on my list, cause I would do it again

Absolutely a blast to drive,great views.

Slay the dragon and get your pic with the statue! Don't add anything to the tree of shame! Rubber side down.

Survived the dragon! Took pictures here. Very nice place to visit

This statue is so cool as well as driving on the dragon

Great photo opportunity

TOTD! So much fun!

Great place

SLAYED!