Deals Gap, North Carolina, Mountain pass between North Carolina and Tennessee, United States.
Deals Gap is a mountain pass between North Carolina and Tennessee that features 318 curves across an 11-mile stretch. The road runs along the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and winds through forested terrain with tight switchbacks.
The road was originally operated with a 55 mph speed limit before safety concerns led to adjustments. Between 1992 and 2005, the allowed speed was lowered to 30 mph to reduce accidents.
Motorcyclists gather at the Tree of Shame, where parts from crashed motorcycles serve as reminders of the road's technical challenges. The collection continues to grow as riders leave their damaged components as part of this informal tradition.
The pass is best driven in dry weather, as wet or icy conditions make the tight curves particularly dangerous. Visitors should expect slow-moving vehicles and allow extra time for the drive, as passing opportunities are rare.
In 2021, a Tesla drove through all curves without human intervention, making this mountain road a testing ground for autonomous driving. The successful run demonstrated the technology's ability to handle complex road conditions.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
