ESCAPING UNSCATHED! The USA's Most NOTORIOUS Road in My AMG GT Black Series

Welcome to the Tail of the Dragon, the most notorious piece of highway in the USA! It's famous for a reason; big rig trucks getting stuck, accidents, and being lost in the wilderness, but it's time for me to drive it for the first time. Better still, I'm here with my UK RHD AMG GT Black Series!
When it comes to famous driving roads in the United States, there is probably nothing more well known than the Dragon in the Smokey Mountains, crossing from Tennessee to North Carolina. Having considered a stop to drive it on many occasions, none could fit more perfectly than this day in the fall, fairly empty from heavy traffic and with stunning foliage. We're already 2,000 miles into the journey across the country with my GT Black Series, having shipped it over from the UK and started out in New York City.
Tail of the Dragon has changed forms over the ages, having been transformed from the original hiking trail to a tarmac highway in the 1930s, before becoming particularly famous as a driving paradise in the 1990s and early 2000s. It transpires that the destination is now a real home for automotive passion; from the drivers to the test cars, and enthusiasts coming to visit.
It might be lucky timing but with plenty of open runs, the decision to travel to Tail of the Dragon away from the weekend and into October was certainly a good one. It could not have been better for a first experience, thankfully with everything going to plan and escaping unscathed.
Unfortunately on a recent outing, ‪@AdamLZ‬ and ‪@ColleteDavis‬ were caught up in an incident involving a vehicle crossing to their side around a blind bend that was unavoidable, reminding of the dangers driving such a road. Thankfully they were fine and that's what matters, but combined with plenty of documentaries and videos showcasing the perils of the Dragon, it's certainly one to take seriously.
The last few pairs of the new Future Wear x Shmee150 yellow sunglasses remain, limited to just 75 pairs, and you can get them right here: www.future-wear.com/products/...
Thanks for watching, Tim
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:05 Plans for the Dragon
03:09 The Drive Begins
06:29 Tail of the Dragon
12:08 Crossing to North Carolina
12:36 Tapoco Lodge
13:43 Back over the Dragon
17:24 Mercedes Prototypes
19:33 Moving Onwards
24:21 Wrap Up
#Mercedes #AMG #TailoftheDragon
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[@ThatOneDudeNick]

Respect to the people that pull over to let people pass on these kinds of roads. It's funny comparing how considerate people are on the road in different areas of the country. I was just on a trip to California and people going under the limit completely ignored the pulloffs and the signs telling them to let people pass. Even when I'm going over I'll let people pass when they close the gap.

[@Borg561]

I had a similar experience with people not pulling over when I drove the "Apache Trail Highway" in Arizona several years ago. I imagine it's not just where you are at in the country but where the drivers are originally from. When I drove the Dragon last year I was conscious of the fact I was in a minivan and pulled over to let people pass multiple times.

[@oscarcaruso204]

California? Yeah we suck in this state !

[@F8Tributo]

I can't understand why so many of my fellow Californians are so selfish, uncaring and/or unaware to not use the turnouts.

[@NazadYT]

This is the worst part about driving in the United States. Hardly anyone follows the keep right except to pass rule

[@gbphil]

I found this road purely by accident, it was on my cross country route from the Kennedy Space Centre to Memphis and Nashville after Mardi Gras in March. I went back again with this road as the focal point, driving it 10 times over 2 days before being invited to leave by the Sheriff. Driving a Hemi Challenger there is such a laugh, you can rev it full throttle to near red line, manually change gear with your foot still on the gas and it backfires like a shotgun - hilarious! Surprisingly the Challenger is reasonably nimble through the Dragon despite the car’s agricultural appearance. Tapoco Lodge is a fantastic lunch venue sitting on the patio, riverside but so is Fontana Village on the NC28 which resembles the ‘Dirty Dancing’ holiday centre.😎😇🙀

[@ecotic9715]

I can never get over how good that car looks. Great work with the colour Tim

[@Shmee150]

Especially in this scenery!

[@ecotic9715]

@@Shmee150 yes 100%

[@reilym979]

@@Life_and_Love Texas lacks scenic roads from West Virginia all the way to Alabama are some of the best oads in the United States

[@Life_and_Love]

​@@reilym979 Here are a few of the roads I was referring to. Three Twisted Sisters, Willow City Loop, ROUTE 170 - The River Road, Kerville to Bandera, TX-16, ROUTE 39, TX-39, Hurstown TO Newton. Route 87, Park Road 4

[@slothful-cat09]

Adam LZ's gt3 incident was scary. The other car almost went down the mountain. Thankfully all is well.

[@winstonsmith313]

Hey, Shmee, here in the states when somebody pulls over to let you pass (10:25) you can thank them with your horn. Not “H O N K!!!”, but a very quick “beep beep”, like the Roadrunner.

[@jefdamen2977]

Meep meep VROAAR

[@mat4263]

You can also thank them in advance, before they've let you pass, by rapidly flashing your highbeams at them and laying on your horn at a close distance 😂🤷‍♂️

[@winstonsmith313]

@Mat I’m afraid that this kind of “thank you” is also pretty common here in the states. Before I got rid of my 1990 Subaru Legacy I got a lot these “greetings”, even though it was pretty obvious the thing was doing the best it could.

[@mat4263]

@@winstonsmith313 yes that always amuses me when someone is riding my bum while I'm 1 car length from the car I'm following, where do they want you to go 🤷‍♂🤣

[@markc1793]

Honestly it wasn't until you mentioned it that i realised how weird it is you've not visited Adam yet! I used to watch him back when he filmed in his garage, i ended up not watching for a few years so to now see the sort of cars he owns and the number of them, combined with the facility he's got is absolutely crazy!

[@343_GuiltySpark]

I believe parts of it are still under a little bit of water so maybe now would not have been the best time lol

[@mercxus5963]

We hit this several times a year, the surrounding roads are great as well and usually less traffic. Glad you enjoyed it, please come back soon !

[@Liam.......]

Content with Adam would be epic, definitely see if you guys can clear schedules

[@tgregory]

i doubt adam knows who shmee is, he might

[@Liam.......]

@@tgregory I'm sure I've heard Adam mention Tim In some videos

[@Diontb]

@@tgregory how could you ever say that he doesn't lol, shmee is the biggest car KZbinr there is everyone knows him lol

[@Goxilla]

@@tgregory It´s like not knowing Michael Jordan as basketball fan

[@edd95gti85]

mabe even set a time round the small track he has

[@adamfox6927]

Shmee and LZ collaboration would be epic, be cool to see the GT at his compound

[@austinstyles3604]

Western NC is my home, and the tail of the dragon is basically in my back yard. Awesome to see you here. It's beautiful land here.

[@gustavodecairesanhaia8330]

Man, that GT Black Series just SHINES in bright sun light. Looks absolutely beautiful.

[@5musicman]

Welcome to Tennessee. It would have been fun to chase you through there on my motorcycle, but unfortunately, I'm in Baltimore working. But you did pick the most epic time of the year to drive through the area. People from all over the country travel hear to see the spectacular colors with the changing of the leaf's. Enjoy the rest of your trip across the US

[@barryrodgers3039]

I drove this for the first time over the summer in my NSX. Also had lunch at Tapoco. Amazing roads and experience. Will go back next year.

[@CameronEly]

I am so glad to see you are on the tail of the dragon! I hope Knoxville treated you well too!

[@mikeschafer2474]

I did the tail of the dragon back in June in my 2018 focus ST and it was amazing. I still think about it all the time.

[@rustler08]

COTA is such an amazing track, especially now that they've (at least for now) gotten the bumps under control.

[@jeffmac3071]

The Tail of the Dragon. Fantastic ride.

[@lotsofcurveslover]

The dragon is a must see for anyone who hasn’t been there but for me the Cherohala is #1.

[@michaeln2768]

Thanks for coming through Tennessee, Shmee! Glad you enjoyed it. Knoxville native here, been a fan for years!

[@alexluke84]

Autumn must be the best season for scenic driving 😎

[@iceslayer777]

Surprised that you decided to do this in a right hand drive car. The only benefit you have from that is being able to see the mountain side but if you were to pass somebody it would be a lot more strange. Keep up the great content and I’m very excited that you came back to America again!

[@Shmee150]

To be honest, it's more that I wanted to do the tour in my GT Black Series, which happens to be RHD

[@iceslayer777]

@@Shmee150 Oh I see and I definitely don’t blame you for choosing the GT Black Series considering how fun it’s to drive and how grippy it’s for canyon roads!

[@129hub]

Thanks for visiting. Great video. 🏁

[@its.Andy1]

Tail of the dragon is a great experience! A lot of car enthusiasts go there. I was there a few months ago and almost had a head on collision twice because people think it’s a race track, cut corners, and cross the double lines.

[@CaseyCollier]

I'm glad you got to drive Tail of the Dragon, Tim. It's a great road for car enthusiasts (dangerous at times, but still fun). I'm looking forward to seeing you push the GT Black Series on Circuit of the Americas. COTA is such a cool track and has a lot of fast corners, so brace yourself. It's going to be epic.

[@kennslothrider]

Solar beam yellow really pops in the sun😍

[@bastard748]

Again you raise the bar so effortlesly Mr Burton. With Gratitude and Much Affection.

[@rmk1283]

Glad you guys enjoyed it! Love Tapocco lodge. Many a lunches there. And next time you need to drive hellbender. When you come up from tapocco take a right when you get to Deals Gap store and motel. Awesome road. Fast flowing. Better than the Dragon. Gt500 is a blast on it. Also Cherohalla Skyway is an epic road for your next trip in the area!

[@turbotransport1566]

Tail of the Dragon amazing dream road

[@gabrieltaufer3616]

I missed you by maybe 30 minutes. Not sure if you saw a white e30 convertible but I definitely saw your car. Glad you could enjoy the amazing roads of Tennessee!

[@jollyrogers5261]

I’ve been and lived in that part of the country. Driver courtesy in that part of the US is by far much greater than where I currently live which is California. That’s southern hospitality for you 👍

[@postshawn]

Love your videos visiting the states Tim! I'm glad you get the chance to experience some of the wonderful places here. Safe travels!

[@Jrob992]

I’ve heard from local people that when you drive the dragon a lot you slowly realize it’s a Mini Cooper or Mazda Miata road in the sense that anything else is going to feel like you’re riding the brakes and are very claustrophobic. But I still wanna make the trip! Lol

[@norrismitchell9953]

We go to the region every year on the Columbus Day weekend for our annual BMWCCA Fall Mountain Tour. This year we had 15 cars in our convoy. October 8, 2022 had beautiful weather and too much afternoon traffic for a good Dragon run though.

[@Russell_G]

Awesome scenery! Makes me want to jump into my little Clubman JCW and take the good lady out for a drive in the autumn sunshine here in the UK......what I need to finish that off is a nice pair of sunglasses......oh wait Tim has some left....result!!

[@tshockz22]

Shmee is such a humble guy and pulls off that mission to the sun omega moonswatch crazy good

[@ved700]

The AMG GT BLACK SERIES are just awesome 🖤

[@Stallzyx]

Glad all went safe on this road. Another KZbinr I know of and used to talk to a long time ago called Tomcat / TC9700Gaming (1.11M subs) mentioned this road being particularly dangerous last year or maybe a bit longer ago with people doing dangerous overtakes etc but still got to catch up on what happened with Adam LZ

[@80wolfmanrob]

I know it's slow but the blue ridge parkway is beautiful this time of year.

[@TOM-C.]

Hi Tim, This Tail of the Dragon run brought back memories of my 4th trip through the Redwoods National Forest here in California. It's a beautiful drive during the day, but is very twisty to say the least. After a family reunion in Washington State, I found myself along with my mom, and girlfriend at the entry to the Redwoods at 6PM. I figured what the heck, we'll drive through, and catch a hotel in the park. That was not to be, they were all booked, and by this time I'm a 3rd of the way in, and am not turning back. We come around a tight bend with a sign saying beware, Elk crossing. We giggled, and were thinking, yeah, right, at 2am in the morning, and it's pitch black, doubtful. We get around the turn, and there crossing the road is the largest Elk I have ever seen, majestic with his huge antlers. I regret not getting a hotel at the Oregon border as driving through the park at night, though an adventure in itself, took the better part of 14 hours before we found a hotel the next morning at around 8AM, and we basically saw nothing except the elk crossing the road. If you get a chance Tim, might as well take a trip through the Redwoods National Forest (during the day) as these are the tallest trees on earth, and the forest itself is a spectacular one of kind trip you don't want to miss. You can do the trip in 4/5 hours assuming no stops, but figure to spend a day if you want to see some of the parks attractions, and take your time enjoying the scenery you will not see anywhere else on the planet. Cheers Tim, hope to see you enjoying some of what this country of the USA is all about, our National Parks! 👍✌🎃

[@txripper2995]

Man it’s always good seeing your videos❤️. You are always excited to drive these babes

[@sliverhi]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing. Keep it coming.

[@shaunwalford3534]

A visit to the LZ compound would be awesome! A collab I’ve been waiting years for!

[@williamrogercummings9607]

Leisurely touring the "Tail of the Dragon" is fun, and just the way I would like to experience it. Good job, Tim.

[@brandondarnes3699]

Soooo cool! I live 30 mins from the Dragon, so I know that road very well! So glad you enjoyed it. It’s a beautiful drive.

[@l042987]

Most people pull over on the dragon honestly.. If you catch it before noon you'll have very little traffic went through with viper club In June and on Friday am we had nothing but vipers headed north.. And I won't say the speeds we went but I can say we hauled it through there 3rd gear and never grabbed anything lower. Was amazing experience in my viper!

[@Schwabz33]

I drove this road about eight years ago and it’s a phenomenal road.. you should also drive the Blue Ridge Parkway it’s about 400 miles of awesomeness.

[@smokymountaindrives2077]

Schmee, we are the local Driving Tour Group to the Tail of the Dragon and know these roads better than anyone! We host group drives and private drives from March through November and would love to show you hundreds more miles of equally amazing roads throughout the Smoky Mountain region. Give us a shout and we will send you our local favorite "Hillbilly Nurburgring" Tail of the Dragon shirt!

[@nwd99]

Love your videos keep them coming

[@sambino2631]

Welcome to my home area! I hope you had a great time!

[@johnschuller2157]

You should have the Back of the Dragon nearby, more curves, more miles and way less crowded by motorcycles and inexperienced drivers.

[@lloydbellis7360]

That is a really great road. Glad your having fun 👍👍👍👍

[@MrSchn3ll]

I love these roads, not too far from where I live and it's always worthwhile (so long as you avoid the weekends). A manual 911 on the Dragon is a magical experience.

[@stuartblack9258]

Hey Tim! Thankyou for that one !! The car just looked in its element, also sounded so so so good ! Pop pop bang bang!! And people say these cars dont sound very good! Well that was epic would of paid good money to sit alongside you going up & down that road on a day like thst ! Amazing cheers Tim👍👍👍❤

[@tatebeach6464]

I so glad to see you both enjoyed and approved of our little road here in eastern Tennessee. Cheers

[@johnbaldock6353]

My Robin Reliant would Love these Roads!!👍

[@kygator1]

It's great to see you in the states, and exciting to see you run what is basically my back yard... We go to the totd multiple times a year. You definitely missed some other great roads, the foothills Parkway, the cherohala and so on.. But again great to see you here.. And just think, I only saw you get the mustard a few times.... 🤣😎👍Have safe trip!

[@dwayneminard2389]

My good friend did the Dragon on his Triumph 675 Daytona, unfortunately, he lost it on a turn and split his bike in 3 pieces. Fortunately, he was able to walk away, only thing hurt was his pride.

[@lexus8405]

Awesome. Am excited

[@cadgeek]

Happy to see you run it. I have done it hundreds of times. So fun.

[@carwashindad]

fabulous drive. Hopefully you were able to travel some of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while here in Tennessee.

[@empporer9516]

Another from Tim brightens my day🥳

[@Shmee150]

Thanks for watching

[@rumblebelly7429]

All the colors of the trees. What a stunning place to be.

[@mazdaman2315]

Hi shmee I’m guys! I love your videos this one has to be one of my favorites I always love watching your videos on my lunch break at work!

[@LarryHatch]

I've driven from NC to TN many times and never heard of The Dragon's Tail. Asked around and none of my NC neighbors heard of it either. Found out the old, real name is Deal's Gap and most people will know it as that. Very good road but there are some bits in the hills of West Virginia that just covered in plastic flowers as roadside memorials. You have a gorge on one side, a thick mountain wall of stone on the other, and 18 wheelers coming your way, leaving you maybe 10-12 feet to get by.

[@James-fh8os]

Doing a collab with Adam LZ would be awesome !

[@Jester_-jp2nu]

I love TOTD! One of my favorite roads to drive on along with the Rattler and Devil's Triangle. So many great driving roads up in that area. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Giovi_ofressh]

This is a beautiful road, like north Italian roads and eastern Europe roads. I love your contents, they are a sort of meditation during the evening. Thanks Shmee from 🇮🇹

[@thapelorakau8244]

Am I the only one who enjoys Shmee's videos more when his driving his own car

[@F8Tributo]

In Southern California, we have some great drives, like Ortega Highway from the I5 to Lake Elsinore, the Angeles Crest Highway from LA County to Wrightwood, and in NorCal, PCH through Monterrey, among others.

[@mikehendrix6000]

Awesome video, thats one of my favorite roads as well and not far from me either. Great ride. Happy you enjoyed it 😊

[@supercargalaxy8233]

That's a dream combo AMG and the Dragon 🐉

[@Shmee150]

It sure is

[@Douken]

This is awesome!

[@jeremyjansen1932]

The Shmeister!!!! This road is rowdy, R.I.P Adam LZ GT3..... keep it coming Tim

[@Shmee150]

Gotta watch out

[@betaich]

doesn't seem rowdier than any other hill countryside street in Europe. I have roads like that around me everywhere. When that is a rowdy road for you, oh boy

[@jeremyjansen1932]

@@betaich dude i have driven there, the way people drive there is the scary part. However im from South Africa, come here if you wanna see the true definition of rowdy roads and the most insane taxi drivers

[@betaich]

@@jeremyjansen1932 so as always the skills of the other drivers around you make it scary, not the road itself.

[@PyroMotteFullHD]

Nice road trip. Best regards from Germany 🙂

[@esfwr17]

I remember taking the Tail of the Dragon when i was younger (parents took the wrong route), my parents friends were following us in an RV and ended up having to make a 35 point turn to turn around after about a mile into it. We continued on, and saw two different spots where they were winching out two different motorcycles who have gone over. Pretty sketchy drive, but definitely exciting in the right vehicle.

[@2bunphettered788]

Good drive Shmee. 👍

[@judebrown2672]

Beautiful vid. Love driving in the fall.

[@TS-wp3wt]

I hear the cherohala skyway is a great place to drive down in that area.. never been personally

[@thedude6688]

Such a cool scenery.

[@jamesrapp9778]

Lovely windy Autumn road...😎👌

[@jamcarz8982]

So cool to see you so close to my home. Wish I knew you stayed in Knoxville. Next time you come here, you should do a meetup!!

[@crazzei]

I just did this two days ago! 2,000+ mile motorcycle trip over a week

[@jonathanlaw475]

Last month I barely missed you at a meet and greet in the UK, and now you come to my city on a weekend that I'm out of town 😭😭

[@LapoftheWorld]

Glad you enjoyed your stay! You definitely did things right coming in the fall on a weekday, and stopping at Tapoco. Did you find the Cherohala Skyway on your route back to civilization, or did you go a different route? We would have loved to cross paths with you but either way watching this was an entertaining exercise in seeing someone I'm expecting to be in Britain/Europe somewhere driving through essentially our back yard.

[@rarer2605]

Kudos on a great video Tim. I'm glad you were able to hit the Dragon and surrounding roads, I too was able to drive through the Tail of the Dragon this past summer with my local Driving Club #fortwaynedrivingclub. It was a bucket list experience for myself and I'm glad you guys got to enjoy it in the AMG. Keep up the good work buddy, be safe! Cheers!

[@supersaiyan4rambo]

Car sounds amazing

[@thedonhugo79]

This reminds me to make another trip, last time I was there, I drove rather spiritedly following a group of sport bikes. It was such a good time, I need to do that again.

[@Gunner_Viper]

I’m glad you came to NC! Beautiful state and nice roads.

[@jtwimages]

Tim says Adam LZ with the American Z even tho Adam calls himself L Zed hahaha. Great video, good to see that you are relatively close to where I'm at is a cool sight!

[@tonybrown6326]

So cool to see Tim driving a road I love to drive

[@CarYouTuberNews]

I used to LIVE on that road!! You could hit it with a rock from my house!! Great video ❤.

[@sidrens1047]

That car is something special!!! Looks and sounds magnificent!!!! My second favourite Shmee car, Ford GT being the best!!!

[@The_journeyy]

*What a beautiful looking car this is something I wouldn't mind having* 😍

[@peterh225]

The Coop Pronto🎉 this Bag made a long way.. 😂

[@oscarcaruso204]

Great video! Welcome to the USA🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@kevinvanneste2500]

Gt black Looks epic in the sun

[@garyp432]

Great vlog

[@stivesyy]

Hi Shmee I'm guys! This is gonna be a good one!

[@Shmee150]

Enjoy the video

[@aayangoverski3437]

Hopefully on April fools 2023

[@motlakamakhura]

Thats funny 🤣🤣🤣

[@TravisHargiss]

Im gonna say that to Tim if I ever meet him 🤣

[@johnnyboy1586]

Taking a cateram 7 through that road on a day like that would be perfect!

[@EugeneFedorovsky]

LOOOVE the tail of the dragon. Stayed at Tapoco lodge last time and always make sure to have lunch or dinner there