ADRENALINE PUMPING | BREATHTAKING SCENERY | BEAUTIFUL MACHINERY | UNUSUAL CAMARADERIE
ADVENTURES
UPCOMING TOURS
TAIL OF THE DRAGON STAMPEDE XXVIII
TOUR #171
Sunday, May 2 - Thursday, May 6, 2027
3 FULL DAYS OF DRIVING
600 MILES
4 NIGHTS STAY
$2,550 DRIVER ONLY
$4,175 DRIVER & NAVIGATOR
THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
YOU ARRIVE & DRIVE. WE HANDLE EVERY DETAIL.
- Multiple runs of The Tail of the Dragon with 318 curves over 11 miles
- 600+ miles of the most challenging and scenic roads in the US
- Experience thrilling drives with 91,300 ft. of elevation change
- Expert Tourmaster with 20+ years of experience leading 160+ drives
- The most incredibly fun and safest spirited driving tour in the US.
- Middle-of-the-week drives with no crowds
- The group is limited to 18 cars to maximize enjoyment and safety
- All dining (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners) are all-inclusive
- Drive all the other most-famous dragons in NC and
the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Amazingly beautiful scenic overlooks
- Overnight stay at the most beautiful lodge & spa in Western North Carolina
- Optional car shipping from Austin and Dallas in an enclosed six-car trailer
- Most highly-rated restaurants and catered dinners
- Private/gated parking
- Optional Trip Cancellation Insurance for peace of mind
- On-site hand car washes (optional)
- Professional photographer to capture all of our best moments
- Professional videographer to create an amazing video of our adventure
Entire Trip Has Been Personally Scouted and Meticulously Planned in Advance
To see photos from the last Tail of the Dragon Stampede, click here.
REGISTERED DRIVERS & NAVIGATORS
1. Lenny & Sue 2021 McLaren 720S Spider
2. David & Penny 2020 McLaren GT
3. Jake & Sherri 2022 Maserati MC20
4. Ray & Debroah 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S
5. Geoff 2018 Porsche 911 GT3
6. Karl 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
7. Michael & Susan 2025 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
8. Cameron 2021 BMW M4
9. John & Laura 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
10. Jacob 2002 Acura NSX
11.
12.
plus The Tourmaster
TOTAL COUNT: 17 participants in 11 cars (max. 18 cars)
To see photos from the last Arkansas Fall Colors Road Trip, click here.
The Tail of the Dragon Stampede is intended to bring together enthusiasts
who have a passion for driving their cars the way they were designed to be driven.
It is designed to be the most thrilling and challenging yet safest
driving event in the United States.
The entire trip is organized for you.
All you have to do is show up ready to drive and have a great time.
FEATURES
600-mile road trip covering the most curvy, challenging, and scenic roads and attractions in the United States
Led by The Tourmaster who has organized 160+ driving tours in 22 years
Three-day, four-night amazing driving tour
Including multiple runs of the Tail of the Dragon and the most famous other dragons in NC
Every mile, every overlook, every attraction, every restaurant, every stop, and every destination
has been scouted and meticulously planned in advance
Unmatched camaraderie
The experience of driving the most challenging, fun, and scenic roads in Tennessee and North Carolina
The unforgettable thrills of 91,300 feet of elevation change
For beautiful views, we will slow down and take it all in
For breathtaking overlooks and shots, we will stop and absorb the incredible moments
When the roads are twisty, we'll speed up and carve every corner
It will be the most memorable automotive adventure and vacation of your life.
Amazingly beautiful mountain lodge resort
The most highly-rated restaurants and catered dinners
Private/gated parking
Hand car wash at the lodge (optional)
A professional photographer will capture our most memorable moments
Dedicated gallery for everyone to share photos and videos
High-power radio in each car for safety and banter
Detailed drivers notes and maps
An absolutely unforgettable road trip
YOUR COMPANY NAME HERE
If you are interested in learning about promotional packages to promote your business OR you simply love what we do and want to support this event and/or its participants, please contact The Tourmaster using the Contact page.
Day 3 | Tuesday, May 4 | Drive Day
261 miles, 34,180 ft. of elevation change
Today will be BONCRs!
As the most intensely-enjoyable and satisfying day of our road trip, today's BONCRs Run -- Best Of North Carolina's Roads -- will include many of the most-famous other dragons in North Carolina (known only by local enthusiasts). This was the most time-consuming and difficult run to prepare due to the remote locations of the roads included. The intensity and seemingly endless number of the curves will make you question reality. You will discover new limits in your driving ability and your car. You will finish today's run a more skilled driver than you've ever been.
PROGRAM (subject to change)
Start Location: Somewhere in Western North Carolina near Knoxville, TN (TBA to registered participants only)
Car Transport: The Tourmaster will personally supervise the delivery of every car shipment near the Knoxville, TN airport.
Accommodations: See the LODGING section below. Details will be shared with registered drivers & passengers.
Drive Routes: Detailed driver notes will be provided before each leg of the drive.
End Location: Same place in Western North Carolina
Day 1 | Sunday, May 2 | Arrival at the Lodge, Explore Nearby Attractions, Check-In
4:30 PM: (REQUIRED) Stampede check-in at the most beautiful mountain lodge & spa in Western North Carolina, roll-call, vehicle inspection, and radio test followed by catered Welcome Dinner at the lodge, Drivers Meeting, and post-dinner social.
Day 2 | Monday, May 3 | Drive Day
215 miles, 57,120 ft. of elevation change
Ladies and gentlemen! Saddle up! Start your engines! Let's ride the Dragons!
Today we will embark on an amazing driving adventure in the Smoky Mountains including the Tail of the Dragon (twice!) and many of the other famous roads near the Dragon. We will escape to another dimension, enjoying the amazing sights and immersing ourselves in the intoxicating sounds from our cars echoing from the tree-lined roads and mountainsides. You will fall in love with your car all over again. We will own the roads and declare them our playground.
We will have more fun than a human being should be allowed to have.
Day 4 | Wednesday, May 5 | Drive Day
125 miles, 34,180 ft. of elevation change
We ride the Dragon Again (Twice!) and Visit Some Famous Local Attractions
This will be another incredibly fun day of driving but with slightly less intensity as we enter the third and last day of our road trip. Having conquered the most intense roads in the US, we will now enjoy the most beautiful roads and scenic overlooks in this area. You will be amazed with the perfect blacktop quality of the roads. We will all enjoy a great night of rest following our exhilarating three-day road trip.
Day 5 | Thursday, May 6 | Say Good-Byes, Reluctantly Return Home OR Stay a Little Longer
Breakfast at the lodge, final good-byes, depart at your leisure. Or stay one or more extra days to make the best of your time in the area.
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YOU ARRIVE AND DRIVE. WE HANDLE EVERY DETAIL.
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The route, rest stop, and restaurant have been scouted in advance.
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Turn-by-turn driving directions will be provided at Drivers Meetings.
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For your safety, you are REQUIRED to bring a functioning BaoFeng radio such as a UV-5R, BF-F8HP, or variant which can accept CTCSS codes, preferably one programmed by The Tourmaster. No radio, no drive for you. Your radio must pass the radio test at the start of the event. (A programmed high-power radio may be purchased for $75. See registration section for details.)
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Every driver and passenger will be required to sign a liability waiver.
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Every driver is expected to follow the driving rules outlined and explained in the Participant Guide. This Guide is a culmination of more than 22 years of touring experience involving more than 160 tours. It is a proven model that helps ensure that we have a lot of fun in a responsible way and that the driving tours are conducted with the utmost safety to the participants and the public.
LODGING
Knowing the popularity of the Tail of the Dragon, a block of lodge rooms, suites, and cabins has been reserved at the most beautiful mountain resort in Western North Carolina. The full itinerary including the overnight accommodations will be revealed to registered participants.
For the main event at the mountain lodge resort & spa, The Tourmaster has negotiated discounted rates for our group which range from $200 to $352 per night plus 16% taxes with no cancellation fees if the room is cancelled before March 2, 2027. The reserved block of rooms, suites, and cabins will be released back to the resort on March 2, so make sure to reserve your lodging as soon as possible. Earlier registrants will have access to the higher class suites and cabins.
You are welcome to arrive a day early to enjoy a spa package, take in the delightful views at the resort, explore the nearby mountains, hike trails at the resort, or join us on a bonus run on roads near the Dragon including a visit to an amazing remote scenic overlook in the Nanthahala National Forest.
If you have a question, please contact The Tourmaster by using the Contact page.
Lodging costs have NOT been included in the registration fees. Why? Given the four-night stay at the HQ resort and the variety of rooms, suites, and cabins available, we wanted to give participants the flexibility to choose whatever type of room that suited their tastes and spending preferences. Obviously, people who register early will have the option to reserve the higher class suites and cabins.
NOTE: You are NOT required to stay at the lodge chosen by The Tourmaster. You have the flexibility to stay at any hotel of your choice. All drives will start at the HQ lodge chosen by The Tourmaster.
You can purchase OPTIONAL TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE for peace of mind. See COSTS section #5 for details.
COSTS
1. REGISTRATION FEE (per car)
The Registration Fee includes:
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four breakfasts, three lunches, four dinners (two of them private and catered)
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private /gated parking at the resort
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professional photography
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professional videography and videos
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on-site car wash services (optional)
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three full days of exhilarating drives on the Tail of the Dragon AND the most famous other dragons nearby, and
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detailed driver notes
All dining visits are all-inclusive i.e. order anything you want but do not include alcoholic drinks.
Four nights of lodging are not included. Please see the Lodging section for details.
IF PAYING VIA CREDIT CARD
Driver Only: $2,550 + credit card fee = $2,656.00
Driver & Passenger: $4,175 + credit cards fee = $4,349.00
You are welcome to save money by mailing a check.
FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHECK (WHICH WILL SAVE YOU MONEY)
(If you accidentally pay by credit card, the credit card fee cannot be refunded.)
IF PAYING VIA CHECK
Driver Only: $2,550 ($106 less than paying with a credit card)
Driver & Passenger: $4,175 ($174 less than paying with a credit card)
If you would like to pay by check, ask The Tourmaster for a mailing address; you can reply to the confirmation email he will send you after you submit your registration information using the form below.
NOT INCLUDED in Registration Fee: Lodging, alcoholic drinks, car rental, car insurance, trip cancellation and travel insurance, vehicle transportation, flights to/from event, gas and any other personal expenses.
2. REFUNDABLE SAFETY DEPOSIT (per car) (CREDIT CARD / CHECK)
Former Participant: $104 / $100 ($100 is refundable)
If you are one of the 100+ people who already have a Safety Deposit on file (you know who you are), do not send a Safety Deposit.
First-timer with referral: $313 / $300 ($300 is refundable)
First-timer without referral: $521 / $500 ($500 is refundable)
THE REFUNDABLE SAFETY DEPOSIT IS TO:
- Motivate participants to be present on-time at the mandatory check-ins, vehicle inspection, radio check, and drivers meetings and arrive equipped with a working FRS/GMRS radio.
- Motivate participating drivers to complete the Stampede by following all the driving rules outlined in the Participant Guide.
Every participant who follows all the rules listed here and elsewhere (see above, Participant Guide and Terms & Conditions) will receive A FULL REFUND OF THEIR SAFETY DEPOSIT. You are welcome to keep your Safety Deposit on file to avoid the pay-and-refund cycle at future drives. If you want this, make sure to tell The Tourmaster when he confirms your registration via email. Please read the Terms & Conditions regarding the Registration Fee, Safety Deposit, Advance Deposit, refunds, cancelling or transferring your registration, and many other topics.
3. OPTIONAL HIGH-POWER (8 WATT) BAOFENG HANDHELD RADIO (LINK)
with 22 FRS/GMRS channels and privacy codes pre-programmed: $75
The Tourmaster will purchase this radio brand new and program all 22 FRS and GMRS channels and privacy codes for you. The new radio will be assembled, charged, programmed, and ready for your use at the start of the event, and you can take it home afterward with its original box and accessories.
4. OPTIONAL CAR TRANSPORT
Shipping your car is the ideal way to keep miles off your car and save time. This service is optional and not included in the base registration fee. The Tourmaster is arranging a six-car enclosed trailer from Austin, Texas to Knoxville, TN with a stop in Dallas, Texas. If you are interested in this service, please contact The Tourmaster.
The Tourmaster will personally supervise the delivery of every car shipment near the Knoxville, TN airport which is likely where most people in the group will fly into for the Dragon Stampede.
5. OPTIONAL TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE
What is it? Travel cancellation insurance is designed to reimburse you for prepaid, nonrefundable reservations, including flights, hotel reservations, and other bookings like the Tail of the Dragon Stampede if you have to cancel your trip due to an unforeseen and extraordinary circumstances such as illness, severe weather, or other unexpected events. It typically reimburses up to 100% of your trip costs and sometimes up to 150% to pay for unexpected expenses to return home, depending on the policy you choose.
The cost of this insurance will depend on the total amount on nonrefundable costs of your trip, your age, the number of people in your party and the length of your trip. Depending on which policy you choose, an estimated cost for trip cancellation insurance from one particular highly-rated provider for:
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the MAIN EVENT only is from $182 and $272 for one or two persons, respectively,
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the FULL PROGRAM including the main event and two optional runs (Back of the Dragon Run and BONCRs Run) is $293 and $422 for one or two persons, respectively.
Please note that YOU will purchase this coverage yourself directly from the insurance provider, not through Driving Adventures USA.
If you are interested in this option, once you have successfully registered, The Tourmaster will guide you in picking the best policy.
Please note trip cancellation insurance is generally purchased SHORTLY AFTER making your payment for your Stampede registration and booking your lodging for the Tail of the Dragon Stampede.
REGISTRATION
PAYMENT
FIRST-TIME PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHECK (WHICH WILL SAVE YOU MONEY)
(If you accidentally pay by credit card, the credit card fee cannot be refunded.)
STEP #1: SEND PAYMENT
Send Registration Fee, Refundable Safety Deposit, and fee for optional pre-programmed high power radio. If paying via check, please request the mailing address by contacting The Tourmaster.
IF PAYING VIA CHECK:
- Request the mailing address from The Tourmaster; you can reply to his confirmation email.
- Mail your total payment via personal check, money order or cashier's check to address provided to you.
STEP #2: CONFIRMATION
The Tourmaster will confirm receipt of your registration information and payment via email. Your information will be used strictly for purposes of organizing this tour only. To confirm your registration, you and your passenger (if any) will need to email The Tourmaster a scanned copy of your driver's license and automobile liability insurance card as well as a signed copy of the liability waiver. The Tourmaster will email you the liability waiver after receiving your payment and registration information.
STEP #3: GET READY
Get yourself and your car ready for THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE.
If you have a question, please contact The Tourmaster by using the Contact page.
IF PAYING VIA CREDIT CARD:
OTHER DETAILS
Group Size: Will be limited to 18 cars to maximize the enjoyment and safety for everyone.
Weather Conditions: This tour is a rain-or-shine event. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for further details.
Registration: Required in advance.
Trip Cancellation Insurance: Is available. See COSTS section #5 for details.
Terms & Conditions: Please read the Terms & Conditions regarding the Registration Fee, Safety Deposit, Advance Deposit, refunds, cancelling or transferring your registration, and many other topics.
Driving Directions: Detailed drivers notes will be provided at every Drivers Meeting.
Decals on Cars: Never. Nothing touches the paint on any car.
Costumes and Silly Outfits: None.
Models in Risque 'Clothing': NO.
Creating Scenes, Loud Noises, Traffic Jams, Attracting Attention From The Public and Police: Never. We operate below the radar. We treat locals with whom we come into contact with respect and courtesy. The only reactions we seek are smiles and thank yous.
Booze, Heavy Drinking, Crazy Parties, Nightlife: Not a chance.
Breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners: All dining arrangements have been made in advance.
Lodging: Has been reserved in advance. Please see Lodging section for further details.
Gas and Restroom Breaks: Have all been planned where necessary.
Photographer: A professional photographer will capture many of the best moments of our adventure together. All photos will be available for download free of charge.
Photo and Video Gallery: All photos and videos from the Stampede will be uploaded to this gallery. You will be able to upload your own photos and videos to this gallery, too.
If you have a question, please contact The Tourmaster by using the Contact page.
CAR TRANSPORT AND CAR RENTAL
Car Transport: Car transport is the ideal way to keep miles off your car and save time. This service is optional and not included in the base registration fee. The Tourmaster is arranging a six-car enclosed trailer from Austin, Texas to Knoxville, TN with a stop in Dallas, Texas. If you are interested in this service, please contact The Tourmaster by using the Contact page.
Note: The Tourmaster will personally supervise the delivery of every car shipment near the Knoxville, TN airport which is likely where most people in the group will fly into for the Dragon Stampede.
Rent a High-End or Exotic Sports Car: If you don't want to drive your car to the start location or transport your car and you would like to drive a high-end or exotic sports car, The Tourmaster can help you find one. You can choose from a variety of late-model sports including a Ferrari or Lamborghini, Porsche 911 and Boxster; Nissan GT-R; Mercedes Benz SL-class; BMW M2, M3, M4, M5, and i8; Corvette, Jaguar F-Type; Maserati Quattroporte GTS; Cadillac ATS-V; Ford Focus ST; and Mazda Miata. If you're interested, please contact The Tourmaster at Tourmaster@DrivingAdventuresUSA.com.
DO SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY - GIVE A GIFT!
Do you want to do something special for your fellow participants? Gift them something they will remember for a long time.
If you own a company or know a company that would make a good gifter, please tell The Tourmaster.
There are big and small ways you can do something for one or many or all the participants.
Buy drinks, a few appetizers, or dessert for the group at dinner.
Give away an Amazon gift card.
Fill someone's gas tank at one of the breaks.
Do something unexpected and extraordinary.
You will likely receive a greater reward from giving than the recipient of your gift.
If you want to do something extraordinary, contact The Tourmaster by using the Contact page.