UPDATE (Aug. 22, 3:30 p.m.): There will be an event to dedicate the road on Aug. 29 at 12 p.m. near mile marker 13. Everyone is invited, officials said. American Legion Post 13 will host the event which will name the stretch of road "Captain Johnny Leon Bryant Memorial Highway."
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Between U.S. 129 is a stretch of road famous for its tight, twisting turns and scenic mountain views. It's known nationwide by motorcycle riders as a testing ground for their bikes as the "Tail of the Dragon."
Now, the stretch of road will be renamed, according to officials. By the end of August, the road will be known as "Captain Johnny Leon Bryant Memorial Highway." The name honors a helicopter pilot who was shot down during the Vietnam War in 1969.
He was a Blount County native who had been shot down a total of six times during his service. On Aug. 29, community leaders will pay tribute to Bryant and formally change the name of the road.
The road stretches for around 11 miles, between Tennessee and North Carolina.