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.