Rev it Up

Whether you prefer to

get your kicks on two wheels or four, our Appalachian Backroads will satisfy your adventurous spirit with 14 vetted routes that wind and twist from the valleys to the ridges. When you're ready to ride, here's where to go for challenging roads and some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere.

IN THE RUGGED MOUNTAINS ACROSS THE HEART OF APPALACHIA ARE MORE THAN 1,500 THRILL-INDUCING MILES OF HEART-POUNDING EXCITEMENT.

BACK OF THE DRAGON

Welcome to 438 curves and 32 miles of the most exciting and technical roads you will ever ride - the Back of the Dragon. You'll find unmatched beauty and riding enjoyment on Virginia's State Route 16, the two-lane ribbon over three mountain ranges between Tazewell and Marion.

BLACK SNAKE

The route from Appalachia, Virginia to Cumberland, Kentucky takes you across Black Mountain, the highest point in Kentucky. Aptly named Black Snake, the twists and turns on this route will remind you of the serpent for which it is named.

BOOTLEGGER

Running illegal moonshine on the Appalachian Backroads at one time flourished in the Heart of Appalachia. Mountain folks used their knowledge of the curvy backroads to elude pesky revenuers. The Bootlegger takes you on a wild, 145-mile journey that you’re sure to enjoy!

CORKSCREW

Corkscrew-like curves lead you to stunning overlooks at Breaks Interstate Park. Also known as the Grand Canyon of the South, the gorge boasts incredible views all along the scenic Russell Fork River.

DANIEL BOONE

Follow in the footsteps of early pioneers through Virginia's westernmost region. Make stops at Wilderness Road State Park and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park as you ride through history, taking the route that early settlers once trudged across as they opened up settlement in the west.

EAGLE’S NEST

The valleys on the Eagle's Nest loop were once used by early pioneers as they moved westward toward Cumberland Gap. This route winds along the Powell and Clinch Rivers and through wooded backroads where eagles soar. Here you'll find plenty of open space to get your motor running!

GARGOYLE

This route winds along some of our more remote backroads, giving you a unique perspective of the challenges that were encountered when early settlers made their way to the Appalachian Mountains. Curves abound as you twist and turn through many of our small mountain towns.

HEARTBREAKER

The Heartbreaker takes you on a dual-loop ride through the mountains, beside beautiful rivers and streams, climbing in elevation to ridgetop vistas where you can see for hundreds of miles. This is an ideal route when you want to see all that the Heart of Appalachia has to offer.

PANTHER’S BREATH

Wind your way through some of our western areas while enjoying the valleys and their expansive views. At Natural Tunnel State Park, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," enjoy a scenic chairlift ride to the naturally-created limestone tunnel.

ROADRUNNER

Motorcycling the Appalachian Backroads is a stellar experience with high mountaintop elevations and spectacular views around every turn. Roadrunner does not disappoint. Thrilling byways guide you over mountain roads, through verdant forests and across expansive farmland.

SCORPION

The Scorpion offers twisty roads and mountain climbs along scenic backroads leading through Burke's Garden, known as "God’s Thumbprint" for the bowl-shaped valley carved into a mountain top. Rolling farmland, verdant valleys and charming country stores greet you on these winding roads.

SKULL CRACKER

You'll have a laugh-out-loud good time riding the Skull Cracker route! Along the way you will pass historical buildings, a stunning waterfall and delightful small towns while riding alongside flowing rivers and lush green forests.

STRIPPERS RUN

Strippers Run honors the coal miners who worked to mine coal from the Appalachian Mountains. This route traverses Pine Mountain and boasts breathtaking overlooks into both Virginia and Kentucky. Thick woods and beautiful streams along the route cool you off on warm summer days.

WOODBOOGER

The Woodbooger, also known as Sasquatch or Bigfoot in other parts of the country, is rumored to roam these mountains. This route sends you deep into his home territory, complete with dense forests, spectacular overlooks and amazing curves to thrill even the most experienced rider! 

For a FREE map of the Appalachian Backroads, visit appalachianbackroads.com.

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING

More than 400 thrilling curves get your heart pumping on the Back of the Dragon

Virginia may be for lovers, but it's also for riding enthusiasts thanks to the Back of the Dragon. Nestled in the rugged Appalachian Mountains on Virginia’s famed Route 16, the Back of the Dragon electrifies with 32 miles of winding curves for adrenaline-pumping exhilaration and unparalleled thrills.

Set in Tazewell County, the Back of the Dragon has established the area as the premier destination for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts seeking a getaway – and an invigorating challenge. This byway wows with 438 knee-dragging curves along a winding two-lane ribbon road. Spectacular mountain vistas stretch for miles. This famed road attracts visitors from around the globe.

At the state-of-the-art Back of the Dragon Welcome Center, you'll be greeted by the beast itself: a 16-foot dragon sculpture standing watch over the center. A selfie with the dragon is a must.

Within the welcome center, re-energize with a cup of joe or kick back with a local brew from the self-pour beer taps. Outside, the Back of the Dragon’s official food truck, The Dragon’s Tooth, serves up eclectic local fare, comfort food and hearty burgers. Taco Thursdays are especially popular.

Back of the Dragon souvenirs, including apparel, professional images documenting your ride and ride accessories, are also available for purchase at the center. Extend your adventure by renting a three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot on-site or online.

The Town of Tazewell’s Main Street is a family-friendly haven for culinary and retail explorations. Numerous boutiques and restaurants guarantee you'll find something that catches your eye and quells your appetite.

Whether a delicious crusted tilapia at the Front Porch on Main or a perfectly grilled steak at T-Town Bar and Grill, your taste buds will be satisfied. Look for hand-crafted artisan goods at The Lost Pearl, locally-sourced gifts from In Between Friends and today’s latest fashions at Bliss. Tazewell’s Main Street embodies the spirit of a small town with deep connections and a fresh vision.

When the day is done, settle in at the Old Jail, a historic one-time jail just one block off Main Street. Today, the Old Jail is quaint and comfortable inn ready to meet the needs of today’s travelers. Alternatively, look to Foxtail Orchards where two cabins allow for peace and relaxation within the woodlands of Tazewell County.

Whether you’re on a motorcycle or behind the wheel of a sports car, the thrill of cruising Route 16 is unmatched. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the Back of the Dragon at backofthedragon.com and visittazewellcounty.org. 

CALL O THE WILD

Whether you’re a relatively new day hiker or a longtime weekend hiker, answer the call of the Heart of Appalachia. Here you'll find miles upon miles of hiking trails that deftly guide across striking mountains, peaks, meadows and valleys.

BURKE'S GARDEN Tazewell

Easy

1.6 MI

For pristine views of notoriously beautiful Burke's Garden, pick up the Appalachian Trail in Tazewell at Burke's Garden Road or West End Road. This beginner-friendly hike rewards with breathtaking views of Burke's Garden, the bucolic bowl-shaped valley carved out of a mountain top.

DEVIL'S BATHTUB Fort Blackmore

Moderate

4.0 MI

The curiously-named Devil's Bathtub hike in the Jefferson National Forest delivers you to a refreshing crystal-clear swimming hole that's a welcoming oasis on a warm summer day. Even better, there is a small waterfall and two rope swings. Bring water shoes. There are multiple water crossings along the yellow-blazed Devil's Fork Trail.

BIG FALLS Cleveland

Easy

3.1 MI

At Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve, a mellow hike leads to Big Cedar Creek Falls (aka Big Falls). Three different styles of falls impress. Set your towel down on the stone-covered beach, then rush in for a splash. Stroll the Pinnacle View Trail to ogle the park’s namesake, The Pinnacle, a massive dolomite cliff that towers 600 feet over Big Cedar Creek.

CALL OF THE WILD

SAND CAVE Ewing

8.1 Moderate

MI Once a massive rock, wind eroded the sandstone over time to create the 250-foot-wide half-dome, Sand Cave. Inside, an acre of beach-like sand awaits. A hike from Civic Park on the Ewing Trail and Ridge Trail leads to this awe-inspiring natural cave. From Sand Cave, continue to White Rocks, a beacon for westbound settlers en route to Cumberland Gap.

LITTLE STONY FALLS

4.8 MI

Dungannon

Moderate

This peaceful hike rewards as you walk alongside burbling Little Stony Creek on your way to the swimming hole at Little Stony Falls. The trail follows Little Stony Creek through a 400-foot-deep and 1700-foot-wide gorge along an old historic railroad bed in Scott County.

TRI-STATE PEAK Cumberland Gap

2.5 Easy

MI The hike to 1,990-foottall Tri-State Peak at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park leads to the tripoint where Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee meet. A historic iron furnace sits along Gap Creek. It was used from the 1820s to the 1880s to create pig iron, which was then sold to area blacksmiths. Post-hike, make the short drive to Pinnacle Overlook for more views across the three states.

THE GREAT CHANNELS Rosedale

6.6 Moderate

MI The hike to the Great Channels along the Brumley Mountain Trail is a popular one, leading to an enigmatic maze of sandstone crevices. Plan to duck, squeeze, climb and crawl with brazen child-like curiosity as you explore this 20-acre labyrinth set atop Clinch Mountain within Channels Natural Area Preserve.

POWELL RIVER TRAIL Appalachia

2.4 Easy

MI This paved hike sidles up against the North Branch of the gently flowing Powell River. Old railroad artifacts allow for a well-shaded history lesson. Footbridges and a brick tunnel keep this hike engaging from start to finish.

GUEST RIVER TRAIL Coeburn

12 Moderate

MI For a longer hike, plan on the Guest River Trail, which follows the flowing Guest River through a rugged and remote gorge in the Jefferson National Forest. This multi-use trail passes several cascading waterfalls and awes with remarkable views of river rapids, car-sized boulders and massive sandstone cliffs.