84 mi · Pennington Gap
Black Snake
Cumberland to Appalachia crosses Black Mountain at the highest point in Kentucky and is aptly named the Coalfield Black Snake run. Black Snakes are in abundance in this coal region and you're likely to catch a glimpse or so of snakes, sunbathing on the road during the summer months.
100 mi · Grundy
Bootlegger
The bootlegging trade flourished in these Appalachian Mountains and led directly to the "lawless decade" of the 1920s. Mountain folks utilized the curvy backroads and their knowledge of hard-to-find locations to get around the revenuers. Bootlegger's Run takes you from Grundy to small towns of West Virginia and back. 145 miles of back road awesome just waiting for you to ride.
141 mi · Kingsport
Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail
Follow in the footsteps of early pioneers through Virginia's westernmost county (Lee). Visit Wilderness Road State Park and Martin's Station to check out early handmade forts. Experience the pioneer trek through Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Pinnacle Overlook offers a view of the Gap that opened settlement to the west.
59 mi · Pennington Gap
Eagle's Nest
The valleys on the Eagle's Nest loop provided routes to early pioneers as they moved westward toward Cumberland Gap. This route winds along the Powell and Clinch Rivers through wooded backroads where eagles soar. Add a few miles to your trip to visit the Wilderness Road State Park and Martin's Station.
84 mi · Lebanon
Heartbreaker
This route takes you right through the Heart of Appalachia to Breaks Interstate Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the South." Visit Breaks Park when it offers elk viewing tours and whitewater rafting excursions.
84 mi · Duffield
Panther's Breath
At Natural Tunnel State Park, known as the 8th Wonder of the World, enjoy a chairlift to the gorge below. Follow the footsteps of Daniel Boone at the Anderson Blockhouse, and attend the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama in Big Stone Gap.
98 mi · Gate City
RoadRUNNER
Motorcycling the High Mountain Country of Virginia is a stellar experience with mountaintop elevations. Appalachian Backroads celebrates our newest route, "RoadRUNNER," with stunning mountain roads that are heavily forested and travel through several small villages. This route is a favorite for riders in spring, summer and fall.
80 mi · Tazewell
Scorpion
The Scorpion offers twisty roads and mountain climbs along scenic back roads leading to a trip through God's Thumbprint, Burkes Garden. Rolling farmland, green valleys and charming country stores greet you on these windy roads.
35 mi · Gate City
Skull Cracker
You'll have a laugh-out-loud good time riding this scenic bypass! Pass historical buildings, a stunning waterfall, and charming small towns. Take a side trip to the Creation Kingdom Zoo, or spend another day floating down the Clinch River, dancing at Carter Family Fold, or kick back in front of a cozy fire at your cabin getaway!
43 mi · Wise
Strippers Run
Strippers Run honors the coal miners who worked to strip coal from the Appalachian Mountains. The Kentucky Scenic Byway traverses Pine Mountain and features breathtaking overlooks. Thick woods and streams along the route cool you off on summer days, with stunning foliage in autumn.
65 mi · Wise
The Corkscrew
Enjoy a visit to MountainRose Vineyard outside of Wise. Corkscrew-like curves take you to stunning overlooks at Breaks Interstate Park. The Guest River Gorge offers hiking along the Guest River, through cliffs of stone carved by the river, with ample wildlife.
69 mi · Honaker
The Gargoyle
Don't miss classic small towns like Honaker, Haysi, Richlands, and Cedar Bluff. Save some room on your memory card to capture the views atop the Cedar Bluff Overlook, which provides a stunning perspective any time of year. Virginia Route 80 is a designated Virginia Scenic Byway so allow time to stop and take in all the beauty only found in our neck of the woods.
48 mi · Norton
The Woodbooger
The Woodbooger is called Big Foot in other parts of the nation. It lives in the highlands near Norton and is memorialized by the Woodbooger statue at Flag Rock, which provides panoramic views and hiking trails. After your photo op, tackle the curvy climb to High Knob.