Appalachian Backroads

Appalachian Backroads Appalachian Backroads offers the best motorcycle and sports car rides in the country!
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Route 16 ... 32 miles. 438 curves. If you ride, you already know it. If you don’t … this is where you learn. Come and r...
05/22/2026

Route 16 ... 32 miles. 438 curves. If you ride, you already know it. If you don’t … this is where you learn. Come and ride the Back of the Dragon. It's waiting for you and spring is the perfect time to ride! Thanks to Visit Tazewell County for the photo!

128 Miles. Four counties.11,000+ ft elevation gain. This one’s for the serious rider. From Burke’s Garden in Tazewell Co...
05/21/2026

128 Miles. Four counties.11,000+ ft elevation gain. This one’s for the serious rider. From Burke’s Garden in Tazewell County, VA, to St. Paul, VA, the journey winds through the rugged Clinch River Valley -- a backcountry ride that tests endurance and rewards every mile.

With 21% gravel and 79% paved surfaces, you’ll climb and descend more than 11,000 feet with your bicycle or dual sport motorcycle. Challenge accepted? The mountains are waiting. Plan your trip and download maps today at https://www.appalachianbackroads.com/bikeroute.

ICYMI: Virginia Rider Magazine featured our Appalchian Backroads in their April 2026 issue:https://www.virginiarider.com...
05/13/2026

ICYMI: Virginia Rider Magazine featured our Appalchian Backroads in their April 2026 issue:
https://www.virginiarider.com/_files/ugd/bf5c15_0135fc81f48b47f1a49d3c2e31edf95f.pdf ! Check it out! The magazine always has some great info for riders of 2- 3- and 4-wheel riders! Back issues are archived and the current issue is always displayed on the magazine page.

It's coming! The RT16 Rally & Music Festival is planned for June 5-7 in Tazewell County, VA and it's sure to deliver a o...
05/09/2026

It's coming! The RT16 Rally & Music Festival is planned for June 5-7 in Tazewell County, VA and it's sure to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience showcasing the spirit of the Heart of Appalachia.

Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live music on multiple stages on both Friday and Saturday, with performances taking place at popular venues including the Wayfarer Appalachia and the Back of the Dragon Headquarters. From regional bands to crowd favorites, the festival atmosphere keeps the energy going day and night.

Motorcycle rally activities, the Cole Harley-Davidson Kick-Off Party, a Main Street Cruise-In with police-escorted parade, Stunt shows on Friday and Saturday, a Sunday Breakfast Ride, Blessing of the Bikes, Bike games and co****le, Food trucks, vendors and more round out the festival activities. See you there!

Details: https://backofthedragon.com/rt16rallymusicfest/

It's National Tourism and Travel Week! What better time is there to plan your trip to ride in the more than 1,500 miles ...
05/08/2026

It's National Tourism and Travel Week! What better time is there to plan your trip to ride in the more than 1,500 miles of our Appalachian Backroads and to explore the Best of Virginia's West right here in the Heart of Appalachia?! Request your free travel guide today at appalachianbackroads.com. You can also download maps directly from the website! See you soon!

Dirt & Gravel Ride 3: Ride #3 – Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area:Located within a 25,000-acre wildlife manageme...
05/01/2026

Dirt & Gravel Ride 3: Ride #3 – Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area:

Located within a 25,000-acre wildlife management area spanning four counties, this ride begins on Route 747 (Tumbling Creek Road). The route follows an historic narrow-gauge railroad grade once used to transport timber down the mountain and many of the original switchback curves remain part of today’s ride.

Numerous waterfalls along the route provide scenic pull-off opportunities. At the summit, turn left onto Laurel Bed Lake Road, leading to the beautiful 330-acre spring-fed Laurel Bed Lake, in Russell County, VA. Dispersed (DIY) camping is available throughout the area.

Tip: After the ride, take to Rt 80, ABR “The Gargoyle," go to Lebanon for lodging, entertainment at the Russell Theatre and various dining options. All routes may be located using Google Maps, Ride GPS and other navigation apps. Always check current DIY camping regulations before your trip if you wish to camp outdoors. Check heartofappalachia.com for even more info on lodging and dining!

Dirt & Gravel Ride #2: Burkes Garden!Beginning near Ceres along Route 42, follow Burkes Garden Road through the Jeffers...
04/30/2026

Dirt & Gravel Ride #2: Burkes Garden!

Beginning near Ceres along Route 42, follow Burkes Garden Road through the Jefferson National Forest. This ride features numerous hairpin curves as you crest the mountain and descend into the remarkable natural “bowl” known as Burkes Garden, sometimes mistaken for a dormant volcano.
After nine miles of dirt and gravel, complete your ride by exploring the scenic paved loop through this tranquil agricultural community — one of the most unique destinations in Virginia, in beautiful Tazewell County, VA!

Tip: after the ride, head downtown Tazewell for great lodging and dining! All routes may be located using Google Maps, Ride GPS and other navigation apps. Always check current DIY camping regulations before your trip if you wish to camp outdoors. Check heartofappalachia.com for more info on lodging and dining!

Dirt and Gravel Ride #1 – Beartown Wilderness:This 14-plus mile ride follows a portion of the Heart of Appalachia Dual ...
04/29/2026

Dirt and Gravel Ride #1 – Beartown Wilderness:

This 14-plus mile ride follows a portion of the Heart of Appalachia Dual Sport/Bike Route across federal land within the Jefferson National Forest. Depending on your starting point, you will travel along Roaring Fork Road and Poor Valley Road. Dispersed (DIY) camping opportunities are available throughout this wilderness area, allowing you to fully experience more than 5,000 acres of scenic backcountry.

All routes may be located using Google Maps, Ride GPS and other navigation apps. Always check current DIY camping regulations before your trip if you wish to camp outdoors. Check heartofappalachia.com for info on lodging and dining!

Check it out for yourself!

Dirt and gravel riding opportunities are abundant throughout the Appalachian Backroads region. While these routes are no...
04/27/2026

Dirt and gravel riding opportunities are abundant throughout the Appalachian Backroads region. While these routes are not listed on our primary map, they are ideal for riders with dual-sport or off-road motorcycles.

As many riders know, dirt and gravel roads have disappeared in some eastern states as agencies shift toward asphalt surfaces that are less expensive to maintain over time.

We've got three! Stay tuned this week for more info on each of them!

04/22/2026

See you soon?

Address

3028 4th Avenue Market Square, PO Box 186
Saint Paul, VA
24283

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+12767620011

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