Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
1 Review

Eastern Kentucky-SW Virginia Loop

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By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 18, 2011

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I RYD
157 McR Points
January 30, 2017
Run this 9/6/2016 from Pikeville down to 81 and…
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Written Directions

This route is a loop, we started on southbound US 23 in Pikeville, KY to US 460 east at Shelbiana. Continue east on 460 through Grundy VA. Continue on through Claypool Hill headed towards Tazewell VA. Just before you get to Tazewell, follow the signs for North US 19 Business/East US 460 Business (right). Follow signs to Marion at Frog Level Station, South 16. Stay south on 16. You will go through Hungry Mother State Park to Marion VA at Route 11, Lee Highway. Plenty of food, gas, etc. at Marion. Follow signs to I-81 South, or you could stay south on Lee Hwy (Route 11). If you stay on Lee Hwy., you'll probably have a lot of stop and go. Follow I-81 South to Route 80, exit 24. Turn right (west) onto Route 80. Basically follow Route 80 until you come into KY, Breaks Interstate Park. Route 80 will join US 460 again and follow west back into Pikeville.

Scenery

Lot's of mountains, farmland, winding along rivers and through Jefferson National Forest and Hungry Mother State Park.

Drive Enjoyment

Overall, the roads were great, some 4-lane on Route 460 in Virginia, mostly 2-lane. There are a few places on Route 80 that had some gravel in the curves.

Tourism Opportunities

Gas stations, an fast food abound pretty much all the way along the route. However, top off before you hit Route 16, also, just a couple places along Route 80.
 

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I RYD
January 30, 2017
157 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Run this 9/6/2016 from Pikeville down to 81 and on to Bristol Tenn. Great road. 460 seems to run along river valleys and 16 the Back of the Dragon had nice elevation changes.
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