Overall Route Rating
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4.33 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.33
73 Reviews

The Ohio Cousin of the "Tail of the Dragon"

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jun 30, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Guest
May 9, 2014
Just rode this yesterday 5-8-14. Neat ride 3rd…
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Guest
March 19, 2009
Spent the day on 536, 556, 255 and 78 and Sykes…
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Written Directions

Start by getting yourself to Hannibal, OH. From their just take Ohio Rt 536 east to the end point of Ohio Rt 78. there are no towns between Hannibal and 78.

Scenery

Hidden in the southeast corner of Ohio, just north of Wayne National Forest, you'll find a fantastic ride through the deep woods. Pics wouldn't even be able to really describe it. From steep hills, to valleys ... the view is superb!

Drive Enjoyment

There are practically no flat spots on this one. There are turns as tight as 15 mph; I took them at 30, and i was very close to scraping pegs. There are a few 180 degree reversals on it, and this snakes over some extremely steep terrain; steep enough that a stock sportster will need to be in 3rd gear. The road is in great shape pavement wise and yet will give any rider a serious workout and has to be treated with a lot of respect. 97% of the rough curves are well marked out, and it's highly advised to pay heed to them; they're there for a reason. The hills are very steep also, and can easily tax the brakes and I suggest using the engine as an additional brake. Keep in mind there are NO GUARDRAILS anywhere on this road once u start to leave Hannibal. Like the dragon, leave this road, and u leave the extra hard way. The hills are steep enough that u will quickly get too much speed for any hairpins that could come up. be on high alert for gravel in the moderate and extra sharp hairpins and curves as u will only have seconds at best to react to gravel. Another danger is idiots driving too fast in their cars ... stay on yer side of the road, or become a bug on the windshield.

Tourism Opportunities

This route is meant for ridding and nothing else! The only thing between the start point and the end point are turns, turns and more turns.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
May 26, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Awesome road! Very curvy and lots of elevation changes. The views are spectacular so you will have to ride the road a few times; once for the thrill of the ride and another to stop and appreciate the beauty only nature can provide. Be careful though the road is narrow and there are no guard rails so be sure to stay well on your side of the road lest you become a hood ornament for an oncoming car.
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3 riders found this road review useful
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Graves
March 19, 2015
17 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Roads like this are the reason I ride, well maybe not the sole reason, but you get the point. This is the trickiest (most dangerous) road that I've had the pleasure of riding balls out. When we (my crotch rocket buddy and my cruiser self) turned onto 536 from the boring 78 I was practically drooling with anticipation! Right off the bat there's the rough, gravely twists and turns, which last pretty much the entire route. Danger is around every corner with blind hills, driveways, farm animals etc...Not a whole lot of places to stop for pics or even for an emergency, so take the mental pictures when you can because you'll need to be focused on the road. I got in it and rode the hell out of it the whole way. My buddy finally caught up to me as I got stopped behind a trooper who was waiting for a semi at the hairpin turn toward the end of the route on the Southern end. What a bummer. We had to ride a tight inside to the semi-tractor trailer at that turn because he had stopped on the turn itself!

We got to the bottom, hung out at the locks on the river for a few minutes before heading back up and trying the route the other way. The hairpin was nice but not as great as it could've been in the other direction. Damn semi!

All in all, beautiful scenery and a rough, technical road. I wouldn't recommend this route to a FNG but if you're experienced, confident and have good brakes and tires then this is THE route to ride in all of Ohio! Riding this road is like making sweet, sweet love.
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3 riders found this road review useful
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Guest
February 4, 2014
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
One of my favs on the way to the river.Not for novices!I still scrape my pipes on this one.Fun but demands your attention at all times.Be Safe.
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3 riders found this road review useful