Overall Route Rating
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4.86 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.86
36 Reviews

"The Snake" - Hwy 421 & 34

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By MCR Contributor (1039 McR Points) on May 15, 2011

Rider Reviews

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GJRonK
2629 McR Points
August 12, 2012
--This was fun from end to end. Aptly named as…
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Guest
October 18, 2013
Our group met up at 8am at the Cracker Barrel in…
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Written Directions

From Mountain City, TN, take Hwy 421 North through the Cherokee Nat'l Forest, Shady Valley, TN, and on to Holston Valley, TN. As a short side trip, take TN 133 North 10 miles to see Backbone Rock.

Scenery

This route takes you from Mountain City, TN to Holston Valley riding through the Cherokee Nat'l Forest. Riding through mountains and valleys with great vistas and ending with a view of South Holston Lake.

Drive Enjoyment

The Snake is said to have "489 curves, 3 mountains, 1 valley packed into 33 miles!" As you leave Mountain City, riding through the Cherokee Nat'l Forest, there are some great views as you ascend over the first mountain ridge on some of the best twisties in the area. The climb over the second ridge is as good as the first with more twisting/turning roads that will leave you exhilarated. The ride ends up in Holston Valley after crossing Holston Lake. We hold our Annual Rune Rally in nearby Erwin, Tn and this ribbon of asphalt one of our favorites.

Tourism Opportunities

Mountain City and Holston Valley have everything you want and need for a great get away, and in the middle of this ride is the Shady Valley Country Store. They have great burgers/sandwiches, snacks and souvenirs too.
 

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Steve Anderjack
March 5, 2020
54 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Fantastic ride with plenty of scenery. Give yourself plenty of time to see the sights and keep one eye on the sky. Rain showers come over the mountain quickly and will catch you if you are not watching.
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SKCMPeters
May 14, 2022
30 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Great for Twisties but there are better scenic views. I live off of 421, albeit in Winston Salem, but I ride The Snake at least once a season. The Country Store, hangout, etc in Shady Valley is a great place to grab something to eat and talk to other riders.
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Hardrider
March 6, 2020
92 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring
Great road and well maintained. Tight turns and switchbacks. Good scenery as you would expect in the mountains. Must stop at Shady Valley country store, really the only place to stop between Boone NC and Bristol TN.
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