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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Captain_Anarchy
June 27, 2017
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I love the Snake. The Dragon gets all the acclaim but the Snake is a better ride. You can make a day out of this thing easily. When you stop at the Old 421 Store, it's at a cross roads. Make sure to head north out of the store towards Damascus VA and check out Backbone Rock and enjoy that road also. It brings you back to Mountain City TN and you can take a right turn back on the snake and back to the store. All around just a good place to ride.
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I RYD
January 30, 2017
157 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Road this for the second time 9/6/2016. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you will find a destination like no other. "1 valley, 3 mountains, and 489 curves" is their claim to fame. Come "snake" through parts of the Iron, Holston, and Cross Mountain chain. https://www.421thesnake.com/
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papafern
January 15, 2016
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
I liked this more that the Tail of the Dragon. downside is that there r trucks coming at u on your side of the road and some turns have gravel
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2 riders found this road review useful