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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CTAG99
June 17, 2021
44 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Similar, but much less crowded than the dragon. Nice little country store stop off in Shady Valley.
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mchance
June 29, 2021
899 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Definitely a very challenging ride. I rode this on the way back from a stay in Little Switzerland, NC. Not all of the turns are marked, and several will catch you out as being much tighter than initially expected. Road conditions were very good, scenery also good (when you're not required to pay attention to the road) and a stop at the Shady Valley County Store is a must.
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16lowrider103
July 29, 2021
108 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Very curvy ride on the mountain top ridge, scenic ride with low traffic which made for a relaxing enjoyable adventure. There is one stop at Shady Valley you can buy your memorable shirts and many other things. Have rode this twice and will be back.
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