Overall Route Rating
speedo-meter speedo-arrow
speedo-meter-grey
4.86 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.86
36 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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

Rider Reviews

GJRonK
2629 McR Points
August 12, 2012
--This was fun from end to end. Aptly named as…
Thumbsup
No Image Found
Guest
October 18, 2013
Our group met up at 8am at the Cracker Barrel in…
Thumbsup

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.
 

Top Images

Share Your Comments ( 36 )
  Earn McR Points
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/
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
2 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
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
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
2 riders found this road review useful
No Image Found
red bud
December 2, 2019
344 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
more twists and turns
Was this road review helpful?
Thumbsup
1 riders found this road review useful