Three Days on a Motorcycle Exploring the Claw of the Dragon Trail
Riding the Blue Ridge Mountains
When you head to Wytheville, Virginia, there are many ways to experience the beauty and charm of this historical town that is nestled among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the most unique or memorable options is to head out on a motorcycle and ride along the Claw of the Dragon trail.
This bucket-list cycling route includes a circuitous group of connected loop trails that cover more than 350 miles in total. The undulating pavement along each section leads to charming towns, and you’ll marvel as you wind through lush forests and along rivers and lakes in the seven Virginia counties that are part of Claw of the Dragon.
While you could easily spend a week or two exploring mile after beautiful mile from the seat of your motorcycle, here is a three-day itinerary that utilizes Wytheville as your home base. No specific lodging property is listed, but the town boasts myriad options—from brand-name hotels, boutique properties to B&Bs and campgrounds—at a range of price points.
Keep in mind that the Claw’s loop trails also are a favorite of classic car enthusiasts, who often caravan to the area for weekend rallies.
DAY 1—Wytheville Loop and Galax Loop
Morning
A good way to start your first day of riding is with a hearty breakfast at Grayson’s Restaurant. This unassuming mom-and-pop spot in downtown Wytheville specializes in Southern food, and you won’t leave hungry.
The first section of Claw of the Dragon you’ll enjoy is the Wytheville Loop. There is plenty to see, as this 62-mile route includes roads that are Virginia Scenic Byways, and whether you explore the northern or southern part of the loop first, you’ll want to end up along the eastern part around noon time.
Lunch
West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery on the eastern side of the Wytheville Loop is your lunch destination. This family-owned winery is the perfect place to have a picnic and enjoy the views. More riding is ahead, so instead of sampling a glass, purchase a bottle to take with you to drink later.
Afternoon
Next up is the 60-mile Galax Loop. If you explore it in a counterclockwise direction, you can ride for a while, and then stop in the town of Galax, which is known as a hotbed of mountain music and barbecue. As you venture up the loop’s eastern side, you’ll pass through Hillsville on your way to New River Trail State Park. Make time to see two of the park’s main features: Shot Tower and Foster Falls.
Evening
After you roll back into Wytheville, you can freshen up before heading to 1776 Log House Restaurant for dinner. Few places in the city so seamlessly blend history and charm, and the menu includes a range of hearty entrees.
DAY 2—Marion Loop and Bastian Loop
Morning
You’ll begin the day’s journey at Châu’s Corner Bakery for a pastry or two. You may be tempted to come back and try other creations that represent the owner’s Vietnamese heritage—pho and spring rolls are signature items—as well as the time she spent living in Texas (handmade tamales) and New Orleans (spicy étouffée).
Your first destination is Grayson Highlands State Park along the southern edge of the Marion Loop. The park, which offers access to the Appalachian Trail, is home to alpine forests and views of the nearby mountain peaks. Another scenic nearby spot is the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which is home to the highest point in Virginia: 5,729-foot Mount Rogers.
Lunch
Make your way on up Virginia Route 16 to the town of Marion, where you’ll stop to refuel. Regardless of which of the local lunch spots you choose, make sure to save some room for a piece or four of homemade fudge from Hester’s Country Store and Fudgery.
Afternoon
As you head north of Marion, you’ll hit the most famous section of the Claw: The Back of the Dragon. This 32-mile path, which connects the Marion and Bastian loops, includes a whopping 438 curves—many are switchbacks. The elevation is around 3,500 feet, and take your time savoring breathtaking view after breathtaking view. You’ll close your riding day with a few more miles on the Bastian Loop before returning to Wytheville.
Evening
After taming the Back of the Dragon, choose one of Wytheville’s many international restaurants for dinner. Whether you are craving Italian, Greek, Chinese, Mexican, or German, you won’t be disappointed.
DAY 3—Bastian Loop & Bland Loop
Morning
Since you’ve got a big riding day ahead of you, breakfast is grab-and-go from Olykoek Donuts. Located on Main Street, Olykoek offers a variety of glazed and cake donuts, and its tasty creations and strong coffee will get you going. On your way to the 94-mile Bland Loop, stop at Wythe Produce. This local farm stand and deli is a good place to pick up a sandwich and fresh fruit to take along for lunch. Once you have those necessities loaded on, head east on the Little Creek Highway, which is designated as a Scenic Virginia Byway, before circling around and going west along historical State Route 42.
Lunch
Big Walker Lookout is your lunch stop. Located off Highway 52 near where the western section of the Bland Loop meets the eastern part of the Bastian Loop, this local landmark and its namesake 100-foot observation tower is a favorite of motorcycle groups and car enthusiasts. After you finish your sandwich, stop in the on-site country store, which has yummy hand-dipped ice cream.
Afternoon
From Big Walker, go north to the quaint town of Bastian, then venture west to Burkes Garden. This Bastian Loop gem, known as “God’s Thumbprint,” Vanderbilt’s first choice for the Biltmore location is a bowl-shaped valley known for its lush flora, wildlife, farms, and high-altitude lakes.
Evening
It’s time to raise a pint to your successful three-day ride, and an excellent place to do that is 7 Dogs Brew Pub. Wytheville’s first brewery/brewpub, 7 Dogs offers ribs, burgers, tacos, salads, and sides, as well as more than a dozen of its own beers on tap. Depending on the night, you may hear live music or enjoy trivia night.
