Southwest VIRGINIA

Take the Road Less Travelled

Windows down, radio cranked, I drove along a wedge of Southwest Virginia that could easily be overlooked if you put on your autopilot. Instead, I was haphazardly following my GPS on the main artery known as Interstate 81. My heart racing with each flick of my turn signal, I pondered the possibilities that were beyond each bend.

In this scenery-rich road trip where the tales are as tall as the Blue Ridge Mountains around me, it was easy to imagine myself as the storybook character Alice whose wonderland became Southwest Virginia.

From Bristol to Roanoke in an area known as the Appalachian plateau, the region is a magical realm of wilderness. Blessed with honeycomb caves, rushing rivers, and terrain that changes from some of the oldest mountains on earth to forested floors, I discovered that Southwest Virginia is an outdoor adventurers’ dream for all ages at all skill levels. An under-the-radar destination open for exploration anytime of the year, don’t be surprised by the chilling-out effects as you veer off the big highway, slow down on scenic drives and hit the brake by eye-candy vistas.

I HAVEN’T MET A VIEW I DIDN’T LIKE IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

They say the best views are off the beaten path, so I rode less travelled roads whenever possible. One exception was the highly popular Blue Ridge Parkway! Revered as “America’s favourite scenic drive,” my drive easily became a crawl as I stopped at every overlook, present in the moment, watching the cumulus clouds drift atop the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was as if Mother Nature herself painted the natural setting.

Another day after a scenic drive past quirky roadside attractions like a Big Pencil outside Wytheville and other charming towns where history breathes deep, I arrived at the Appalachian town of Bristol. While drinking in the mountain ridge views on the rooftop terrace of the historic Bristol Hotel, a sense of wonder washed over me as golden magic hour poured amber into amethyst behind the Appalachian Mountains. I knew right then and there that Southwest Virginia would have no shortage of brilliant views.

SINK INTO YOUR SEAT ON THE BACK OF THE DRAGON

Tazewell County is home to one of the best (and underrated) motorcycling routes in the United States. When I heard about 400+ turns through hills that loom over 1,000 metres high, this infamous 50-kilometre mountain route sounded like an epic detour. I knew I had to dabble in the Back of the Dragon!

Known as Route 16, this white-knuckle drive connects the towns of Marion and Tazewell via some seriously winding roads. I’m talking sinkinto-your-seat-and-hold-on-to-the-door-handle type curves! I only experienced a small portion of the route near Tazewell, but I’m already hooked on the jaw-dropping views as the road snakes through lush landscape. The excitement increased as I sat shotgun to Larry Davidson, the mastermind behind the Back of the Dragon. His passion for the route ingrained in every sentence as he regaled tales of driving on the switchbacks with his family decades earlier. It was clear to me that this road less travelled experience is not to be missed!

GET OUT FOR A RIP ON THE SPEARHEAD TRAILS

These days, I seek more solace away from cities and into the comfort of backcountries.… But this preference doesn’t replace my love for adventure! I am addicted to the thrill of racing ridge runs in side-by-sides and ATVS while tackling routes no other vehicle can handle.

In Coeburn, the harrowing Spearhead Trail System offers serious outdoor adventure with nearly 1,000 kilometres of craggy trails. Opt for a guided tour as a passenger with a Spearhead ranger; try the “follow me” option, shadowing an experienced guide; or DIY it.

Another day, at the Trailhead ATV Resort, an indie-owned campground in Virginia’s tallest town of Bluefield, I was fully outfitted for my adrenalincharged escapade. Match your path to your comfort level. Sandwiched between Spearhead trails and the legendary Hatfield-mccoy Trail System, you can’t beat a nature rollercoaster ride here.

FEEL THE ADRENALIN ON VIRGINIA’S MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

Around Roanoke, the hills and valleys create impressive mountain biking trails not for the faint of heart. While this nail-biting experience has been saved for a future outdoor adventure, I could only imagine the thrill of the ride in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, racing tight serpentines through the woodlands and forests of America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital!

My muscles are aching just thinking about tackling trails like the hilly Hi-dee-ho in Carvins Cove, and the outcrops of Roaring Run’s Upper Hoop Hole. Designated a Silver-level Ride Center by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Virginia’s Blue Ridge has over 640 kilometres of mountain biking trails. If this sounds as intimidating to you as it does to me, there are a number of local options like the Roanoke Valley Greenways for beginners.

A WHOLE LOT OF LOVE IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Everyone loves a good photo opportunity! Across the state, fanciful LOVE signs either paint the countryside or line the thoroughfares. Funded by the Virginia tourism board, as part of the state’s iconic slogan “Virginia is for Lovers,” these public art sculptures announce “love” in creative ways. Every Lovework is uniquely local. In downtown Bristol, which is the birthplace of country music, instruments spell LOVE. I would return for another road trip to find the other 30 works dotting the Interstate 81 alone!

These LOVE signs aren’t the only way to feel Southwest Virginia’s appeal. Across the roads less travelled, I encountered a distinct passion for the flora, fauna, folks and freeways that fuelled my core.

Being present in the moment, pure authenticity, embracing the stillness of nature—finding that inner peace outdoors is the magic of Southwest Virginia, and a place to capture your imagination as any modern-day Alice playing in this wooded wonderland would. DS