The Snake (US-421)

33 mi
Length
3
Verified stops
4,010 ft
High point
Scenic
Road type

US-421 from Mountain City to Bristol via Shady Valley, about 37 miles billed locally as 489 curves over three mountains. Sustained switchbacks and ridge crossings through Cherokee National Forest, with a famous country-store stop at the halfway point.

What you'll hit along the way.

Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.

Mile 0.0

Mountain City

Southern starting point — fuel and food before the climbs, since services are sparse until Bristol.

Mile 12.0

Shady Valley

Crossroads community at the heart of the ride — the Shady Valley Country Store is the traditional rider gathering spot between the mountain sections.

Mile 33.0

Bristol

Northern terminus with full services, plus Bristol Motor Speedway and the twin-state State Street downtown.

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