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The Atlas/Virginia/Big Walker Lookout & Country Store

Big Walker Lookout & Country Store

A 100-foot observation tower atop Big Walker Mountain (3,405 ft) on US-52, built in 1947 and run continuously by the Kime family. On a clear day the tower yields views into five states. The Country Store below sells official Claw of the Dragon and Back of the Dragon merchandise, snacks, and souvenirs — making it the natural gathering point for Southwest Virginia's premier motorcycle corridor.

Virginia
Region
Attraction
Stop type
Standalone stop
Atlas
// Why riders stop

Sits squarely on the Bland Loop of the Claw of the Dragon route — the go-to mid-ride stop for Southwest Virginia's dragon roads, with free parking and a quick tower climb.

// Rider photos

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// Nearby & related
StopVirginia
Back of the Dragon Center
Virginia
The official hub for Virginia's only state-designated motorcycle route — the 32-mile, 400-turn Back of the Dragon (VA-16). Located at 592 Main St in downtown Tazewell, the center features a self-pour tap wall, coffee shop, Dragon Fired Pizza Kitchen, and a large gift shop stocked with dragon-branded merchandise. Dedicated motorcycle parking is separate from car parking.
StopVirginia
Big Meadows Wayside
Virginia
The only gas station inside Shenandoah National Park — fuel plus carry-out and sit-down dining and a camp store at Skyline Drive mile 51.2. Closed in winter.
RallyVirginia
Colonial Beach Bike Fest
Virginia
The 12th Annual Colonial Beach Bike Fest draws 30,000+ visitors to the Chesapeake waterfront town of Colonial Beach (65 miles from DC, 75 miles from Richmond) for four days of bikes, bands, beaches, and food. The event features live concerts across three stages, a motorcycle show, vendor village, and organized rides including the Defenders of Freedom Ride. Run by the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce since 2014.