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.
The tower has stood on this summit since 1947, and the Kime family has operated it continuously ever since — now into the third generation. The spot sits at the high point of the Big Walker Mountain National Scenic Byway on US-52 between Wytheville and Bland, which makes it a natural break in the ride whether you're running the full Claw of the Dragon corridor or just threading US-52 for its own sake. Parking is straightforward, and the Country Store is the first thing you reach before the tower.
The climb is 100 feet of tower on top of a mountain already sitting at 3,405 feet. On a clear day the platform opens up views into five states — Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The store below stocks Official Claw of the Dragon and Back of the Dragon merchandise alongside handmade goods from local artisans, fudge, ice cream, and snacks. Weekends from late spring through fall the venue hosts free live old-time and bluegrass music as part of the Crooked Road, Southwest Virginia's heritage music trail.
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.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
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