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The Atlas/Virginia/US-52 Big Walker Mountain

US-52 Big Walker Mountain

US-52 ascends Big Walker Mountain on 16 miles of Appalachian scenic byway, delivering sparse traffic, ridge-top forest isolation, and sweeping views from 3,400-foot elevations in Southwest Virginia. The road forms the spine of the Claw of the Dragon's Bland Loop — a multi-hundred-mile network of motorcycle routes centered on Wytheville. Big Walker Lookout at the summit offers a 100-foot observation tower with five-state views and a country store stocked with dragon-route merchandise.

47 mi
Length
0
Verified stops
—
High point
Scenic
Road type
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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.
StopVirginia
Big Walker Lookout & Country Store
Virginia
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.