We all know the famous Tail of the Dragon, but the SSP crew just found something better. On our recent 11-day trek from Miami into the heart of the Appalachian mountains, we went looking for the ultimate driving road—and we found it. From the coal country of West Virginia to the “Dragon Slayer” of Highway 160, this trip was about more than just miles; it was about conquering the best curves the East Coast has to offer.
The first 3 days took the group up I95 for stops in Charleston for walking tours of the historic city. Then the group traveled up to a small town in Virginia named St Paul, staying at the Western Front Hotel – a boutique hotel in a former apartment and retail structure that was constructed in 1922. The hotel housed us for 5 days while we toured the sights all around this area.
Day 4 took us North into West Virginia to see the Breaks Interstate park, visited a winery, and walked the Guest River Gorge Trail through the abandoned Railroad tunnel.
We traveled Northeast deep into West Virginia coal country, where we stopped at Pinnacle Rock State Park, toured the ruins of the Itman Company Store, and walked in the footsteps of the kids that the movie October Sky was based on.
We ran the famous amazing Back of the Dragon road, from Tazwell to Marion, then over to Damascus traveling the edge of Grayson Highlands on US-58 and over to Shady Valley to tackle the Snake, US421. That night concluded with dinner at the Tavern in Abingdon where the actual Mayor waited on us.
We tackled for the first time the Highway 160, known as the Dragon Slayer. This old coal road featured fantastic surfaces, beautiful views, and some of the best curves we have ever experienced. When we finished driving it, almost every member claimed this was the best road we’ve ever driven, far exceeding the Tail of the Dragon. The day continued with lunch in the movie town Big Stone Gap and onward to our track rental. SSP rented Twin River Raceway where we got to do some individual passes on one of the sketchiest dragstrips we’ve ever seen.
SSP planned to do some side-by-side off roading, but the weather was bitter cold and rainy. The group instead stayed in town, shopped, took photos and relaxed.
The group departed for home along various directions. One group headed South into Tennessee and drove the Tail of the Dragon on our way to Blueridge GA.
SSP Miami had a 11 day trip together traveling up to the corner of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee to hit scenic mountain roads.
