Got a two-day ride planned for next week from Charlotte, NC to Bristol, TN/VA then back. On the way back we're riding the section of Hwy 421 known as The Snake. I've ridden the Tail of the Dragon, but never ridden the Snake. I know that the Snake is longer (33 miles vs. 11 miles) and has a few more curves, but I'm interested in the impressions of those who have ridden both and how do they compare?

 

not famaliar with the snake did ride 441 through the national park?

 

never mind found it never rode it.

 

I have rode them both. The snake is longer but with less troopers. Both are great rides.

 

IMO the snake is more scenic, the dragons tail is more winding and slower with not a whole lot to see except photographers.

 

I rode the dragon, also rode the devil's triangle but never rode the snake. We have roads thruout Va that are great and challenging. The tail of the dragon is okay but too damn many crotch rockets trying to set a new world record or that's what they think they're doing...

 

Been there done dat, if you are talking 421 from Bristol to Weber City?
About 5 yrs ago when 6 or 7 of us went to Little Sturges. (KY)
Now if you have the time keep going to a Jonesville, Va. and take 70
over the mountain(s) to Rogersville, TN. I think that will put BOTH to
shame. Enjoy and be safe.......... Tenn.Vol

 

try taking 276 from cesars head to travlers rest, that should be better than the snake

 

The Snake (421):
Diverse road conditions, from open road to very twisty.
Seems to have decent elevation changes.
fewer Police (if any)
No photographers
Continues on to many, nice, adjoining roads (BRP being one)
Nice road!!
Scenic - with pull-offs

The Dragon (129)
Excelent curvatiousness (lot's of tight but predictable turns)
Relatively minor elevation changes
Whole lot of bikes! Some good some bad - not determined by bike type, but rather personality type.
Lots of Police with radar and not afraid to use it.
Biking meca
Tourist trap (if you let it)
Leads to several nice roads (Cherahala skyway being one)
Great road!!!
Scenic, but near impossible to view while riding - not many pull-offs

My recomendation : do both if possible, and link them with the BRP for some spectacular views!

 

As long as you are in the area, try Va Rt16 from Marion to Tazwell. Called the "Dragons Back". Signs prohibiting vehicles over 35ft. Rode it on a beautiful Saturday couple of weeks ago. Met maybe 5 cars and 4 bikes. No drama and a beautiful ride.