Claw of the Dragon

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CLAW OF THE DRAGON

Featuring more than 200 miles of incredible scenery, Claw of the Dragon is one of the most popular bike rides in the South among motorcycle enthusiasts.

ScenicDrive

CLAW OF THE DRAGON

Traversing Southwest Virginia’s captivating back roads and looping through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the trail’s epicenter is in picturesque Wytheville. With various loops snaking west into Marion and east into Galax, riders, who can easily jump on the route from Interstate 77 or 81, will experience stunning mountain views as the ride takes them into parts of seven Virginia counties.

ScenicView

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

In Wytheville, riders can enjoy a number of intriguing roads within the historic community, as well as a number of remarkable sights. A trip to the top of Big Walker Mountain along the 16-mile scenic byway will definitely prove exciting and eye-opening as riders will no doubt feel they have been transported to a haven of incomparable outdoor beauty.

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MUST-SEE STOPS

Other must-see stops on Claw of the Dragon through Wytheville include Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, West Wind Winery, Fort Chiswell Animal Park and Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. Riders will also want to check out Wytheville’s charming downtown, which is rich in history and features unique shopping, fascinating museums, and exceptional restaurants like the 1776 Log House Restaurant and Graze on Main, located in the historic and award-winning Bolling Wilson Hotel. A number of other lodging opportunities are also available, including the gorgeous Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast.

5 Best Outdoor Adventure Destinations in Wytheville

5 Best Outdoor Adventure Destinations in Wytheville

5 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS IN WYTHEVILLE

You are going to have an unforgettable experience in Wytheville and we promise your trip won’t lack for adventure! Wytheville is fortunate to have a number of local, state, and national parks that offer wonderful outdoor experiences for everyone. Not surprisingly, there is also a wealth of camping, hiking, hunting, and picnicking opportunities.

BikingCrystalSprings

CRYSTAL SPRINGS RECREATION AREA

Just outside the town limits, you’ll find Crystal Springs Recreation Area, a scenic 1,800- acre area where you can truly get back to nature and camp, bike, hike or picnic. The trails offer a variety of lengths and difficulty, with farmland, forests, and a clear mountain stream serving as a picturesque background.

BigWalkerLookout

BIG WALKER LOOKOUT

Wytheville offers many other incredible experiences, starting with a visit to the top of Big Walker Mountain. At an elevation of 3,405 feet, the lookout features an observation tower and a swinging bridge. The oldest and highest private scenic attraction in Virginia is the starting point of the Toland’s Raid Civil War trail that ends in Wytheville. Also of note: the lookout at the top of the mountain is a Virginia Birding trail and offers breathtakingly beautiful views.

25New River Kayaking

THE NEW RIVER

Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in the area which is home to the second oldest river in the world. The New River is a true recreation destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love spending time on or in the water. The dazzling river flows through spectacular mountain scenery and features some of the best fishing around, as well as whitewater rafting, canoeing, boating, camping and more.

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BEAGLE RIDGE HERB FARM

No outdoor excursion in Wytheville would be complete without a visit to Beagle Ridge Herb Farm. This 160-acre wooded retreat has more than four miles of nature trails, as well as display gardens and seasonal events. Relax in the gardens and enjoy a cup of herbal tea, learn about herbal crafts and natural lotions and creams or just take in the breathtaking views. You’ll also love Flying Flowers, the name given to the butterflies in the gardens. A walk-through butterfly house allows you to strolls among these gorgeous creatures before you enjoy some Butterfly tea and some delicious lunch.

ShotTower

SHOT TOWER STATE PARK

Historic Shot Tower State Park should also be on your bucket list. The 57-mile trail follows an abandoned railroad bed along the New River and features hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, tubing, kayaking, fishing, camping and picnicking. Visitors to the park can also ascend Shot Tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built more than 200 years ago.

Best Motorcycle Ride in Wytheville

THE BEST MOTORCYCLE

RIDE IN WYTHEVILLE

Featuring more than 200 miles of incredible scenery, Claw of the Dragon is one of the most popular bike rides in the South among motorcycle enthusiasts.

ScenicDrive

CLAW OF THE DRAGON

Traversing Southwest Virginia’s captivating back roads and looping through the Blue Ridge Mountains, the trail’s epicenter is in picturesque Wytheville. With various loops snaking west into Marion and east into Galax, riders, who can easily jump on the route from Interstate 77 or 81, will experience stunning mountain views as the ride takes them into parts of seven Virginia counties.

ScenicView

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

In Wytheville, riders can enjoy a number of intriguing roads within the historic community, as well as a number of remarkable sights. A trip to the top of Big Walker Mountain along the 16-mile scenic byway will definitely prove exciting and eye-opening as riders will no doubt feel they have been transported to a haven of incomparable outdoor beauty.

BigWalkerSelfie

MUST-SEE STOPS

Other must-see stops on Claw of the Dragon through Wytheville include Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, West Wind Winery, Fort Chiswell Animal Park and Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. Riders will also want to check out Wytheville’s charming downtown, which is rich in history and features unique shopping, fascinating museums, and exceptional restaurants like the 1776 Log House Restaurant and Graze on Main, located in the historic and award-winning Bolling Wilson Hotel. A number of other lodging opportunities are also available, including the gorgeous Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast.

7 FUN THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WYTHEVILLE VA THIS SEASON

7 FUN THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WYTHEVILLE VA THIS SEASON

7 FUN THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN WYTHEVILLE THIS SEASON

Wytheville and Wythe County are all about fun and experiencing incredible attractions that you will only find here in our small but bountiful part of Southwest Virginia.

BigWalkerLookout

BIG WALKER MOUNTAIN

If you love the outdoors, you’re in the right place because Wytheville has something for everyone. Among the top attractions is the Big Walker Mountain National Forest Scenic Byway and Big Walker Mountain. At an elevation of 3,405 feet, the Big Walker lookout features an observation tower and a swinging bridge. The oldest and highest private scenic attraction in Virginia is the starting point of the Toland’s Raid Civil War trail that ends in Wytheville. Not to be missed is the fact that the lookout at the top of the mountain is a Virginia Birding trail and offers breathtakingly beautiful views.

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FORT CHISWELL ANIMAL PARK

Fort Chiswell Animal Park, which sits on 45 beautiful acres, is also a must-see venue. Featuring animals from six of the seven continents, you’ll enjoy interacting with a variety of animals, including camels, zebras, buffalo, monkeys parrots, antelope, deer, and Cheeto the giraffe. There is also a great petting zoo and a safari tour too at the Animal Park, where you can not only pet the animals but feed them too!

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BEAGLE RIDGE HERB FARM

No outdoor excursion in Wytheville would be complete without a visit to Beagle Ridge Herb Farm. This 160-acre wooded retreat has more than four miles of nature trails, as well as display gardens and seasonal events. Relax in the gardens and enjoy a cup of herbal tea, learn about herbal crafts and natural lotions and creams or just take in the breathtaking views. You’ll also love Flying Flowers, the name given to the butterflies in the gardens. A walk-through butterfly house allows you to strolls among these gorgeous creatures before you enjoy some Butterfly tea and some delicious lunch.

WestWind

WEST WIND FARM AND VINEYARDS AND WINERY

Another attraction that can’t be missed is the West Wind Farm Vineyards and Winery, where you can enjoy hand-crafted Virginia wine while experiencing a spectacular view of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. West Wind offers tastings and tours, along with gourmet snacks, custom gift baskets, local arts, and crafts and more. And the wine slushies are a must!

CrystalSprings

CRYSTAL SPRINGS RECREATION AREA

Just outside the town limits, you’ll find Crystal Springs Recreation Area, a scenic 1,800- acre area where you can truly get back to nature and camp, bike, hike or picnic. The trails offer a variety of lengths and difficulty, with farmland, forests, and a clear mountain stream serving as a picturesque background.

WytheRaceway

WYTHE RACEWAY

For race fans, every Saturday night from April into October a trip to Wythe Raceway won’t disappoint as the thrills of half-mile dirt racing on a high banked oval will keep you on your feet. The intimate bullring has been thrilling grassroots race fans for more than 50 years and attracts thousands of fans every weekend.

WohlfahrtHaus

WOHLFAHRT HAUS DINNER THEATRE

In town, you’ll find a treasure in the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, a state-of-the-art German-themed dinner theatre that promises visitors a unique theatre and dining experience and features lounge-style chairs and a four-course meal prepared by the in-house chef. There’s something for everyone as audiences enjoy all musicals, all the time, which feature a variety of music from classic to contemporary, as well as huge production numbers with exceptional dancing.