The Snake 421 (Holston Mountain Pass)
Carving across two distinct mountain ranges and through the high agricultural hollow of Shady Valley, The Snake packs 489 curves into 33 miles. The western leg climbs Holston Mountain with relentless off-camber hairpins and switchbacks through Cherokee National Forest, drops into the historic Shady Valley General Store crossroads, and then immediately climbs Iron Mountain before descending into Mountain City. It features tighter, more technical sequences than the Dragon with active farm access, occasional gravel washouts on blind downhill apices, and sudden elevation changes.
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The beating heart and tactical checkpoint of 'The Snake' (US-421: 489 curves across 3 mountain ranges in 33 miles). Nestled in an idyllic high mountain bowl, the store is a weekend gathering spectacle of sport tourers, adventure riders, and cruisers resting after surviving the steep Holston Mountain switchbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many curves and miles is The Snake 421 (Holston Mountain Pass)? ▼
The Snake 421 (Holston Mountain Pass) spans 33 miles and packs approximately 489 curves (14.8 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 1,750 ft - 3,800 ft and technical rating 9.0/10.
Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼
The route starts at Bristol / Holston Valley, TN (Latitude 36.5412, Longitude -82.1023) and finishes at Mountain City, TN (Latitude 36.474, Longitude -81.8051).
How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation? ▼
Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.