Oriole Drive, Jefferson National Forest, Wythe County, Virginia
Wythe County has some very nice gravel roads. Wythe County is basically between two mountains. So it goes from rolling hills to mountainous with a nice valley up the middle. Jefferson National Forest flanks the north side and south side of the county. Jefferson NF contains some nice dirt forest roads.
Little Walker Gravel Grinder This is one of my favorite routes I have done in Wythe/Bland county. It is chock full of great roads. Approximately 43 miles long with about 18.5 miles of Gravel/Dirt. You can start this route from Stony Fork campground or the Seven Sisters trail head along Rte 717. The route will take you up and over Little Walker mountain on Smith Hollow rd. Which is an awesome gravel climb with lots of switchbacks. Then you will roll through some nice farm land with gravel roads dispersed among paved roads. The last part of the ride, you will enter Jefferson National Forest. Which contains the climby Oriole drive. A mix of dirt and gravel will take you back towards Rte 717 and the finish. For more mileage try this 56 miler I call it "Giro d' Little Walker" because the Crocket Cove rd gravel climb will get you thinking you are climbing in the Italian Alps. Lots of switchbacks. Awesome road and climb.
Zion Church Rd, Wythe County, Virgina
Sand Mountain 50 miler Here is a route that starts in Wytheville at the high school. This is a very nice route that first takes you over Sand (Lick) Mountain into the southern part of Wythe County. Sand mountain is a nice climb, not hateful just steady. You then bomb down into Piney as the locals call it. There is some sweet gravel on this side of the County. Lots of farms and cool stuff to look at. You will travel west then north under interstate 81 and hit one of my favorite sections of gravel, Swallow Hollow Rd. Though it is short, I love it. You will then wind you way, up and down back into Wytheville. This is a "Beggars Route", meaning no public water stops. But the people are friendly in this area. Just stop at a house, ask and you shall receive.
