Left : Burke ’ s Garden is a rural historic district in Virginia ’ s highest valley , nicknamed God ’ s Thumbprint . Right : Part of Burke ’ s Garden Road is a narrow gravel byway that zigzags over a mountain ridgeline and intersects the Appalachian Trail .
surface . Without a swimsuit – and guessing that Kevlarlined motorcycle gear wouldn ’ t be the best beach attire – I headed back , glancing back green- eyed at the cool water .
After another night of sleeping in luxury , I woke up with a long ride in my future . Bounding through the peaceful Virginia countryside lined with residences , antique barns , and farming equipment , I passed through Saltville before crossing over BOTD again . My route would follow a road that appeared on the map to be extremely twisty before ending in Burke ’ s Garden , a valley known for its views and Amish heritage .
My route to Burke ’ s Garden via State Route 623 included a single- lane gravel road . While I had ridden on gravel before , I ’ m not an experienced off- road rider . I pressed on , and it wasn ’ t until I got to that first 180- degree uphill hairpin that I realized this was the curvy section of road that I had seen on the map .
As I rode through hairpin after hairpin on gravel , dirt , and rock , I focused on my training . I breathed and loosened
my death- grip on the handlebar . I turned my head to look through the sharp turns and positioned my body to ensure I didn ’ t turn wide and drop off the steep edge . When one hairpin turned downhill , causing me to gain too much speed for comfort , I remembered to gently press the back brake instead of the common tendency to forcibly grab the front . Then – suddenly – I was on pavement again ! I let out an exclamation of joy .
A few miles later , I was in the “ bowl ” of Burke ’ s Garden , sitting on the stoop of the Amish General Store enjoying the mountains surrounding me . Resting and snacking , I was grateful for the gravel road experience and the beautiful views , even if it was nerve- wracking . I was also grateful that I would be heading back to Tazewell a different way !
Riding a fun , paved twisty out of Burke ’ s Garden , I arrived at BOTD Brewery and looked forward to the prospect of more pizza . This time , I ordered the specialty Kudzu Pie ,
This is the vista from the Million Dollar View section of Back of the Dragon .
RIDERMAGAZINE . COM / APRIL 2025 / 25