Our first trip we covered the head, neck, back and tail of the dragon. To complete the entire Dragon we took a second trip to the Claw of the Dragon. We saved the Claw for a separate trip because it is made up of 6 loops; the Wytheville, Galax, Bastian, Bland, Marion and Outer Loop. The entire Claw winds through 7 counties and totals over 350 miles. Located in Southwest Virginia the country roads of the Claw offer breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountain range and surrounding countryside. There are several sources for information and maps about the Claw including the Wytheville tourism site and REVER.
Day 1 was mainly spent traveling. The one attraction we did see the first day was Big Walker Lookout and BW Country Store. Located on the Wythe/Bland County Line, Big Walker Lookout is the highest point on the Big Walker Mountain National Scenic Byway, which is the scenic bypass for I-77.
Big Walker Lookout offers amazing views from an observation tower and charming country store. The store sells a variety of items including handmade products from the Southwestern Virginia, Claw of the Dragon merchandise and my BF’s favorite part of the store…ice cream. There is plenty of seating and interesting decor to take in outside the store.
While BF was enjoying his ice cream I was able to get some great shots of a hummingbird who was also enjoying some sweet treats provided by the store.
The observation tower has been run by the same family since it was was originally built in 1947.
Originally, visitors crossed to the tower by way of a swinging bridge that connected to the back of the old general store, however in 2003 there was a fire that burned the original store down and a portion of the bridge. The swinging bridge that was not destroyed in the fire and still stands and offers great picture opportunities. Please overlook me being an oddball tying swing the bridge.
Located at an elevation of 3,405 feet, it is said on a clear day the 100 foot tower offers views of mountain peaks in five different states. Whether that is true or not, all I know is the climb up the tower is well worth the amazing views you get from the top.
The first day we covered 389 miles. We stayed the night at a nice little place in Bland, Big Walker Motel. It was a little dated, but it was clean and a great location for this trip.
CKay Lens View 