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The Great Appalachian Road Run

June 6 - June 7
Day 1 Schedule
Start Point: Dragonslayer Welcome Center, Harlan County, Lynch, KY
Time: 10:00 AM
Kick off the event with Cars and Coffee at the Dragonslayer Welcome Center. Browse the swag, explore the center, and capture plenty of photos/videos to commemorate the start of the journey.
From here, we tackle the legendary Dragon Slayer Hwy 160—a route boasting over 225 curves that will test your skills and thrill your senses!
Checkpoint 1: Bigfoot Statue at Flag Rock Recreation Area (Norton, VA)
After conquering the Dragon Slayer Hwy 160, our next stop is Flag Rock Recreation Area.
Meet the famous “Woodbooger” Bigfoot statue, enjoy the stunning views, and snap a proof pic!
Drive “The Knob,” following in the tracks of SCCA hill climb racers as we ascend and descend the course.
Lunch Break: Norton, VA
The City of Norton, Virginia, offers a variety of dining options, local businesses, bars, and services to recharge for the second leg of the day. Enjoy the hospitality of this charming Appalachian town!
Checkpoint 2: Breaks Interstate Park
Route: After lunch, gas up and take a short highway drive before diving back into scenic backroads through Pound, Clintwood, Clinchco, and Haysi.
Arrive at Breaks Interstate Park, a picturesque destination straddling Southwest Virginia and Southeast Kentucky.
Take time to explore the park’s many photo ops, resort amenities, and natural beauty.
Checkpoint 3: Pine Mountain US 119 “The Slingshot”
Journey through the historic coal towns of Elkhorn and Jenkins, KY, before arriving at the Pine Mountain Grill and Gifts checkpoint at the base of US 119 in the City of Whitesburg, Letcher County. Multiple Gas stations nearby. Fuel up if you need to and let’s hit the The Slingshot.
The Slingshot is a flagship route with technical curves, smooth blacktop, and exhilarating stretches that will challenge the connection between man and machine.
Checkpoint 4: The General Store at Pine Mountain Crossing
Located at the opposite end of The Slingshot, this charming store marks the next stop on our route. In this uniquely Appalachian store, you’re sure to find things you’ve never seen before. If you’re hungry, they make a mean sandwich—anything from Bologna (a KY classic) to burgers, they’ve got you covered.
Optional Adventure: Little Shepherd Trail to Kingdom Come State Park
For those who want more after The Slingshot, head back to the trail entrance at the top of Pine Mountain and explore Little Shepherd Trail.
This one-lane road winds through dense woods and leads to Kingdom Come State Park in Cumberland, KY.
Final Checkpoint: Kingdom Come State Park
Highlights include stunning overlooks, a serene lake, hiking and biking trails, paddleboats, horseback riding, mini-golf, and fishing.
*Special Activity: Bring your fishing poles! A prize will be awarded for the largest fish caught from the lake!*
*Day 2*
Checkpoint 1: Maco’s Mountain Resort / Julian Carroll Airport — Jackson, KY
Welcome to one of the wildest pit stops on the Appalachian Road Run! We’ve locked down a private mountain-top airstrip just for you—Julian Carroll Airport. This isn’t your average stretch of asphalt. With over a half mile of straightaway, it’s made for full-throttle speed runs and arm-drop drag races. No traffic. No limits. Just you, your machine, and the wind screaming past at over 100 mph.
And when the adrenaline settles? Maco’s Mountain Resort is right next door with luxury cabins tucked into the mountainside. It’s a perfect mix of grit and comfort—raw speed by day, 5-star mountain relaxation by night. Eastern Kentucky doesn’t get much better than this. Bring your A-game, bring your crew, and most of all—bring your sense of adventure. After this, it will be time for lunch! The neighboring towns of Jackson, and Clay City offer a wide array of food and drink options. Pull out that phone find what you’re craving and head out!
Checkpoint 2: Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park — Breathitt, KY
Ready to trade horsepower for peace of mind—just for a bit? Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park is your escape checkpoint. The drive in alone is a scenic treat, winding through quiet hills that seem to slow time down. This spot is tailor-made for nature lovers, weekend warriors, and anyone who needs to breathe a little deeper.
Tucked into the Appalachian hills, the park offers lodge rooms, cozy cottages, a lakeside restaurant, and miles of hiking trails. Sip coffee on your balcony overlooking the water, or post up at the Lodge’s overlook for a sunrise that hits different.
History buffs—don’t miss the handcrafted replicas of Bowlingtown, the old mountain community now resting beneath the lake’s surface. And if you’re here in summer, bring your swim gear: the sandy beach and pool are calling.
Looking to move? Hike the trails, shoot some hoops, try your hand at mini golf or horseshoes—or grab a rod and reel for some top-notch mountain fishing. And when hunger kicks in, the Bowlingtown Country Kitchen has you covered from biscuits at breakfast to comfort food dinners.
This checkpoint’s all about slowing down and soaking it up—Appalachian style.
Checkpoint 3: The Eye of the Dragon, Red river Gorge, Nada Tunnel
On this 27 mile loop you will experience some of Appalachia’s most breathtaking scenery such as the Red River Gorge, a canyon system located on the Red River and a true geological treasure.
The Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot long tunnel built in 1910 for coal hauling, is now paved and is a unique gateway to the Gorge. Part of the regions unique geological features is Kentuckys world Famous Natural bridge. Formed over millions of years, this sandstone arch stretches more than 75 feet in length, and is over 65 feet high. With so much to offer, this route is truly a must see for anyone who loves nature and history.

Details

Start:
June 6
End:
June 7
Website:
https://backroadsofappalachia.org/

Venue

Lynch, KY
United States + Google Map

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