The Back of the Dragon: A Beast of a Drive

The Back of the Dragon: A Beast of a Drive
A drive across route 16 from Tazewell into Marion, Virginia isn’t for the faint of heart. It is curvy and winding for miles upon miles but the payoff is some amazing views and a real driving experience. We hope you’ll hop in and ride along with us.
The Truth About Appalachian Trailer Parks
Follow us on Facebook at:
/ realappalachia
Follow us on TikTok at:
www.tiktok.com/@realappalachia
Follow us on Instagram at:
real_appalachia
Follow us on Twitter at:
appalachianpro1
Thanks to our patrons!!!
Julian Frasier
Carol Simmons Smith
William Martin
Ronald Tirrachia
Tracy Bosier
Tabitha Buckles
Joey Snider
Pam Broderick
Madhu Kollu
Susan Burrows-Rangel
James Lagan
Keith and Donna Timmons
Gregory Lewis
Eric Peck
George Sawtooth
Will Simmons
Chris Jurkowski
Rob Crotts
Christian Williams
Ghyontonda Mota
David L. Mullins
Joe Sullivan
Audrey Welch
Angela Smith
Andrew DeLong
Matthew Coon
Steve Surber
Wayne Maynard
Brian Serway
Jessica Rodrigues
George McNair
Bill Whitworth
Mike Adams
Shawn Hannah
Brad & Angela Davis
Michael Genecki
Kara Wyatt Rasnake
Jonathan Gartland
Karen Caddle
Andrew Diseker
Carol Wilder
Kimberly Carr
Dee Simmons Alban
Bill Seward
Daniel Armstrong
Thanks to these wonderful donors!!!
Christopher Branham
Brenda Bray
James Gould
Steve Beatrice
Brenda Lane
Boyd Breece
Charlie Smith
Chelsea M. Jackson
Nancy Greever Brooks
Shelly Fenley
Brian Robinson
Betty Antoine
Christopher Moore
Kathleen Burnett
David McCray
David House
Vern Weller
Earl Spratley
Randy and Dena Key
John Nielson
R. Parks Lanier, Jr.
Larry Allen
Ryan Farmer
Iris Lee Underwood
Vicki Murphy
Virginia Martin
Anne Wagner
Jim Peck
Anonymous
Heather Lovasz
Patti Dibble
Christopher Moore
Mark P Gholson
Teresa Dalton
AJ Wallace
Josh Taylor
Barbara Awbrey
William Mills
Robert Morgan
Chris Coleman
Chelsea Jackson
Logic Milkbone
Dana Lynch
Robert Hill
Jerry Murphy
You can support our mission with a one-time PayPal donation to:
[e-mail]
Cash App to:
$sssimmons1070
or monthly by becoming a patron at:
www.patreon.com/Appalachia
You can send an email with any questions or comments to:
[e-mail]
My NEW mailing address is:
208 Lavinia Street
Bristol, VA 24201

[@suzangreenier3351]

If u get up to Robbinsville, NC and Andrews... come over for biscuits and gravy thru Murphy then to Hiawassee Ga!

[@realappalachia]

Oh, that sounds amazing

[@timmystevenssr.timbuck1966]

I heard you guys say someone will still be listening to us talk ... I was putting my baseball cards into protective plastic sleeves just listening to you both talk a matter of fact I do put you guys on while I am processing my card collection a lot I enjoy the scenery of the mountains and I love that accent you both have its so relaxing. Anyways I appreciate your videos and my father took me camping when I was 14 years old on Potts Mountain which was west of Roanoke, Virginia up in the mountains and it was beautiful up there I remember it was warm one day then freezing and windy the next morning !! I am 42 years old now but I have fond memories of me and my dad camping up and down the Shenandoah valley growing up and I will never forget it. My family is from Kent Island, Marland I grew up working on commercial crabbing boats and oyster boats. We are Eastern Shore Folks flat landers and marsh rats lol 😆 thank u all and God Bless you 🙏 thanks again !!

[@realappalachia]

Sounds like you have some great memories of camping. I used to collect baseball cards, it got to be an expensive habit but I loved it. Thanks for the comment, we appreciate you watching us.

[@timmystevenssr.timbuck1966]

@@realappalachia no problem I enjoy watching you all and thank you!!

[@deancampbell3553]

Thanks for all you do love to watch the A-TEAM ON TRIPS

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, Dean

[@Ravyne]

39:37 Watching still and loving the conversation!!! I am from Virginia now living in flata$$ Oklahoma... this has been the best to see the mountains again!

[@chrissyrose8189]

Thank you Shane & Melody. A lot of us would never have the chance to see these places or even know they exist. I think I can speak for most of us but you guys make it feel like we're family riding in the backseat just sharing memories & a good conversation. 🤗♥️

[@realappalachia]

That’s awesome, that’s all we could hope for. We appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@sharonharrison3611]

I've driven the back of the Dragon many times. In the fall it's so beautiful! Beautiful all the time. Took my sweet little dog with me many times too. He tolerated the trip really well. God rest his precious soul. I lost him two years ago. Broke my heart. Thankyou for doing this video. Brings back great memories.💙

[@realappalachia]

Great little road trip

[@jwon5614]

That view is amazing guys!!!! I absolutely love the Mountains😍 Wow made it to the end. I felt the whole time I was ridin with ya!!! Loved it-Thanks Huge 👍

[@sarahsaville6829]

Love what you guys are doing!!! Beautiful! Talk about a road that will make u sick- try 219/55 from Lewisburg WVa up through Marlinton and then on up to Snowshoe Resort! Holy Smokes talk about getting sick. It's called the Seneca Trail. I believe it's an old cow path-for those of you who were born and raised in the country you know what I'm talking about😁. My Dad used to call me a flatlander. I was born and raised in the Eastern Panhandle of WVa, however I've been all over this Beautiful state.Graduate of MU down in Huntington! Go Herd! Love my Home State! Miss it EVERY DAY😁😁

[@GoodbyeKamala2024]

Great video, you both make us feel like we're right in the car with you. I love my Appalachian home. Makes me proud to see you both highlight the greatest parts of the country ever.😊👍

[@marciabarton8150]

Oh wow. Curvy, but beautiful. Black Mountain was crazy. A road that scares me is 441 from Gatlinburg TN to Cherokee NC.

[@realappalachia]

Yes, 441 is a beast too

[@campingwithcruz5808]

The music 🎶 was a nice touch to the ending

[@rsmc48091]

Thank you for taking me back to my childhood memories...not this road but one nearly like it. Going from Beckley, WV to Man on Rt 99 before they ironed it out.

[@lindaworkman5771]

This is by far the best video! I was born and raised in Bluefield and traveled across Frog Level to visit cousins , aunt and grandmother in Clinchburg and Meadowview,Va. My daddy would stop at little store at the turn to Frog Level buy a coke and package of peanuts put peanuts in the coke and share it. When we got to the top of mountain I would get out of car and scream to my cousin calling his name "Here I come" when we arrived my aunt would tell me she heard me from the mountain top. I made that drive alone at age 16 and daddy didn't ask if I knew the way just said drive careful since I had traveled that road starting at a few months old. Wasn't afraid at all. So thanks for the memories. I'm now in my 70's lived in Florida 55 years husband and I are getting ready to move to Tennessee. Miss those ole beautiful mountains and change of seasons. Keep those video's coming.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us, Linda, you must have been a pretty dadgum good driver at 16

[@annettepartridge159]

I enjoyed listening to your conversation and I also enjoyed the bluegrass music! Beautiful ride!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Annette

[@rubyreddress2005]

I love your videos and your discussion on this video of what people do for work in these small communities was very interesting. You always keep me interested!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Ruby

[@ceceliamoffat9818]

I have watch this ride all the way & I love it!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us

[@TravisGriffith-tk7ns]

Makes me proud to be raised in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia

[@teresacase3473]

Beautiful drive but not for the faint of heart! Drove it from Hungry Mother to get to Jewel Ridge for the Fourth ofJuly celebration. Then did it again the next day! Enjoyed the ride thanks.

[@realappalachia]

Jewell Ridge ain’t too shabby of a drive itself lol

[@PSBEadventures]

Rode the dirtbike up that way in April. Thompson Valley store for lunch and 91 back down toward Bristol was a great ride on dirt! Met a super cool fellow at Thompson valley store that told us about some awesome areas up that way! Turning right at that store is a super nice ride through the valley

[@jeffraines414]

Should have taken that dirt road on the right at 19:43 Dixons cabin. Party there many a Time 🤣

[@realappalachia]

Oh my…

[@bruinsfan8278]

Awesome video! Watched the whole thing, Love the Blue Grass music in the end ! What a Ride !!!!

[@LUKE--zy8un]

The first time I was on that road was in the late 70's . My great uncle had a houseboat on Fontana lake, And my dad took me over there to go fishing.

[@kimberlylangley9043]

Thank you Shane and Melody I feel like I am traveling along with you all

[@bestrong3149]

I enjoy all your videos and your conversations I grew up in WV but lived in Richlands a short while and I now live in Indiana it’s amazing where life takes ya and ya’all just bring a peace of mind of times gone by

[@mikestacy3224]

Hey Shane and Melody! A big shout out to y'all! Loved the drive on the Back of the Dragon. I rode with y'all the whole trip. The wife and I honeymooned in Asheville 13 years ago last week. We have traversed many winding mountain roads with switchbacks that have been hairy to say the least. US 60 in WV as the Midland Trail from White Sulphur Springs to Fayetteville. Also driving fron Kelsey WV to White Sulphur Springs WV via WV state route 28 and 92...what a ride. You should both visit Seneca Rocks State Park on that route. As for Shane, my hat off to ya..you are a safe driver. And Melody, keep the inspirational messages coming...we all need to hear them these days🙂. These Appalachian rides would not bee the same without y'all. As for family work life, my mother's father worked on the Lehigh Valley Railroad as a Car Oiler and Brakeman. My father and Grandmother on my mom's side worked for General Railway Signal for decades. My father's father worked in a foundry. Thanks again for the wonderful company and beautiful Appalachian views.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks, Mike, we loved that comment. We’ll have to try out a couple of those roads - when we recover lol. It is great to hear other folk’s back story too so we appreciate you sharing yours.

[@altec19]

My wife and I rode this awesome and beautiful road on our motorcycle back in 2018 loved every mile of twists and turns us motorcycle people like it that way! The Virginia tourism is promoting this stretch of highway for motorcycles and sports cars I guess they’re competing with the tail of the dragon down in Tennessee sure do enjoy your videos on that part of Virginia can’t wait to get out there again !

[@joycelebaron2582]

Oh wowwie wow wow! Thank you SO MUCH! It's the next best thing to being there, but still doesn't convey the steepness and the dropoffs on the side! Like someone else said below, I was just driving around the back roads after moving to Wytheville in 2020. I drove to Tazewell ( the cutest little town) and saw the 16 back to Marion and I-81. I said, "That's for me! I'll be there in a jiff!" I did not know it was the Back of the Dragon, the Mid Section of the Dragon, the Rear End of the Dragon. Whew! I was just praying I'd be up and over the mountain, as it seemed to go up and up and up and up...... I'm glad you left out of Tazewell and took the route I did. Going down the mountain isn't too bad. I'm not 'askared' of switchbacks. I just didn't know how far I'd be going up the mountain with all those dropoffs on the side and how long it would take me to get across. Whew! Thanks, though. I know cameras flatten everything out but you get the idea with this video. I was totally 'askared' !!!!!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for sharing your experiences Joyce, sounds like you know the real deal

[@greatmusicfan57]

Being from Flat Florida, I would be freaking out on some of these mountain roads y'all go on. That said, I always loved the scenery and the people from your neck of the woods. Always fantasized about the area from Movies and TV, don't laugh like the Waltons. Some of my church family here in Florida come from up your way. Beautiful ❤️ people. Y'all DO live in some of the most beautiful areas in our great country for sure 👍💕✝️🙏Your land a long with Midwest fed a nation! Coal Miners lit and heated our homes, Your area made clothes, Building supplies, Furniture, Tobacco and Booze, etc, etc. I hate the stereotypes about Hillbillies. Pisses me off. People should learn about the REAL SOUTH!

[@harrywest2780]

Love ❤️ it you guys are the best 👌

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Harry

[@brcisna]

Thank You for the ride along Mel & Shane. Certainly beautiful country. The start of the video background is a 'little bit-o-Heaven on Earth' . Love getting to see many local unique spots non-locals wouldn't know to look for if going here. Being a life long motorcycle junkie,,have not made it to Tail of The Dragon. After seeing this we gotta get there. Thanks again.

[@alvashoemaker8536]

Some roads in Puerto Rico have curves like this, BUT, they ALSO wind up and down over hills/mountains!! (Talk about car-sickness…). HOWEVER, Appalachia IS surprising…. BTW, your vids are interesting…AND, I LOVE U’all(s) acc nuts…!! Z😂😂👍🏼👣

[@realappalachia]

I’d love to see some of those roads in Puerto Rico. Thanks so much!

[@brucestener8476]

You two are Awesome!!!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Bruce

[@marshak1926]

I live in Colorado Springs and we have Pikes Peak. It's a 14 mile drive with an elevation gain of about 7400ft switchbacks. Back in the day it was a dirt road with no guardrails. That was a scary drive. From the sounds of it Melody would love the drive. ❤

[@realappalachia]

You couldn’t drag her onto that road lol

[@mikeanderson7165]

Thank y’all for sharing another awesome video. I’ve done the tail of the dragon It’s really cool.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much for watching, hope we get to check out the tail of the dragon someday

[@karenreichenbaugh856]

Been all over this area when I was a little girl. It was beautiful then. I was like a little kid back then, now I am 65.

[@BChandlerBaxter]

I live in Marion, about 500 feet off of Back of the Dragon and about 2 1\2 miles from Hungry Mother State Park (I actually work at HMSP now). The increase in popularity is unbelievable for both HMSP and BOTD, as well as both Marion and Tazewell! Thanks for the exposure! Y'all look me up next time you're in Marion and I'll take you two out to lunch. Or dinner!

[@dennismullins4930]

I haven’t been through there in years. Thanks for the video y’all ☮️

[@thoward4051]

We loved your conversation and appreciate your willingness to share your family history.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, we appreciate you watching

[@andrewmastrandonas5123]

Stunning!

[@teresachapmanqueen1543]

Love riding along with you guys I’m a NC Mountain girl! Love watching your videos. My plan this summer is to go to some of the places you’ve visited. Been to Bluefield, Beckley, Welch. Read Rocket boys(loved it) watched the movie! You all feel like family!

[@bruinsfan8278]

Remember when we saw that snake on the side of the road? That was very cool! Believe that was down in the Holler! Just dont remember witch one !!

[@realappalachia]

That would’ve been copperhead road! Thank you so much!

[@benandcis]

Beautiful

[@MillerMeteor74]

So far I'm at the 32 minute mark and I'm loving it. You mentioned tea. I love 50/50 lemonade tea, any brand I can find. But yeah, I love roads like that. Parts of it remind me of the western end of the former Route 24 in western Morris County, NJ. The section I'm thinking of runs from Long Valley to Schooley's Mountain. There are signs at both ends stating "Steep grade ahead. Trucks use alternate route." It's too steep and too winding for trucks to even drive on it. I think the speed limit is either 30 or 35, and you wouldn't want to go faster. I was disappointed when y'all muted your talking and put on the music, but that's okay. I watched the whole thing and enjoyed it. That last scenic view reminded me of one along I-80 in Morris County, NJ, and except that one gives a wider view. If I lived closer I'd love to drive the Back of the Dragon.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much! We kind of worried everybody would be tired of hearing us talk so I appreciate you saying you were disappointed when we stopped! We’ll remember that next time! Thanks again! - Melody

[@MillerMeteor74]

@@realappalachia You guys are fun to listen to. 🙂 I also enjoy your commentary and back story on things being shown in the videos.

[@williamhowellsr6560]

Love it from Utah.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, William

[@tooge47]

Barbara and I motorcycled that road years ago, precious memories

[@akelly9636]

Beautiful road! Thank you for driving through those curves and sharing this eye candy lol!! Enjoyed the convo too!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us

[@robinhaupt9119]

I enjoy all the Real Appalachia videos! Thank you Melody and Shane! I really do feel like I'm in the car riding along. ❤️

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us , Robin

[@devoniasmith9287]

Try Cheat Mountain,from Marlinton West Virginia 🤣🤣🤣

[@helencalvert4688]

That was one long and winding road. I've been on winding roads but nothing like that one. You wouldn't want to be drinking the try driving on that! Enjoy riding along with you two

[@benlaw4647]

Beautiful scenery! I know it is curvy, but it is a very beautiful drive ...the overlook into the valley is amazing! The tail of the dragon is from the Tennessee north Carolina state line at deals gap into Tennessee near the smokey mountains....11 miles 318 curves....very popular with motorcyclists also...not far from maryville Tennessee....thanks you 2 appreciate it....stay safe....✌🙏❤

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us, Ben

[@wandajones5479]

Loved it! Did you stay there overnight? (I hope! Lol) Wouldn’t want to do that drive back at night.

[@realappalachia]

No we didn’t get to stay overnight unfortunately lol

[@johnkegley7762]

Hey guys back in the 80s when I was 20 or so we used to race everything from motorcycles to mules on 421 lol. Oh crap. Just told how old I am. Lmao god bless from greendale. Love to all

[@realappalachia]

God bless you too, John, thank you

[@ibbriley399]

Your comment that someone would be enjoying your conversation was so uncannily timely. I was, at that precise moment, having that very thought. Your discussion of family jobs and background, the injuries they suffered, and difficulties they faced really helps to flesh out the mountain culture. I appreciate your videos. They really showcase perhaps the most beautiful, richly historical, and maybe tragedy laden area in the country. You and your Appalachian neighbors are some of the most honest and resolute people in the USA.

[@realappalachia]

Well thank you so much! We appreciate you and your kind comments! - Melody

[@kevingoodwyn3884]

Thanks for your videos. Entertaining and educational. Places that I've never been to. You guys ever run into wildlife? Maybe bigfoot,...lol. Awesome video thank you. God Bless.

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us, Kevin

[@bendigr]

I enjoyed the conversation. 🙂

[@realappalachia]

Thank you! We appreciate that!

[@larry68hd11]

Enjoyed. Going there in July on a motorcycle Very nervous !

[@realappalachia]

Safe travels

[@timgriffith2094]

I watched the whole video, I noticed a reference to Honaker was made. My brother in law grew up in Honaker.

[@ronalddawson3873]

It looks very dabgerous. Good job.

[@trohlfs01]

Thanks for the ride :). We're going to be riding in on our motorcycles September. I didn't think it was that curvy. We did the Tail of the Dragon last year and man oh man, that ride was WILD. I'll let you know after we ride it how I found it.

[@realappalachia]

We hope you have safe travels and a great time

[@jameswithrow3666]

What I drink every day Arizona green tea . That’s funny

[@knightingalesaid]

That’s a good road for a motorcycle trip!

[@realappalachia]

For sure

[@celestelacey812]

I have to say I'm one of those who really enjoy listening to you two talk while riding. Thank you very much for taking me along. You made my day and made me smile. I have had a hard time smiling or laughing since I lost my husband. I love seeing these mountains and riding along with you two. My husband use to take me riding in the mountains a lot before he passed and I miss it. Thanks again for all you do. Listening to you two poke fun at each other is refreshing.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you so much, Celeste! You made our day with this comment! We’re so glad to take you along with us! - Melody

[@suzangreenier3351]

I'm in mtns 9f Ga and dying of bone Ça. AT first I thot how cud I go from the fun 80s to this but I looked at those poor ww1 boys I was watching on amazon dying at 17 and 18 especially my french kin and mine is nothing. Tell me ur husbands name and I'll find him and tell him how much u love and miss him! Bonsoir

[@celestelacey812]

@@suzangreenier3351 So sorry to hear about your cancer. My mom died of bone cancer in 1992. My husband died from complications that his treatments cause for his rectal cancer. His name is Curtis.

[@TravisGriffith-tk7ns]

That was beautiful country

[@realappalachia]

Yes!

[@ronaldtiracchia2017]

Beautiful drive. I could not get my wife on it because once we made it to the end she'd put me on the side of the road. I'm only 22 minutes into it but I gotta take a break. I love you two you all keep me smiling

[@talldude5841]

This is beautiful country. I just love your videos. So easy and peaceful to watch and listen to.

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!!

[@doublerrider9584]

Hey guys you crossed three mountains. Born and raised in Marion so I've been across many many times. I now own a motorcycle so I claim the back of the dragon as my home track lol

[@realappalachia]

I had no idea it was 3 mountains but I can definitely believe it

[@karenallen5208]

I've not ridden Back of the Dragon, but I have ridden Tail of the Dragon. I don't know which one is more technical, so I appreciate your doing this video to show what the BOD is like. I like to know what's ahead of me when I go into a ride like this. I will say, though, that doing these roads on a motorcycle is easier. When I take a curve on a bike, I lean it. Then going around a curve in a cage, I find myself trying to lean it and can't. This one certainly has its share of scenery, though.

[@eltonmillner9978]

Hello from Martinsville Va 24112 excellent service on the video I'm looking forward to coming up to the back of the dragon June 9th thru 11th to the OTR today May 27,2023 time 6:30pm

[@kimberlylangley9043]

Love you guys videos I would Love you guys to do some video;s of Ewing Virginia and the hollers there Middleboro Ky Cumberland Gap Tenn the pincle Mt Thank you guys keep up the great work

[@Mustang4]

Beautiful drive

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

There sure are alot of beautiful cruisin roads in this part of the country. 😁

[@myd0gr3x]

looks a lot smoother than the Tail of the Dragon...🏍 (in Blount County)

[@codydeboard1991]

Love y’all conversations there so funny and great! Sing it Shane!! who need a radio right?! Lol 😂 y’all are the best love every video you guys have!

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much, Cody!

[@williamhowellsr6560]

Love the views my friends

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!

[@beverlyproudfoot583]

Lol 👍 💞 😆 I'm kicking the back of your seats. Love y'all ❤️

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us, Beverly

[@lavonsheree3169]

I absolutely love listening to you two! And I thoroughly enjoy these road trips!

[@realappalachia]

Thank you!!

[@lynettestephens5152]

Amazing ride along. Now I can say I rode on the Back of the Dragon. Fortunately, there was very little car traffic & no motorcycles. Thank you so much for letting me ride with you. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 😊

[@realappalachia]

Thanks so much for watching, Lynette

[@joycelebaron2582]

When I did it there was no traffic going up the mountain but some guy was following me all the way down. There weren't any pull=outs so I felt obliged to a bit faster than I was comfortable, but still safe. Finally I was able to pull over and let him pass. Going down the mountain towards Hungry Mother wasn't too bad, not like going up and up and up out of Tazewell!

[@benandcis]

I loved riding a motorcycle on backroads been on one in the rain

[@1957rayboconfederatecitizen]

I bet Melodie’s home made biscuits are the best in all the mountains from North Georgia to the Tip of Maine. Melodie is every young man’s dream, too bad every young man can’t have a melody.

[@Animefruba]

Are you going to the Wayne Henderson Music Festival this Saturday I would really like to see that 🪕🎻

[@realappalachia]

I really wish we could be we are headed out of state

[@jimward1586]

When I was 22 years old, I drove from Marion to Tazwell, at night. I swore if I made that trek alive I would never be caught on Rt 16 again. I am now 71 and did not lie to my self. The only way I would do it again would be in a helicopter.

[@lorij323]

This was one of the most beautiful drives you've ever done. Loved it. I wouldn't have been able to drive past the overlooks - breathtaking scenery. Thank you for sharing. If I was going to drive it I'd have to be the driver, as a passenger it would make me car sick for sure. I learned that about myself years ago driving in the mountains in the west.

[@zerofox2967]

A couple of drives on the Dragon Tail were enough for me. Motion sick

[@realappalachia]

I hear ya

[@cowboybarney9997]

Hey, really enjoy yalls videos, Iam a big history, small town person,. GODS amazing beauty is all around us, I live in the smoky mountains, I see his work daily, yalls amazing videos let's everyone see it. I would love too meet yall , next time yall in the mountains of Tennessee, set down drink coffee eat apple pie. GOD BLESS

[@realappalachia]

You had us at apple pie, lol, thanks so much and God bless you too sir

[@danalynch8889]

I lost a cousin who worked for a logging company. He drove one of the low riding log carriers that goes up and down sides on the hills. One day someone cut a down a tree and didn't yell timber and he was killed. A twig the size of a pinky hit in the back of his neck and broke it.

[@realappalachia]

That’s so terrible, I’m sorry to hear you had to suffer that loss in your family

[@KenLane-v4q]

Come to Shady Valley Tennessee Highway 421 Johnson County. Called the Snake

[@jamespruett2849]

Melody you are so lucky don't have worry if the radio stops working

[@realappalachia]

I got a different word than lucky! Haha no I’m just kidding. He’s entertaining for sure! - Melody

[@benandcis]

From ky I’ve been through West Virginia and Virginia in a semi with my husband at the time it was always dark

[@mattgarr57]

I’ve been on Rt 16 many times on my motorcycle and have seen bears 3 times.

[@realappalachia]

I bet that’s a cool thing to see there

[@mattgarr57]

I bought a Frog Level Yacht club t-shirt around 2003 +/-.

[@psychofu420]

Boy have I got a few roads in Oregon for you and Miss Melody to drive! 🤟🤣👍

[@realappalachia]

We’ll have to recover from this one first lol

[@ellenkimberlin5036]

Real proud of you guys. You made it without getting sick. My first time up the Back Of the Dragon made me green around the gills. But it sure is beautiful..

[@robbiewinfrey9636]

By the way that is a beautiful beautiful area you are driving through, wouldn't mind living there myself.

[@suzangreenier3351]

,I'm in Hiawassee, Ga ( rite by dragon... sorta so stop by for biscuits and gravy )!!!!

[@rubensalcido5606]

Beautiful scenic drive looks like a paradise!

[@aaronhawks1777]

I drive a 2020 Chevy Spark LT on that road and I truly love it... At Frog Level y'all are talking about getting sick??? I invite you to ride along with me and experience the road how it's supposed to be driven

[@kesmarn]

I'm SO glad you left this nice long drive/video all in one piece, kids! There was something about rolling through the whole experience with you (even if I did it before, after and during the time I was getting supper ready -- in installments) that made it a lot of fun. The music you inserted into the vid was like those times on vacation when -- yes -- you do run out of things to say and (in the olden days) it would be: "Let's turn on the radio." The scenic overlooks were a real gift - especially that first one. It truly looked like a painting. My Dad's funeral was this past week. Pretty stressful. And this was both entertaining and comforting at the same time. Thank you, guys. Now don't forget to read a little Play-Doh before you turn out the lights tonight. And sing a few verses of "Gallip-olip-POLICE is Ohiiiio's way...." Now I'm gonna have that stuck in my head all night.... Thanks, guys.

[@realappalachia]

Oh man, we are so sorry to hear about your loss, I can’t imagine what you’ve been through there. We are glad our videos give you some distraction

[@kesmarn]

@@realappalachia Bless you for your kind words. And yes, your videos really are therapeutic... besides being just plain enjoyable. ❤

[@chetthebee1322]

I believe you weren't to far away from US Route 33. If so that was probably the most dangerous, yet most beautiful, road I ever had to drive a tractor-trailer on. I once blew a radiator hose driving up the biggest peak in WV and coasted down the mountain into a gas station parking lot in Franklin, WV.

[@OnkelPHMagee]

US33 is a couple of hours away from Tazewell.

[@chetthebee1322]

@@OnkelPHMagee OK, I tried finding RT 16 on the map and it had show me just north of 33. No wonder I got lost all the time.

[@lindapedro7838]

Melody and Shane I learn so much about America with you. Thank you for taking me along for the ride. I truly enjoyed the music with the video, it was wonderful. Hope to hear more . Your conversations are awesome too, I learn so much about you and the area. Thank you. Keep them coming.

[@johnperdue2327]

Another wonderful trip riding along with you guys. The view from those overlooks are almost as pretty as melody. As always enjoy the conversations from you two and the downhome feel it adds. You guys are awsome

[@realappalachia]

Thanks for riding along with us, John

[@glenbo2464]

I laughed when i saw the sign Hungry Mother ! lol I love the curvy roads myself. Also maybe its just the audio but i hear a bad tire or wheel bearing noise on your car ? They make a wobble or rumble sound.

[@realappalachia]

Yeah my car has been dealing with a little issue but my mechanic can’t seem to trace it

[@glenbo2464]

@@realappalachia Bummer. I hope its an easy fix once you figure it out. Stay safe guys !