Johnson City Roundtrip The Southern Dozen Ride 05 Music to your Ears
This route was brought to you by:
RouteXpert René Plücken (MRA Master)
Last edit: 05-06-2025
Route Summary This is part 5 “Music to my Ears” of The Southern Dozen, the ride is officially an 88 mile round trip from Johnson City to Bristol. To make the ride more interesting we take back roads to Johnson City.
I rate this route 4 stars, because of the beautiful scenic roads and interesting sights about the history of Country Music along the route.
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Animation
Verdict
Duration
8h 35m
Mode of travel
Car or motorcycle
Distance
223.45 km
Countries
RouteXpert Review This is part 5, called Music to Your Ears and takes us back to the roots of Country Music. The ride is officially 88 miles round trip from Johnson City to Bristol and is mostly Highway. To make the ride more interesting, we take back roads to Johnson City and visit some interesting sites.
Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia are known for their music. Bristol, home of the legendary Carter family and the birthplace of country music, laid the foundation for America’s modern music scene. See the Burger Bar where Hank Williams was last seen alive, visit the auditorium that June Carter and Johnny Cash called home, and see where the first “country” recordings were made in 1927.
In Bristol you can visit
Bristol Motor Speedway
Birthplace of Country Music Way
Lunch at the Original Burger Bar in Bristol city centre, a classic restaurant since 1942. Famous as the last place Hank Williams Sr. was seen alive. Only the freshest, juiciest burgers available.
The drive continues along scenic roads to The Carter Family Memorial Music Center, a non-profit organization that serves fans and supporters of old-time country and folk music by presenting weekly performances on the Carter Family Fold. It also honors the memory of the first family of country music, the legendary Carter Family.
We continue our journey passing small towns such as Weber City, Fort Blackmore and Clinchport before reaching Kingsport, where you will have the opportunity to stop for a break at one of the many restaurants and bars.
In downtown Kingsport, you can visit the Hook and Ladder Moonshine Distillery Shop. Founded by Drew Draper and his father Kenneth Draper, a decorated Senior Captain for Kingsport Fire Station One, they wanted to honor firefighters across the country. Exposed brick walls adorned with firefighting memorabilia honor those who served, and fit in well with the urban feel of downtown.
Using an old, blunt style, father and son proudly produce a high-proof moonshine with quality mousse and superior flavor. Offering free samples to visitors, as well as a wide variety of merchandise. Explore the flavors now and stop by for a taste of real Tennessee moonshine.
From Kingsport we continue our journey back to Johnson City, we drive through the Warriors Path State Park, named after the Great Cherokee War and Trading Path. Since that time the park has had a long history of travelers and is still a path for modern outdoor enthusiasts. The 950 hectare park is located on the banks of the Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River.
The park offers excellent boating and fishing, with a beautiful marina offering boat rentals, snacks and more. There are also hiking trails, an internationally renowned mountain bike trail network (designated a National Recreational Trail), an award-winning nature education program and a nationally recognized golf course.
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Use of this GPS route is at your own expense and risk. The route has been carefully composed and checked by a MyRoute-app accredited RouteXpert for use on TomTom, Garmin and MyRoute-app Navigation.
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Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
Changes may nevertheless have occurred due to changed circumstances, road diversions or seasonal closures. We therefore recommend checking each route before use.
Preferably use the route track in your navigation system. More information about the use of MyRoute-app can be found on the website under 'Community' or 'Academy'.
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Virginia
About this region
Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay, which provide habitat for much of its flora and fauna. The capital of the Commonwealth is Richmond; Virginia Beach is the most-populous city, and Fairfax County is the most-populous political subdivision. The Commonwealth's population in 2020 was over 8.65 million, with 36% of them living in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area.
The area's history begins with several indigenous groups, including the Powhatan. In 1607, the London Company established the Colony of Virginia as the first permanent English colony in the New World. Virginia's state nickname, the Old Dominion, is a reference to this status. Slave labor and land acquired from displaced native tribes fueled the growing plantation economy, but also fueled conflicts both inside and outside the colony. Virginia was one of the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution, becoming part of the United States in 1776. The state was split by the American Civil War in 1861, when Virginia's state government in Richmond joined the Confederacy, but many in the state's western counties remained loyal to the Union, helping form the state of West Virginia in 1863. Although the Commonwealth was under one-party rule for nearly a century following Reconstruction, both major political parties are competitive in modern Virginia.
Virginia's state legislature is the Virginia General Assembly, which was established in July 1619, making it the oldest current law-making body in North America. It is made up of a 40-member Senate and a 100-member House of Delegates. The state government is unique in how it treats cities and counties equally, manages local roads, and prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms. Virginia's economy has many sectors: agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley; high tech and federal agencies, including the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency, in Northern Virginia; and military facilities in Hampton Roads, the site of the region's main seaport.
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The area's history begins with several indigenous groups, including the Powhatan. In 1607, the London Company established the Colony of Virginia as the first permanent English colony in the New World. Virginia's state nickname, the Old Dominion, is a reference to this status. Slave labor and land acquired from displaced native tribes fueled the growing plantation economy, but also fueled conflicts both inside and outside the colony. Virginia was one of the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution, becoming part of the United States in 1776. The state was split by the American Civil War in 1861, when Virginia's state government in Richmond joined the Confederacy, but many in the state's western counties remained loyal to the Union, helping form the state of West Virginia in 1863. Although the Commonwealth was under one-party rule for nearly a century following Reconstruction, both major political parties are competitive in modern Virginia.
Virginia's state legislature is the Virginia General Assembly, which was established in July 1619, making it the oldest current law-making body in North America. It is made up of a 40-member Senate and a 100-member House of Delegates. The state government is unique in how it treats cities and counties equally, manages local roads, and prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms. Virginia's economy has many sectors: agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley; high tech and federal agencies, including the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency, in Northern Virginia; and military facilities in Hampton Roads, the site of the region's main seaport.
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Route Collections in this region The Original Southern Dozen Motorcycle Rides in Tennessee Virginia and North Carolina
The Southern Dozen; hit the throttle and hold on tight!
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
There’s no better place to leave the daily grind in the dust than roaring around the curves of the Southern Dozen! Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural beauty in the country, you’ll find the freedom of exhilaration as you wind through the foothills and mountains of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina.
Whether you’re looking for heart-pumping curves, breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, local gems, or nearby attractions, the Southern Dozen has rides worthy of even the most seasoned road warrior. Explore the Original Southern Dozen and see all that Johnson City and the surrounding region have to offer.
Johnson City is a regional gem where big-city amenities meet small-town Southern charm. Here you’ll have access to everything you could want or need and more! Perfect for the casual rider and those who “live to ride,” Johnson City hosts numerous bike rallies each year. So plan your trip and book one of the many biker-friendly accommodations.
View Route Collection
A USA Road Trip East from LA
This is a 20 day trip that was 2 Years in the planning. Across 13 US States ticking off bucket list entries along the way.
• Riding up the Pacific Coast Highway and then visiting Yosemite Park in California.
• The extremes of Death Valley and LAs Vegas in Nevada.
• The scenic overload that was Utah, Zion and Bryce National Parks, Monument Valley and the Moki Dugway.
• Colorado and the Million Dollar Highway and San Juan Skyway
• New Mexico and the Rio Grande and the Cimarron Canyon State Park
• To Texas and the wide open spaces and the biggest steak known to man.
• Oklahoma will deliver Route 66 and iconic picture opportunities
• Arkansas offers up the Pig Trail and a chance to ride through The Ozarks.
• Tennessee gives us Memphis and Nashville a musical overload as well as The Jack Daniels Distillery
• Mississippi means you can travel along the Natchez Trace Parkway and just take it easy.
• Georgia and The Carolinas are home to The Blue Ridge Parkway that winds through The Smoky Mountains.
• Virginia brings you the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline drive
See a different horizon around each corner that just seems to beat the previous one for beauty. All the while marvelling at how each few miles the surrounding scenery can be so vastly different.
Ride some of the top roads in America who’s names appear on Top Ten list all over the internet. 3 even appear in the World top 20.
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Tail of the Dragon
• Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument Ride
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Million Dollar Highway
• Cherohala Skyway
• San Juan Mountain Skyway
• Pig Trail Scenic Byway
• Moki Dugway
This trip is about maximising memories to last a lifetime
• Riding up the Pacific Coast Highway and then visiting Yosemite Park in California.
• The extremes of Death Valley and LAs Vegas in Nevada.
• The scenic overload that was Utah, Zion and Bryce National Parks, Monument Valley and the Moki Dugway.
• Colorado and the Million Dollar Highway and San Juan Skyway
• New Mexico and the Rio Grande and the Cimarron Canyon State Park
• To Texas and the wide open spaces and the biggest steak known to man.
• Oklahoma will deliver Route 66 and iconic picture opportunities
• Arkansas offers up the Pig Trail and a chance to ride through The Ozarks.
• Tennessee gives us Memphis and Nashville a musical overload as well as The Jack Daniels Distillery
• Mississippi means you can travel along the Natchez Trace Parkway and just take it easy.
• Georgia and The Carolinas are home to The Blue Ridge Parkway that winds through The Smoky Mountains.
• Virginia brings you the Shenandoah National Park and Skyline drive
See a different horizon around each corner that just seems to beat the previous one for beauty. All the while marvelling at how each few miles the surrounding scenery can be so vastly different.
Ride some of the top roads in America who’s names appear on Top Ten list all over the internet. 3 even appear in the World top 20.
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Tail of the Dragon
• Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument Ride
• Natchez Trace Parkway
• Million Dollar Highway
• Cherohala Skyway
• San Juan Mountain Skyway
• Pig Trail Scenic Byway
• Moki Dugway
This trip is about maximising memories to last a lifetime
View Route Collection