The route descends into Ellett Valley, crosses a mountain with seven switchbacks, and finishes with a long climb up Harding Ave. into Blacksburg. This variation adds 2.0 miles with more climbing and a view of Dragon’s Tooth, a famous overlook on the Appalachian Trail.
Starting Point: At the War Memorial Chapel on the Virginia Tech Campus.
Distance: 57.4 miles.
Terrain: Long, hilly route on rural roads.
| Mile | Directions |
|---|---|
| 0.0 | Proceed around Drillfield. |
| 0.4 | Left on West Campus Drive. |
| 0.8 | Continue straight on Stadium Drive. |
| 1.0 | Right onto Spring St. |
| 1.3 | Left onto South Gate Drive. |
| 2.0 | Right onto Airport Rd. |
| 2.6 | Left onto Hubbard St. |
| 3.0 | Straight onto SR 603 (Ellett Rd./Cedar Run Rd.). |
| 5.2 | Left onto SR 642 (Jennelle Rd.). |
| 5.7 | Right onto SR 603 (Dell Hill Rd.). |
| 6.6 | Continue to the left on SR 603 (North Fork Rd.). |
| 11.8 | Left onto SR 622 (Reesedale Rd.). |
| 14.5 | Left to continue on SR 622 (Flatwoods Rd.). |
| 17.3 | Left onto SR 629 (Bradshaw Rd.). |
| 31.0 | Left onto SR 864 (Old Catawba Rd.). |
| 33.6 | Left onto SR 311. Be alert, this road can be busy. |
| 35.4 | Left onto SR 785 (Blacksburg Rd.). |
| 53.2 | Continue straight on SR 785 (Harding Ave.). |
| 56.3 | Continue straight on Harding Ave. |
| 56.7 | Right onto Progress St., then left on Wilson Ave. |
| 57.1 | Right onto Main St., left on VPI Mall Dr. |
| 57.4 | Return to War Memorial Chapel. |