Bootlegger’s Run

A Jagged Edge Motorcycle Trail Scenic Drive – Wanderlove

Bootlegger’s Run – part of the Jagged Edge Motorcycle Trail – is a 30-mile drive between the towns of Floyd and Ferrum. This drive features over 100 curves, passes by beautiful views, and goes through an area rich in moonshine traditions.

Map courtesy of The Jagged Edge

Floyd, VA

The Town of Floyd is well known for its laid-back atmosphere, their love of music, and their artisan crafts and farmers market. Visit the famous Floyd Country Store for delicious ice-cream and stay late on Friday nights for their weekly Friday Night Jamboree featuring bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and country music. Try Dogtown Roadhouse for wood-fired pizza, a fantastic bar, and live performances. Shop around at the many unique stores surrounding Mainstreet where there is something for everyone. Then hop onto Route 8 and head south!

Tuggles Gap, VA

Tuggles Gap lies at the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Route 8 just south of Floyd. Find area information at the visitor’s kiosk and grab a bite eat or even just a cold drink at the Tuggles Gap Restaurant & Motel. From here you will begin your descent down the mountain. Tighten your chinstraps and hang onto your handlebars!

Woolwine, VA

At the bottom of the mountain sits the quiet village of Woolwine, Virginia. First, you will come to Three Bear Hideaway on your right where you can find antiques and other treasures. A little more down the road is Wade’s Orchard. Depending on the season, this roadside produce stand can be filled to the brim with local peaches, apples, tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, etc. Next, you will come to Rose Window. This artist studio specializes in colored glass and is filled with many stained glass pieces and glass jewelry. From here you will turn left onto Route 40 (Charity Hwy) and enjoy this second leg of Bootlegger’s Run.

Charity, VA

Route 40 will take you through the twists and turns of Charity, Virginia. This area of Patrick County is steeped in moonshine history. Charity is your classic "hills and hollers" community with families privately tucked away here and there, making the perfect locations for secretly distilling moonshine. While there were quite a bit of classic bootleggers in these hills, one man made a name for himself with his moonshine. Joe DeHart, whose elaborate 19th-century two-story home you will pass on your left, took the practices of his ancestors and made them legal. DeHart obtained an official license to distill moonshine at his home, much to the displeasure of the rest of his family, and made a decent living selling his liquor to folks near and far. Today, the Deharts of Charity are also remembered by the donation of the I.C. Dehart Memorial Park (on your left), a recreational park that features challenging hiking and mountain bike trails, playgrounds, ball courts, picnic shelters, restrooms, a paved walking trail, and a wildlife area.

Ferrum, VA

Follow the curves of Route 40 all the way into Franklin County, "The Moonshine Capital of the World," where you pass the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum and Ferrum College. If you continue on Route 40 until you reach the town of Rocky Mount, you can have a taste of the local heritage at Twin Creeks Distillery, a family-owned moonshine distillery. Cross the street for the best burgers in town at Rocky Mount Burger Co. If you’re there on a Saturday morning, don’t miss the Rocky Mount Farmers Market just down the street. From there, hook up with Interstate 220 that can take you north to Roanoke, VA or south to Greensboro, NC.