Squirrel Spur Road

Wanderlove Scenic Drive

A long-time favorite drive of motorcyclists is Squirrel Spur Road. This curvy mountain route spans 12 miles of gorgeous backroads between the Meadows of Dan Village and Ararat, Va.

Poor Farmer’s Market in the village of Meadows of Dan

Meadows of Dan Village

At the top of Squirrel Spur road sits the village in Meadows of Dan. Here you can start your journey off right was some gas, great food, and shopping of all kinds. Check out Concord Corner Store for high-end, local artisan crafts, or Poor Farmers Market for a classic country store feel. And don’t forget Nancy’s Candy Company, a candy factory that makes the most delicious fudge you’ve ever tasted, along with countless other treats. During Covid-19, Nancy’s is curbside order only, but don’t worry! You can still enjoy their giant LOVE sign outside while you wait for your order. Once you’re finished with the village, turn at Poppy’s Store and head down Squirrel Spur Road.

Google – birds-eye-view of some of the curves of Squirrel Spur Road

Your journey won’t be immediately curvy. You will run parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway a few different times before starting down the mountain. Ridge Rider Cabins will be on your right. These are wonderful small cabins for riders that are economical yet clean and comfortable with great views if you want to stay the night close by.

Angel Overlook in the Fall

Angel Overlook

Soon you will turn left to stay on Squirrel Spur. This is where the road starts heading down! In-between curves you will come to Angel Overlook on your left. This quiet stop off is the perfect place for a picnic or to just sit and think. Here you can see for a hundred miles, looking over the Claudeville and Ararat valley below and on into neighboring North Carolina, including Pilot Mountian.

Google – Bottom intersection of Squirrel Spur Road

Ararat, VA

Continue down the mountain until you get to the end of Squirrel Spur at Ararat Hwy. You can choose to take a left to head towards luxurious Primland Resort or all the way to Route 103 (which takes you to Historic Mount Airy, NC) or you can take a right to continue your drive through the beautiful curvy roads of the Ararat hills and valleys. Turning right, follow the road to the community of Ararat for gas, restrooms, and great food. From there you have things to do on every back road. History lovers should continue down Ararat Highway to visit the birthplace of General J.E.B. Stuart at Laurel Hill, adjacent to the oldest grave in Patrick County, William Letcher. In October, catch the annual Civil War Encampment and Living History Weekend on those historical grounds. From the community of Ararat, another option would be to follow Friends Mission Road from the community of Ararat to the Ararat Thunder Raceway dirt track on the weekends, the Doe Run Sunflower Maze in the Fall, or cruise through the miles of apple orchards, including the pick-your-own apples at Windy Hill Orchard and Levering Orchard.