Shady Valley, Tennessee is an idyllic circular mountain valley nestled between Bristol and Mountain City.  Surprisingly remote for being relatively close to the Tri-Cities, Shady Valley retains a rural, agrarian charm.

Route 421, the main road through the valley, is well known across the region as a favorite for motorcyclists and ordinary cyclists because it is one of the twistiest and scenic highways in the area.  Bicyclists can also ride several one-lane country roads around the valley, and the road from Damascus is the best way to access Shady Valley from Abingdon.

I tend to think of Shady Valley as Tennessee’s analog to Burkes Garden.  With few houses on the hillsides and national forests on the perimeter of the valley, Shady Valley has one of the best mountain viewsheds in Northeast Tennessee.