Loop rides are usually better, but this is a fun out-and-back ride. State Route 555 has beautiful countryside and good pavement but is mixed up with the usual Appalachian junkyard living and abandonment. At least the abandoned barns and houses (and a church) have some funky character. The whole ride is hilly but the 4 or so miles closest to Ringold is the most demanding, with the steepest grades and tightest turns. Traffic volume is low, but know this road is popular with motorcyclists and sport cars drivers, some of which are carving up this road as fast as they dare, but you can usually hear them coming. For those of us under our own power, the earlier in the day you ride, the better. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.