A Drive Down Texas’ Windiest Road: The Twisted Sisters

A
lot of Texas is flat and the roads are straight, running across wide-open
vistas toward a vast horizon.

In
the Hill Country, however, the southern prairie rises into an expanse of rugged
terrain, filled with mesquite-peppered canyons, limestone bluffs, and winding
rivers that cut through the plateau.

The
picturesque region offers some of the state’s best roads for scenic drives. And
while there are hundreds of miles of beautiful roads to explore in the Texas
Hill Country, few can match the stunning adventure offered by the famed Twisted
Sisters.

Here’s
a guide down the windiest road in Texas.

The
Perfect Afternoon Drive

The
Twisted Sisters refers to three farm-to-market roads that create a 100-mile
loop through the heart of the Hill Country. FM 335, 336, and 337E are all
two-lane, black-asphalt roads that twist through some of the toughest terrain
in Texas. That route makes for stunning views of the sides of the road, which
twist up the hills, race down through canyons, and bend along the edges of
cliffs. It can also make for dangerous driving. A sign on Road 336 warns that
since 2006, 10 motorcyclists have lost their lives on the Twisted Sisters.

You
may find your knuckles turning white as you tackle the Twisted Sisters’
challenges. These include hairpin turns, steep hills, falling rocks, severe
drop-offs, uneven asphalt, and livestock that wander onto the road. One 15-mile
section of the road boasts more than 65 curves.

But
these obstacles are also what make the Twisted Sisters such an incredible
driving experience. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the drive is trying to
take in the spectacular canyons and views out to the wide rolling hills while
staying safe on the road.

Navigating
the Twisted Sisters

The
best way to experience the Twisted Sisters is to start in Medina and head west
on 337. FM 337 is in the best condition of the three roads, and this relatively
easy drive will help get you situated to the stark beauty of the terrain.

At
Leakey, turn north onto FM 336. Here is the most challenging section of the
Twisted Sisters (and the one with the most accidents), featuring a long
succession of twists and turns with limited road visibility but maximum scenic
views.

When you hit TX-41,
head west until the junction with FM 335, where you will make a left to head
back south. The
return route on FM 335 saves the best for last. This isolated road winds its
way along the course of the Nueces River as it heads back south. FM 335 will reconnect with FM 337 at Camp Wood
to complete the loop.

Taking your time driving the Twisted Sisters allows you not only to savor the beauty but also to make a few pit stops along the way. The Apple Store Bakery & Cafe in Medina is a favorite lunch spot for the many motorcyclists who flock from around the country to this famous riding loop. Make another stop at the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, which celebrates the Twisted Sisters’ motorcycling heritage with a collection of rare and vintage bikes.

Explore more of Texas here.