Category: Tips

Things to Do After Riding in Tazewell, VA

Things to do in Tazewell, VA, after riding often become a part of the trip that riders remember most. After spending hours navigating the curves, elevation changes, and mountain scenery of Virginia Route 16, most visitors are ready for more than a quick stop before heading home. They want good food, a place to relax, and a chance to enjoy the community that surrounds the ride.

That is what makes Tazewell different. Back of the Dragon may be the reason people arrive, but the town, the people, and the post-ride experiences are often why they stay longer than planned.

A complete trip includes the ride itself, local dining, scenic exploration, and time to unwind before the next adventure begins. If you’re still planning your visit, start by exploring the Back of the Dragon experience and discovering how the road connects riders to Southwest Virginia’s mountain communities.

What Makes Tazewell the Perfect Place to Unwind After a Ride?

The moment you roll off Route 16 and into Tazewell, the pace changes.

After hours of focusing on curves, switchbacks, and changing elevations through Clinch Mountain, riders naturally look for a place where they can slow down. Tazewell has become that place. As the northern gateway to Back of the Dragon, it serves as a gathering point for motorcycle riders, touring groups, sports car enthusiasts, and travelers exploring Southwest Virginia.

In our experience, many first-time visitors expect to spend a few hours in town before leaving. Instead, they find themselves talking with fellow riders, exploring downtown, and extending their stay into the evening.

The Back of the Dragon Center helps create that atmosphere. Riders stop in to share stories, check route information, and connect with others who just completed the same mountain roads. The result feels less like a roadside stop and more like a community built around the ride.

If you’re mapping out a longer visit, now is a great time to plan your Back of the Dragon trip and explore everything the area has to offer beyond the curves.

Where Should You Eat After Riding Back of the Dragon?

One of the most common questions riders ask is simple: where should you eat after Back of the Dragon?

After spending the day carving through Route 16, many riders head straight for local favorites like Route 16 Pizza, Loaded Dragon Nachos, or Buffalo Dragon Pizza while swapping stories about Clinch Mountain, Marion, and the overlooks they discovered along the way. 

Tazewell’s dining scene fits the riding culture well. Meals tend to be relaxed, conversations usually involve the road, and it’s common to see groups comparing favorite sections of the ride while planning where they’re headed next.

Riders often compare notes over Route 16 Pizza, Loaded Dragon Nachos, or a Buffalo Dragon Pizza while reviewing photos from Valley View Overlook and planning tomorrow’s ride toward Marion. 

We’ve seen conversations that start with favorite curves on Clinch Mountain quickly turn into recommendations for Burke’s Garden, local lodging, and additional scenic drives throughout Southwest Virginia.

That combination of local food, rider culture, and shared stories is what keeps many visitors in town long after the ride itself is over.

Why Is the Back of the Dragon Brewery a Favorite Post-Ride Stop?

For many visitors, the ride naturally ends at the Back of the Dragon Brewery.

The appeal goes beyond drinks and food. The brewery has become one of the most popular gathering places in the Back of the Dragon community. Riders who spent the day tackling mountain roads now have a place to relax, swap stories, and enjoy the social side of the experience.

Events throughout the year help reinforce that sense of community. Trivia nights, cornhole competitions, rider meetups, and club gatherings create reasons for visitors to stay in town longer rather than immediately heading home.

One thing we’ve noticed is that riders often arrive planning to stop for a quick meal and end up spending the evening talking with people who rode the route that same day.

That is part of what makes Back of the Dragon different from many destination roads. The experience continues long after the last curve.

Whether you’re riding solo or traveling with a group, the brewery gives you a place to celebrate the ride before turning in for the night.

What Are the Best Ways to Relax After a Scenic Drive Through Southwest Virginia?

Relaxing after a scenic drive looks different for every rider.

Some riders head toward Valley View Overlook to take in panoramic mountain views after finishing Route 16. Others prefer walking through the Tazewell Main Street Historic District, where historic storefronts, local businesses, and small-town Appalachian character provide a completely different pace from the road. 

Depending on the day, visitors may also find activity around the Altizer Stage, where community events and gatherings add another layer to the experience. 

The transition from technical mountain riding to a slower pace is part of the appeal. Back of the Dragon demands concentration. Riders move through shaded forest sections, open ridgelines, changing visibility conditions, and constant elevation shifts. That level of focus can be surprisingly tiring.

A slower afternoon allows you to appreciate the scenery you may have passed too quickly while riding.

Downtown Tazewell offers a comfortable setting for that transition. The town feels connected to the road without being rushed by it. Visitors can explore local businesses, enjoy conversations with fellow travelers, or simply take time to enjoy the mountain atmosphere before the next day’s adventure.

Should You Stay Overnight Instead of Heading Home?

For many riders, the answer is yes.

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is treating Back of the Dragon as a quick day trip. The route itself is incredible, but the surrounding experience is what transforms the journey into something memorable.

Staying overnight allows you to ride the route in both directions, which many experienced visitors consider essential. The road feels different heading toward Marion than it does returning toward Tazewell. Curves, visibility, and elevation changes create a completely different rhythm depending on your direction of travel.

Lodging options throughout Tazewell and Marion also make it easy to slow down and enjoy the region. Cabins, local accommodations, and nearby hotels provide convenient access to the road without requiring a rushed schedule.

Many returning riders eventually adopt a weekend mindset. Instead of trying to fit everything into one day, they spread the experience across several days and discovered more of Southwest Virginia in the process.

If you’re considering a longer stay, now is a good opportunity to explore lodging options and continue building your route plan before the next ride begins.

What Else Can You Explore Near Tazewell Before Leaving?

The road may be the centerpiece, but it is far from the only attraction in the area.

Burke’s Garden is one of the most unique destinations near Tazewell. Surrounded by mountain ridges, this remarkable valley offers scenic drives, quiet roads, and a completely different perspective on Southwest Virginia’s landscape.

Clinch Mountain also provides opportunities for additional exploration. Even after completing Back of the Dragon, many visitors continue discovering overlooks, mountain scenery, and lesser-known roads throughout the region.

Marion offers another side of the experience. While Tazewell tends to serve as the primary rider hub, Marion delivers a quieter atmosphere and easy access to outdoor recreation, local dining, and small-town exploration.

The deeper you explore, the more you realize that Back of the Dragon is not simply a 32-mile ride. It is the gateway to a larger Appalachian touring experience built around mountain roads, local communities, and memorable journeys.

If you enjoy learning how destinations evolve, take a few minutes to discover how Back of the Dragon became a rider destination and how the road helped shape the community surrounding it.

Why Do So Many Riders Turn One Ride Into a Full Weekend Adventure?

The simplest answer is that one ride rarely feels like enough.

The route changes with weather, time of day, traffic conditions, and direction of travel. A morning ride can feel completely different from an afternoon run through the same section of Virginia Route 16.

The surrounding community also plays a major role. Riders often spend time around the Back of the Dragon Brewery, check out events near the Altizer Stage, explore the Tazewell Main Street Historic District, or use Tazewell as a launching point for additional rides through Burke’s Garden and across Clinch Mountain. Those experiences help transform a single Route 16 ride into a full weekend adventure. 

Many visitors arrive focused entirely on the road. By the time they leave, they have discovered scenic overlooks, local restaurants, mountain lodging, rider gatherings, and additional roads worth exploring.

That combination keeps people coming back year after year.

Before heading out, consider taking time to visit the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center and connect with the people who help make the destination what it is. You may leave with ideas for your next trip before this one is even finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Tazewell, VA, after riding Back of the Dragon?

The best things to do in Tazewell, VA, after riding include enjoying local dining, visiting the Back of the Dragon Brewery, exploring downtown, relaxing at scenic overlooks, and extending your trip with an overnight stay. Most riders find that the experience continues long after the ride itself ends.

Where should riders eat after completing Back of the Dragon?

Many riders head to the Back of the Dragon Brewery for favorites like Route 16 Pizza, Buffalo Dragon Pizza, and Loaded Dragon Nachos while sharing stories from Clinch Mountain and planning rides through Burke’s Garden or toward Marion. 

Is the Back of the Dragon Brewery worth visiting after a ride?

Yes. The brewery is one of the most popular post-ride gathering places in the area. Riders enjoy food, drinks, events, and the chance to connect with others who have experienced Route 16.

Should I stay overnight after riding Virginia Route 16?

Yes, if your schedule allows. Staying overnight allows you to ride the route in both directions, explore nearby attractions, and experience more of Southwest Virginia without rushing.

What else is there to do near Tazewell besides riding?

Visitors can explore Burke’s Garden, discover additional mountain roads, spend time in Marion, enjoy scenic overlooks, and experience local events throughout the year. Many travelers find that the surrounding region becomes just as memorable as the ride itself.

For additional trip-planning guidance, route information, and travel resources, riders can also review information available through the Virginia Tourism Corporation, which highlights attractions and travel opportunities throughout Southwest Virginia.

Looking for more things to do in Tazewell, VA, after riding? Turn a great ride into a complete mountain-road adventure. Explore the route, connect with fellow riders, and experience everything that makes Southwest Virginia worth returning to again and again.

Back of the Dragon Safety Tips for First-Time Riders

Back of the Dragon safety tips matter long before the first curve appears on Route 16. Riders heading into Southwest Virginia often hear about the endless curves, steep elevation changes, mountain overlooks, and long stretches winding through Clinch Mountain. Then the excitement kicks in. So does the pressure to “ride it right.”

The truth is simpler than most first-time riders expect. Back of the Dragon is a technical mountain ride in Southwest Virginia known for its sharp curves, elevation changes, and long scenic stretches. It rewards riders who stay calm, ride smoothly, and take the experience one section at a time.

That’s what makes the ride memorable.

You do not have to prove anything out here. The riders who enjoy the road most usually settle into the rhythm of the mountains instead of trying to conquer them in one pass. Before your journey begins, take time to explore the Back of the Dragon experience and get familiar with what makes this stretch of Route 16 such a legendary ride.

What Should First-Time Riders Know Before Riding Route 16?

Tip #1: Ride Your Own Pace From the First Curve

The safest way to ride Back of the Dragon for the first time is to maintain your own pace and avoid chasing more experienced riders through curves.

That sounds easy until you are watching taillights disappear around the next mountain bend. One of the biggest mistakes riders make during their first time riding Route 16 is treating the road like a challenge instead of an experience.

The mountain rhythm here feels different from normal highway riding. Some stretches open into scenic ridgelines with long views across Southwest Virginia. Others tighten suddenly into downhill curves where visibility changes fast beneath tree cover. Riders who push too hard too early often spend the rest of the ride mentally catching up.

In our experience, riders who enjoy Back of the Dragon most usually settle into the road instead of trying to conquer it. Smooth throttle control, relaxed braking, and calm corner entry matter far more than speed.

You will also notice that experienced local riders rarely look rushed. They understand how quickly elevation shifts and tightening mountain curves can change the feel of the ride from one section to the next.

Before heading deeper into the mountains, it helps to explore the Route 16 riding experience so the terrain feels familiar before the next series of curves begins.

Tip #2: Learn the Road Before You Push the Ride

One of the most important safety lessons on Back of the Dragon is learning how the road flows before trying to ride aggressively through it.

The curves on Route 16 constantly change character. Some stay wide and predictable. Others tighten midway through the turn, especially in shaded Appalachian sections where visibility narrows beneath the trees. Riders who focus too closely on the pavement directly ahead often react too late when the road changes shape unexpectedly.

That is why scanning ahead matters.

Pay attention to decreasing-radius turns, particularly on the sharp Clinch Mountain descent toward Marion. Shaded sections there can stay damp long after sunrise, hiding slick pavement across tight hairpins and downhill corners where riders naturally want to carry more speed.

Instead of forcing speed into unfamiliar corners, focus on reading the road itself. Watch how the centerline moves. Notice how elevation affects visibility. Pay attention to how quickly ridgeline curves can tighten once the mountain begins dropping away beside you.

Scenic overlooks and pull-off areas are part of riding smart here too. Experienced riders regularly stop to reset mentally, hydrate, loosen their shoulders, and take in the scenery before continuing deeper into the mountains.

Those short pauses matter more than people realize. Technical roads create mental fatigue long before physical fatigue starts to show.

Riders who approach the road with patience usually leave with better stories, smoother rides, and more confidence for the next trip through Southwest Virginia.

Tip #3: Watch Mountain Weather Closely on Route 16

Before riding Back of the Dragon, riders should always check weather conditions because mountain visibility and pavement grip can change quickly.

Appalachian weather has a habit of shifting without much warning. A dry stretch in downtown Tazewell can turn into fog, damp pavement, or cooler temperatures within minutes once riders climb the higher elevations surrounding Clinch Mountain.

The 3,100-foot crest regularly traps heavy morning clouds against the ridge, especially during cooler mornings and humid summer days. Our local riders have seen clear pavement disappear into low visibility conditions only a few miles later, once the mountain weather settles into shaded sections of Route 16.

Fall rides bring another challenge. Leaves collect near curve edges and scenic pull-offs after windy mountain weather moves across the ridges. Summer riding creates different hazards entirely. Watch the pavement carefully on exposed southern slopes during hotter afternoons because the tar snakes used to seal cracks on Route 16 soften quickly in midday heat, reducing tire traction mid-corner.

Checking the forecast before the ride is a smart start, but staying alert during the ride matters just as much. If visibility changes or the pavement feels uncertain, slow down earlier than you think you need to and give yourself more room entering corners.

Before your trip, use the available resources to plan your Route 16 ride so you can build flexibility into your schedule and riding pace.

Tip #4: Plan Fuel, Food, and Rest Stops Ahead of Time

Some of the best beginner ride tips have nothing to do with speed or cornering technique. They have everything to do with focus.

Technical mountain roads demand more concentration than most riders expect during their first trip through the Back of the Dragon. After enough curves, your shoulders tighten, your reactions slow slightly, and your mental focus starts fading little by little.

That is why experienced riders build breaks into the ride before exhaustion sets in.

Marion and Tazewell naturally become regroup points for many riders traveling through Southwest Virginia. Riders stop to hydrate, grab food, fuel up, and trade stories before heading back into the mountains. Those breaks are not interruptions to the ride. They are part of the ride.

Hydration matters more than many riders realize, especially during warmer months when long hours in the saddle quietly wear down concentration. After several uninterrupted mountain sections between overlooks, many first-time riders are surprised by how mentally draining the constant elevation shifts become.

The social side of Back of the Dragon starts showing itself during those slower moments, too. Riders compare routes, share road updates, and talk about the corners that caught them by surprise earlier in the day.

If you want to slow the ride down and enjoy more of the atmosphere surrounding the road, many groups choose to stop and share the ride afterward before planning the next mountain run.

Tip #5: Slow Down Enough to Experience the Ride

The riders who remember Back of the Dragon most clearly are usually the ones who stopped trying to rush through it.

That realization often happens somewhere between the overlooks, the mountain valleys, and the long scenic sections where Southwest Virginia suddenly opens around you. Riders arrive expecting a technical challenge. Many leave talking about the atmosphere around the road just as much as the curves themselves.

Safety improves naturally when riders stop treating the experience like a competition.

You notice more when you settle into the journey. The changing light across Appalachian ridges. The cooler mountain air drifts through shaded canopies. The quiet moments at scenic pull-offs where riders line up bikes, trade stories, and photograph the valleys below before heading deeper into Route 16.

First-time riders often believe they need to “complete” the road quickly to experience it properly. In reality, the best rides usually leave room for spontaneity. Hungry Mother State Park, nearby mountain towns, scenic overlooks, and local gathering spots all become part of the larger Back of the Dragon story.

Back of the Dragon tends to reward riders who slow down long enough to experience the overlooks, local stops, and Appalachian atmosphere surrounding the road.

That is why so many riders come back.

If you want to understand how this riding community became a destination riders return to year after year, take time to see how the Back of the Dragon journey began before your next trip through the mountains. 

What Makes Back of the Dragon Different From Other Motorcycle Roads?

Back of the Dragon stands apart because the road constantly changes its rhythm. Riders are not simply cruising through scenic terrain. They are navigating elevation shifts, tightening mountain curves, shaded valleys, exposed ridgelines, and long technical stretches that demand focus from beginning to end.

Many scenic motorcycle routes allow riders to settle into a predictable pace. Route 16 rarely stays predictable for long. One section may feel smooth and flowing while the next suddenly drops into tighter descending turns beneath dense Appalachian tree cover along Clinch Mountain.

That variety is part of what keeps riders coming back.

The scenery changes just as quickly as the road itself. Riders move from quiet forest sections into overlooks with sweeping mountain views, then back into technical corners where visibility narrows and concentration sharpens again.

The experience feels immersive because the road never fully lets your attention drift.

What Should Riders Pack Before Riding Route 16?

Preparation matters more on mountain roads than many first-time riders expect. Even experienced riders can get caught off guard when temperatures shift between elevations or weather changes suddenly across Southwest Virginia.

At a minimum, riders should bring:

• Water or hydration packs
• Lightweight rain layers
• Extra gloves for cooler elevations
• A fully charged phone
• Navigation support or route planning tools
• Emergency contact information

Tire pressure and fuel levels should also be checked before heading into the mountains. Long technical stretches can become far less enjoyable when riders are distracted by preventable issues.

Comfort matters too. Riders who stay hydrated, dress for changing conditions, and prepare ahead of time usually stay mentally sharper throughout the ride.

Where Should First-Time Riders Stop Along the Ride?

One of the best parts of riding Back of the Dragon is that the journey naturally encourages riders to slow down and explore the surrounding mountain communities.

Marion and Tazewell often become regroup points where riders stop for food, fuel, and conversation before heading back onto Route 16. Scenic overlooks throughout the ride also create opportunities to reset mentally, stretch, hydrate, and take photographs of the Appalachian landscape.

Hungry Mother State Park is another popular stop for riders exploring the area. The park adds another layer to the experience beyond the road itself, especially for travelers turning the ride into a full weekend trip.

Many returning riders eventually develop their own favorite stop patterns depending on the season, weather, and group pace. That sense of discovery becomes part of the larger Back of the Dragon culture.

Why Do Riders Return to the Back of the Dragon Every Year?

For many riders, Back of the Dragon becomes more than a one-time destination ride.

The scenery changes throughout the seasons. Spring brings fresh mountain color and cool riding temperatures. Summer creates longer riding days and busy group rides. Fall transforms the Appalachian landscape with changing leaves and crisp mountain air rolling across Clinch Mountain.

The road itself changes depending on weather, visibility, and riding conditions, too. A section that feels calm one morning can feel completely different later in the day once fog settles against the ridges or afternoon shadows stretch across the curves.

There is also the community side of the experience. Riders return for rallies, seasonal trips, meetups, local conversations, and the shared culture surrounding Southwest Virginia riding.

That combination of technical riding and community atmosphere is difficult to replicate anywhere else.

How Can Group Riders Stay Safer on Route 16?

Group riding on mountain roads requires patience and communication. Riders with different experience levels naturally handle curves, elevation changes, and visibility shifts differently.

One of the safest approaches is allowing riders to spread out naturally instead of forcing a tight formation through technical sections. Trying to maintain constant spacing through unfamiliar mountain curves often creates unnecessary pressure for newer riders.

Experienced groups usually regroup at overlooks or scenic pull-offs rather than trying to stay tightly packed throughout the entire ride.

Communication matters too. Riders should discuss fuel stops, pacing expectations, and regroup locations before entering longer mountain stretches. That simple planning removes uncertainty and helps everyone settle into a safer riding rhythm.

The best group rides on Back of the Dragon usually feel relaxed, social, and flexible rather than competitive.

What is the Best Time of Day to ride the Back of the Dragon?

Morning rides often bring lighter traffic and cooler mountain temperatures, but they can also introduce fog and lingering moisture in shaded sections of Route 16 beneath the Clinch Mountain ridgeline.

Midday riding usually improves visibility as temperatures rise and pavement dries, especially after cooler mornings in the mountains. During summer, however, afternoon heat softens pavement sealant in exposed sections and creates additional traction concerns through sharper curves.

Many riders enjoy late-afternoon rides because the mountain lighting changes dramatically across the ridgelines and overlooks. The scenery becomes part of the experience in a completely different way once sunlight begins cutting through the valleys and tree cover.

The best riding conditions usually come from balancing visibility, weather, temperature, and your own riding comfort level.

Frequently Asked Questions