First-Time Back of the Dragon Checklist
Your first-time Back of the Dragon ride should be memorable for the right reasons. A little preparation goes a long way when you’re tackling Virginia Route 16 for the first time. Back of the Dragon is a scenic mountain road known for its sweeping curves, changing elevations, and unforgettable Appalachian views, making thoughtful ride planning an important part of the experience.
It’s tempting to think Back of the Dragon is just about the road, but first-timers who slow down discover there’s so much more waiting for them. They often arrive without realizing how much there is to experience before, during, and after the ride. From planning your route to packing the right gear and discovering great places to stop, a little preparation helps you enjoy every mile with more confidence.
If you’re getting ready for your first visit, take a few minutes to explore the Back of the Dragon route before heading out. Knowing what to expect allows you to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the adventure.
Here’s the route at a Glance:
- Terminus Anchor Towns: Tazewell, VA (North) to Marion, VA (South)
- Distance: 32 miles across Route 16
- Curve Count: 438 curves
- Elevation Points: 3 mountain gaps (Clinch Mountain, Big Walker Mountain, Brushy Mountain)
Why Should You Prepare Before Your First Back of the Dragon Ride?
The simple answer: prepare for drastic mountain elevation changes rather than treating this like an ordinary scenic drive.
In our experience, many first-time riders expect the road to feel consistent from beginning to end. Instead, the ride constantly changes. Elevation shifts affect visibility, shaded sections may stay damp even after sunny weather, and one series of curves can feel completely different from the next. Riders who pace themselves usually enjoy the experience far more than those who rush through it.
Mountain weather deserves attention as well. Conditions can change throughout the day, especially between valleys and ridgelines. A cool morning may turn into a warm afternoon before another passing shower briefly changes traction on certain corners. Checking the latest forecast before leaving is always worthwhile. The National Weather Service provides reliable mountain weather forecasts that can help you prepare for changing conditions.
Good preparation also means giving yourself enough time. Rather than racing from one end of the route to the other, allow extra time for scenic overlooks, photographs, conversations with fellow riders, and unexpected discoveries along the way.
As you begin planning, it’s worth taking a little extra time to plan your Back of the Dragon trip so your day unfolds naturally instead of feeling rushed.
What Should You Pack for Your Route 16 Ride Prep?
The best Route 16 checklist isn’t about packing more. It’s about packing right, for comfort, safety, and whatever the mountain throws at you. You’ll enjoy the ride much more if you’re prepared for changing conditions without overloading your motorcycle.
Avoid packing like a general weekend trip. Your Route 16 kit should address dead-zone navigation and technical mountain riding.
- Tech & Navigation (Critical)
- Offline Maps (Cell coverage drops completely between Tazewell and Marion. Download offline maps via REVER or Google Maps before departure).
- Portable Battery Pack (Searching for cell signals in dead zones will drain your phone battery twice as fast).
- Motorcycle & Safety Essentials
- Tire Pressure Gauge (Check pressures before climbing; elevation and cold mountain tarmac affect traction).
- Tire Plug Kit & Mini Inflator (Tow trucks have delayed response times in mountain passes).
- Comfort & Layers
- Layered Riding Gear (Pack a lightweight wind/rain layer; weather shifts rapidly across Clinch, Big Walker, and Brushy mountains).
- Visors (A clear visor is essential if caught in shaded mountain switchbacks late in the afternoon).
In our experience, one of the easiest mistakes to make is underestimating mental fatigue. Hundreds of curves require steady concentration, and many experienced riders choose to stop periodically, not because they’re tired physically, but because a short break helps them stay sharp for the miles ahead.
Another helpful tip is to avoid riding on a strict schedule. Building flexibility into your day gives you the freedom to stop for mountain views, take photos, or simply enjoy conversations with other travelers you meet along the route.
A little preparation before you leave often turns a good ride into an unforgettable one.
Where Should First-Time Riders Stop Along the Route?
The 32-mile stretch of Route 16 offers incredible riding, but strategic stops give you a chance to rest your hands, take in the views, and explore the region’s best landmarks:
- Hungry Mother State Park (Southern Terminus): Located right at the edge of Marion, VA, this 2,900-acre park surrounds a 108-acre lake. It’s the ultimate spot to stretch, grab a bite at the restaurant, or fill water bottles before hitting the initial ascent.
- Thompson Valley Overlooks: As you cross Clinch Mountain, hit the pull-offs overlooking Thompson Valley. These stops offer some of the most panoramic, wide-open views of Appalachian farmland along the entire drive.
- Back of the Dragon Welcome Center (Tazewell): The northern anchor for the route. Stop here to grab official gear, get real-time road condition updates from the staff, and hang out with other riders at the draft bar.
- Optional Detour – Burke’s Garden (“God’s Thumbprint”): If you have extra time, take a 15-minute side loop off VA-16 into Virginia’s highest bowl valley. Known as “God’s Thumbprint,” this isolated, high-altitude basin features preserved historic farms, virtually zero traffic, and incredible mountain ridges surrounding you on all sides.
How Can You Ride Back of the Dragon Safely?
Back of the Dragon welcomes first-timers, especially the ones who show up patient, prepared, and ready to take it one curve at a time. The road rewards smooth, controlled riding far more than aggressive speed.
The biggest adjustment for many newcomers is understanding that this is not a route to rush through. Virginia Route 16 delivers continuous curves, changing elevations, and varying sightlines that demand your attention. Riding at your own pace allows you to enjoy both the scenery and the challenge without unnecessary pressure.
In our experience, riders who stay relaxed and take regular breaks maintain better focus than those trying to complete the route in one stretch. Mental concentration gradually fades after long periods of navigating mountain curves, even when you don’t feel physically tired. A short stop to stretch, hydrate, or simply enjoy the view often makes the remainder of the ride feel more comfortable.
Pay close attention to route-specific road hazards along VA-16:
- Tar Snakes: In mid-summer heat, asphalt sealant becomes slick on tight mountain lean angles.
- Gravel Washouts: Heavy rains routinely wash gravel down off the banks into lower-elevation hairpin turns.
- Farm Equipment: As you descend Clinch Mountain into Thompson Valley, watch for slow-moving agricultural vehicles turning onto the two-lane road.
- Shaded Dampness: Dense tree canopy keeps northern slopes damp long into sunny afternoons, drastically reducing cornering traction.
Should You Turn Your Ride Into a Weekend Trip?
Many first-time visitors arrive expecting Back of the Dragon to be a single-day adventure. By the end of the ride, they’re already talking about when they’ll come back.
There’s a good reason for that. Riding the route in opposite directions creates a noticeably different experience. Corner entry points, sightlines, elevation changes, and mountain views all shift depending on your direction of travel, making the return ride feel surprisingly fresh.
Extending your visit also gives you time to enjoy more than the road itself. You can slow down, discover scenic stops, enjoy local food, meet fellow riders, and experience the welcoming community that has grown around Back of the Dragon. Instead of watching the clock, you can simply enjoy where the road leads next.
If you’re thinking about making a weekend of it, now is the perfect opportunity to plan your Back of the Dragon trip. Planning makes it easier to enjoy the journey without feeling like you’re racing from one destination to another.
What Should You Do After Completing Back of the Dragon?
The Welcome Center is an excellent place to continue the experience. Many first-time visitors stop in expecting a quick visit but leave with ideas for another trip, recommendations for nearby attractions, and conversations that become part of the memories they’ll take home.
If you enjoy exploring beyond the road, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure. Scenic mountain drives, overlooks, local dining, and nearby attractions encourage visitors to slow down rather than treat the ride as a quick stop on a longer journey.
By giving yourself time to enjoy what surrounds the route, you’ll gain a much deeper appreciation for why Back of the Dragon has become a destination that riders return to year after year.
Why Do Riders Keep Coming Back?
We’ve seen countless riders arrive with a checklist and leave with plans for their next visit. They discover new overlooks, favorite restaurants, memorable conversations, and fresh reasons to explore the Appalachian Mountains. Riding Virginia Route 16 in the opposite direction changes the road’s rhythm, making every return trip feel like a new adventure. Combined with shifting Appalachian seasons and the welcoming rider community at the Tazewell Welcome Center, every trip across these 438 curves offers something new.
If you’re ready to begin your own adventure, discover the Back of the Dragon experience before your trip. You’ll find inspiration, planning resources, and plenty of ideas to help make your first ride one you’ll never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Back of the Dragon Riders
What should first-time riders bring when riding Back of the Dragon?
Pack a portable battery pack and download offline maps (via REVER or Google Maps) prior to departure, as cell coverage drops completely between Tazewell and Marion. Additionally, bring a tire pressure gauge, tire plug kit, clear visor for shaded mountain passes, and flexible rain layers.
How should I prepare for my first ride on Virginia Route 16?
Start by checking the weather forecast, inspecting your motorcycle, and planning extra time for scenic stops. Riding at a comfortable pace is one of the best ways to enjoy your first trip.
Is Back of the Dragon difficult for first-time visitors?
No, as long as you maintain a smooth, controlled pace. With 438 curves across 32 miles, the route demands constant focus and smooth throttle management rather than high speeds.
Should I ride Back of the Dragon in both directions?
Yes, riding Back of the Dragon in both directions can provide a different view of the road and fall scenery. Changing sunlight reveals different slopes, colors, and overlooks, but riders should confirm they have enough daylight, fuel, and energy for the return trip.
Is one day enough to experience Back of the Dragon?
One day is enough to enjoy the ride, but many visitors choose to stay longer. Spending additional time allows you to explore nearby attractions, relax after the ride, and experience more of the community surrounding the route.
For additional travel information, weather updates, and trip-planning resources, riders can also review guidance available from the National Weather Service before heading into the mountains.
Ready for your first ride? Take time to contact the Back of the Dragon team if you have questions before your visit, and don’t forget to subscribe to Monthly Miles for trip inspiration, rider updates, events, and exclusive discoveries that make every adventure even better.