Plan Your Trip to Back of the Dragon (Travel Guide)

How to Plan Your Back of the Dragon Trip

Before heading out, it helps to review the Back of the Dragon map so you understand how the route flows between Tazewell and Marion.

H3: Best Time to Visit

Riding conditions here are tied directly to the mountains.

• Spring: Mornings can still be cold in higher elevations, but traffic is lighter, and the road feels more open
• Summer: Longer days give you more ride time, but heat builds up in the lower sections near Marion
• Fall: Peak foliage across the Appalachian ridges turns this into one of the most scenic rides in Virginia, but it also brings heavier weekend traffic

For the best balance, early mornings in late spring or early fall usually give you the cleanest runs.

How Long to Stay (Day Trip vs Weekend)

A single run doesn’t show you what this road really is.

• Day Trip:
  You’ll ride it once, maybe twice, but you’ll miss how different it feels in each direction
• Weekend Trip (Recommended):
  Staying in Tazewell or Marion lets you:
  • Ride northbound and southbound
  • Learn the rhythm of the curves
  • Take breaks without rushing

Most riders who come back do so as a 2–3-day trip, not a quick stop.

What to Expect on the Ride

Back of the Dragon demands attention.

• Over 400 curves in 32 miles
• Tight switchbacks mixed with short straightaways
• Elevation changes that affect speed and visibility

You’ll move from shaded forest sections into open mountain views quickly, and the road surface can vary depending on weather and tree cover.
It’s a ride where experience and patience matter.

Where to Stay Near Back of the Dragon

After a long day on the Back of the Dragon, you need a great place to stay.
The following are some of our favorites in the area.

What to Do Near the Back of the Dragon

Hungry Mother State Park

Just outside Marion, Hungry Mother State Park is where most riders go to reset.

You can:

• Walk the trails
• Spend time near the lake
• Take a break between rides

Scenic Overlooks & Stops Along VA-16

There are multiple pull-offs along the route, especially as you move through higher elevation sections.
These aren’t just photo spots.
They’re where you:

• Let your hands rest
• Take in the elevation you just climbed
• Reset before heading into the next stretch

Local Dining & Small Town Stops

Tazewell and Marion both give you that small-town feel riders look for after a long run.
In Tazewell, it’s more rider-focused, places where people talk about the road. In Marion, it’s quieter, slower, and more spread out.
Both are part of the trip, not just stops between rides.

Back of the Dragon Weekend Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & First Ride

Get into Tazewell or Marion, check in, and take your first run on VA-16.
Stop at the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center before heading out; it helps you understand how the route flows before you push too hard.

Day 2: Full Route Experience

Ride the full route in both directions.
This is where you start to recognize sections:

• Where the curves tighten
• Where visibility opens up
• Where do you want to slow down or push a little

Take breaks in town between runs; it makes a difference.

Optional Day 3: Explore the Area

If you stay longer, slow it down.
Ride nearby roads, spend time around Marion, or head back through sections of VA-16 at a more relaxed pace before leaving.

Tips for Planning Your Ride

• Respect VA-16: This isn’t a beginner road, ride within your limits
• Watch mountain conditions: Shade, moisture, and temperature shifts affect traction
• Start early: You’ll get better road conditions and less traffic
• Plan your fuel and stops: There aren’t constant service points once you’re on the route