Planning your trip to Back of the Dragon isn’t just about riding VA-16; it’s about knowing how to experience this stretch of Southwest Virginia the right way.
From where you stay in Tazewell to how you time your ride through the mountains toward Marion, this guide helps you turn a single run into a full trip that actually feels complete.
Back of the Dragon is a 32-mile stretch of Virginia Route 16 with over 400 curves running between Tazewell and Marion through the Appalachian Mountains.
Back of the Dragon runs along Virginia Route 16, cutting directly through Southwest Virginia’s mountain terrain, a region widely recognized in resources like the Southwest Virginia travel guide.
The route runs through the Jefferson National Forest, which is why the road feels the way it does: tight, shaded sections, sudden elevation changes, and constant changes in visibility.
Before heading out, it helps to review the Back of the Dragon map so you understand how the route flows between Tazewell and Marion.
After a long day on the Back of the Dragon, you need a great place to stay.
The Traveler on Main offers boutique, fully equipped vacation suites in the heart of historic Tazewell, Virginia.
Located steps from local dining and shops. It’s the perfect home base for mountain adventurers and relaxing getaways alike.
Tazewell is where most riders set up, and for good reason, especially if you want to be close to the full Back of the Dragon experience from the moment you arrive.
You’re right at the start of VA-16, and everything is built around the ride. The Back of the Dragon Welcome Center gives you a place to stop, check conditions, and connect with other riders before heading out.
When you’re done riding, places like The Dragon’s Den Restaurant are where riders regroup, eat, and talk through their runs.
Marion gives you a different pace.
Starting from this side means you ease into the ride instead of jumping straight into the tighter northern sections. It’s also closer to outdoor spots and tends
to feel less crowded than Tazewell.
If you want a quieter base, this is where you stay.
Step back in time with a stay at the General Francis Marion Hotel in historic Marion, Virginia.
Originally built in the 1920s, this beautifully restored boutique hotel blends 1920s roaring elegance with modern Southern hospitality and amenities.
Staying off the main road changes the trip. Around Tazewell and Marion, you’ll find cabins tucked into hillsides and along back roads that branch off VA-16. These aren’t typical hotel stays, you’re in the same terrain you’re riding.
That means:
It turns the trip into more than just a ride, it becomes a full mountain stay.
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.
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.
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.
This isn’t a beginner road, ride within your limits.
Shade, moisture, and temperature shifts affect traction.
You’ll get better road conditions and less traffic.
There aren’t constant service points once you’re on the route.
Back of the Dragon is one of those rides that gets better the more you understand it.
Where you stay, when you ride, and how you pace the trip all change the experience.
Monday Night Cornhole!
August 31, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
592 Main St, Tazewell, VA 24651, USA
Come play in our competive weekly game of Cornhole! $10 buy-in, double elemination, blind draw for partners. Cash prizes, Beer Specials and Delicious Pizza!
TRIVIA with Doc and Erica!
September 2, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring your friends and come join us for a great time and maybe win a prize!!
Drink specials and yummy food!!
Family Feud
September 4, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Come see us during the FALL Into FASHION Show!
September 5, 2026
Monday Night Cornhole!
September 7, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
592 Main St, Tazewell, VA 24651, USA
Come play in our competive weekly game of Cornhole! $10 buy-in, double elemination, blind draw for partners. Cash prizes, Beer Specials and Delicious Pizza!
TRIVIA with Doc and Erica!
September 9, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring your friends and come join us for a great time and maybe win a prize!!
Drink specials and yummy food!!
Welcome: Virginia Widows Sons 2026 State Rally
September 11, 2026 - September 12, 2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1NF8eLFbXD/
Welcome: Virginia Widows Sons 2026 State Rally
September 11, 2026 - September 12, 2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1NF8eLFbXD/
Local First Responders Charity Ride & Rally!
September 12, 2026
Monday Night Cornhole!
September 14, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
592 Main St, Tazewell, VA 24651, USA
Come play in our competive weekly game of Cornhole! $10 buy-in, double elemination, blind draw for partners. Cash prizes, Beer Specials and Delicious Pizza!
TRIVIA with Doc and Erica!
September 16, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring your friends and come join us for a great time and maybe win a prize!!
Drink specials and yummy food!!
Cole Harley Bike Night
September 17, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Back of the Dragon Brewery, 592 W Main St, Tazewell, VA 24651, USA
Monday Night Cornhole!
September 21, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
592 Main St, Tazewell, VA 24651, USA
Come play in our competive weekly game of Cornhole! $10 buy-in, double elemination, blind draw for partners. Cash prizes, Beer Specials and Delicious Pizza!
TRIVIA with Doc and Erica!
September 23, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bring your friends and come join us for a great time and maybe win a prize!!
Drink specials and yummy food!!
Welcome: Eastern Buckeye Porsche Club
September 26, 2026
Monday Night Cornhole!
September 28, 2026 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
592 Main St, Tazewell, VA 24651, USA
Come play in our competive weekly game of Cornhole! $10 buy-in, double elemination, blind draw for partners. Cash prizes, Beer Specials and Delicious Pizza!