Sports Car Roads in Virginia: Back of the Dragon Drive
The best sports car roads Virginia enthusiasts seek are roads that combine driver engagement, changing scenery, and memorable destinations. The Back of the Dragon sports car drive delivers exactly that. This 32-mile stretch of Virginia Route 16 runs between Tazewell and Marion, Virginia, crossing the elevations and ridgelines of Clinch Mountain through the heart of Southwest Virginia.
Drivers travel here for sweeping corners, technical mountain sections, dramatic elevation changes, and the Appalachian scenery that has made this one of the most talked-about driving roads on the East Coast.
Back of the Dragon follows Virginia Route 16 through Tazewell County and Smyth County and is known for its more than 400 curves, changing elevations, and constantly evolving views. Sports car owners, grand touring enthusiasts, and exotic car drivers visit from across the region to experience one of the premier mountain driving roads Virginia has to offer while exploring destinations like Burke’s Garden, Jefferson National Forest, and the mountain communities surrounding the route.
Before heading into the curves, explore the complete Back of the Dragon experience and begin planning your Southwest Virginia driving adventure.
Why Sports Car Enthusiasts Choose Back of the Dragon
Performance Driving Meets Appalachian Scenery
Some roads are built to get you somewhere. Back of the Dragon is built around the drive itself. Sports car owners are drawn to Virginia Route 16 because the road creates a rhythm that rewards smooth steering inputs, controlled braking, and careful pacing through changing mountain terrain.
Drivers leave Main Street Tazewell and immediately begin climbing toward the Clinch Mountain ridgeline, where the road transitions from valley sweepers into increasingly technical mountain sectors before reaching the overlook just above Kudzu Curve.
The route moves between tight technical sectors and expansive mountain views as drivers climb and descend Clinch Mountain. One moment you are navigating a series of connected corners, and the next opens into long views across Appalachian ridgelines stretching beyond Tazewell County.
For many drivers, the combination of engagement and scenery is what separates this route from more common scenic highways throughout the region.
More Than 400 Curves Across Three Mountains
Driving the Back of the Dragon is less about total curve count and more about how the road evolves across three distinct mountains, Clinch, Brushy, and Big Walker. Unlike many scenic drives, Virginia Route 16 forces drivers to continuously adapt to changing elevations, corner radii, pavement conditions, and visibility zones as each mountain hands off to the next.
Route Progression: Tazewell Staging Area → Clinch Mountain → Brushy Mountain → Big Walker Mountain → Marion Descent toward Hungry Mother
Leaving Main Street in Tazewell, drivers begin climbing Clinch Mountain, the first of three mountains crossed along the route, through dense Appalachian hardwood canopy. This shaded section develops its own microclimate, where moisture can remain trapped on pavement long after sunrise. Just above Kudzu Curve, an overlook opens up along the Clinch, giving drivers their first real look back across the valley before the road tips back down into tighter, tree-covered switchbacks.
From there, the route rolls into Brushy Mountain (often referenced as Brushy Hills), a shorter but still demanding stretch of connected corners that keeps drivers working through continuous direction changes before the terrain opens again.
The final climb brings drivers onto Big Walker Mountain, where the road becomes faster and more flowing as it crests toward the Smyth County line. A second overlook sits here, perched on the Big Walker side, offering sweeping views before the descent begins toward Hungry Mother State Park. Consecutive first-gear switchbacks increase brake thermal load on the way down, while steep drainage cuts and abrupt elevation changes require careful line selection, particularly for lower-slung performance cars and long-wheelbase exotics.
What Makes Back of the Dragon One of the Best Sports Car Roads in Virginia
Technical Corners, Chassis Loading, and Elevation Changes
One reason Back of the Dragon stands out among the sports-car roads Virginia enthusiasts discuss is how frequently vehicle dynamics change along the route.
Drivers encounter rapid transitions between compression zones, cresting sections, off-camber corners, and downhill braking zones. Rather than relying on raw horsepower, the road rewards smooth weight transfer management, progressive steering inputs, and proper corner setup.
Sports cars with balanced chassis characteristics often feel especially composed through the mid-mountain sectors where consecutive directional changes generate sustained lateral G-forces. Drivers quickly learn that carrying momentum through the corner sequence is often more rewarding than accelerating aggressively between curves.
For enthusiasts who appreciate vehicle feedback, suspension response, steering precision, brake consistency, and chassis balance, the experience becomes as memorable as the scenery itself.
Scenic Mountain Driving Without Interstate Traffic
Many sports car owners seek roads that offer both driving enjoyment and a sense of escape. Back of the Dragon provides that experience by moving drivers away from heavy interstate traffic and into the Appalachian landscape surrounding Clinch Mountain.
Mountain forests, ridgelines, valleys, and changing elevations create an environment where the drive becomes the main attraction. During fall, changing foliage transforms sections of the route into one of the most visually striking scenic driving roads East Coast travelers can experience.
A Driver-Focused Experience
Back of the Dragon attracts a wide variety of vehicles because the route appeals to drivers who enjoy the road itself. We regularly see Corvette, Porsche, BMW M, Mustang, Audi RS, Mercedes-AMG, and exotic-car groups using Tazewell as a staging point before tackling Virginia Route 16.
In our experience, first-time visitors are often surprised by how engaging the route becomes once they enter the Clinch Mountain sectors. The combination of corner variety, changing elevations, mountain scenery, and constantly shifting vehicle dynamics creates a driving experience that remains memorable long after the trip ends.
To better understand the route before your visit, take time to explore the full Route 16 drive and map out your preferred stops.
What to Expect Along the Drive
Scenic Overlooks and Appalachian Views
The landscape changes constantly throughout the route, crossing three distinct mountains: Clinch, Brushy, and Big Walker. Some stretches feel enclosed by mountain forests while others open into broad views across valleys, ridgelines, and the surrounding Appalachian terrain.
Two overlooks anchor the drive. The first sits atop the Clinch, just above Kudzu Curve, giving drivers an early payoff after the initial climb out of Tazewell. The second is perched on Big Walker, on the Smyth County side, right before the road begins its descent into Hungry Mother State Park. Together, these two stops help make the route feel larger than its 32-mile length.
Burke’s Garden and Nearby Detours
Many visitors extend their drive beyond Virginia Route 16 by incorporating nearby destinations into their itinerary. Burke’s Garden, often called the “Heart of the Dragon,” remains one of the most popular side trips because of its unique mountain basin setting and scenic approach roads.
Jefferson National Forest also provides opportunities for additional exploration, making the area appealing for full-day and multi-day driving adventures.
Road Conditions, Microclimates, and Driver Awareness
Virginia Route 16 rewards attentive drivers because conditions can change significantly within a matter of miles.
The northern slopes of Clinch Mountain feature a dense hardwood canopy that traps moisture and limits sunlight exposure. As a result, shaded pavement sections can remain slick well into the day even when temperatures exceed 80 degrees elsewhere in Southwest Virginia.
In our experience, drivers frequently notice the difference when transitioning from the exposed ridgeline sections near Valley View Overlook back into heavily shaded mountain sectors. Pavement temperatures, available grip, and visibility conditions can change surprisingly quickly.
The descent toward Marion contains several tight first-gear switchbacks where visibility narrows before opening into longer sweepers farther down the mountain. Drivers should also monitor for gravel deposits near logging access roads after storms, particularly around pull-off areas and lower mountain drainage channels.
Before entering the route, consult the Virginia Department of Transportation for road conditions, maintenance updates, and any active logging or tree-clearing operations that may affect travel.
Planning a Sports Car Road Trip Through Southwest Virginia
Best Seasons for Scenic Driving
Spring and fall remain the most popular times to experience the Back of the Dragon sports car drive. Spring brings fresh mountain greenery and comfortable temperatures, while fall transforms the landscape with colorful foliage across Clinch Mountain and the surrounding valleys.
Summer also attracts visitors looking for scenic weekend drives throughout Virginia and the Appalachian region.
Pre-Drive Logistics and Regional Staging
Because Virginia Route 16 operates as an isolated mountain corridor, preparation matters more than many first-time visitors expect.
There are no fuel stations directly along the 32-mile mountain pass itself. Performance drivers should fuel before entering the route, either near Main Street and Fincastle Turnpike in Tazewell or near I-81 access points in Marion.
Drivers planning spirited mountain runs should also evaluate tire pressures before departure. The combination of more than 400 curves, elevation changes, repeated corner loading, and sustained lateral forces generates significantly more heat than normal highway driving. Many enthusiasts monitor hot pressures during extended driving sessions to maintain consistent handling characteristics.
We regularly see organized sports car groups perform vehicle inspections and route briefings near the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center before beginning the climb toward Clinch Mountain. This approach helps drivers focus on the experience while reducing unexpected interruptions once they are in the mountain sections.
If you are organizing a longer adventure, use available resources to plan your Southwest Virginia road trip before arriving.
Weekend Getaways and Multi-Day Drives
Many drivers discover that a single drive along Virginia Route 16 quickly turns into a larger Appalachian road trip. The surrounding region offers enough scenic routes, mountain communities, and destinations to support multi-day exploration.
Our team regularly sees drivers begin in Tazewell, spend a day exploring Burke’s Garden and Clinch Mountain, then continue south toward Marion before returning for an evening gathering near the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center. This creates a uniquely Southwest Virginia driving itinerary that extends well beyond the 32-mile route itself.
Start mapping your journey early and discover what makes Southwest Virginia one of the most rewarding driving regions on the East Coast.
Beyond the Curves: The Full Back of the Dragon Experience
Dining, Gathering, and Driver Culture
The experience does not end when the engine shuts off. Many visitors gather near the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center and throughout Main Street Tazewell after spending the day on Virginia Route 16.
Drivers often spend as much time discussing memorable corner sequences, braking zones, chassis behavior, and mountain overlooks as they do planning the next day’s route. This atmosphere has helped create a strong community around the destination itself.
Visitors looking to continue the experience often stop by the Back of the Dragon Brewery to relax, reconnect, and share stories from the road.
Photos, Merchandise, and Memories
Back of the Dragon creates experiences that many visitors want to remember long after the drive ends. Some collect photographs from scenic overlooks while others bring home keepsakes tied to the destination.
For many enthusiasts, the drive becomes part of a larger tradition of Appalachian road travel. Visitors can also browse Back of the Dragon merchandise connected to the growing community of drivers who return year after year.
Quick Route Reference for Sports Car Drivers
| Route Anchor Point | Location Marker | Driver Function / Value |
| North Staging Hub | Main Street Tazewell | Best location for vehicle staging, club gatherings, fuel access, and Welcome Center resources. |
| Mid-Route Overlook | Valley View Overlook / Clinch Mountain Crest | Popular stop for photography, scenic viewing, vehicle cooling breaks, and mountain panoramas. |
| South Access Point | Hungry Mother Corridor near Marion | Transition area where the mountain descent ends, and traffic patterns begin changing near town limits. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Back of the Dragon
Is Back of the Dragon good for sports cars?
Yes. Back of the Dragon offers more than 400 curves, elevation changes, mountain scenery, and technical driving sections that appeal to sports car and grand touring enthusiasts.
Can exotic cars drive Virginia Route 16?
Yes. The paved Virginia Route 16 corridor accommodates exotic cars, sports cars, touring vehicles, and scenic-driving enthusiasts seeking a memorable mountain driving experience.
What is the best sports car road in Virginia?
Many enthusiasts consider Back of the Dragon one of the best sports car roads in Virginia because it combines curves, elevation changes, scenic overlooks, and an Appalachian mountain setting.
When is the best time to drive Back of the Dragon?
Spring and fall are generally considered the best seasons. These periods provide comfortable temperatures, excellent visibility, and some of the most impressive scenery along Clinch Mountain.
How long does the drive take?
Most visitors can complete the route in under an hour without stops. Many drivers choose to spend several hours exploring overlooks, scenic detours, and nearby destinations throughout Southwest Virginia.
Plan Your Back of the Dragon Sports Car Adventure
Back of the Dragon continues to attract sports car owners, grand touring enthusiasts, and exotic vehicle drivers looking for something more engaging than a typical scenic drive. The route combines mountain curves, elevation changes, Appalachian scenery, and a welcoming destination atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the journey.
Whether you are planning a solo weekend drive, a club gathering, or a multi-day Appalachian road trip, Virginia Route 16 offers an experience that rewards both exploration and driver engagement.
Among the many sports car roads Virginia drivers can choose from, we continue to stand apart because we combine technical driving, Appalachian scenery, and destination-focused experiences.
Start your adventure, discover the curves of Clinch Mountain, and experience why Back of the Dragon has become one of the most respected driving destinations on the East Coast.