Ride the Back of the Dragon
The Back of the Dragon motorcycle route in Virginia delivers one of the most unforgettable rides in the Appalachian Mountains. This 32-mile stretch of Virginia Route 16 runs between Tazewell and Marion, Virginia, crossing the peaks and elevation changes of Clinch Mountain through the heart of Southwest Virginia. Riders travel here for the sweeping mountain curves, scenic overlooks, technical riding sections, and Appalachian atmosphere that have made this scenic drive in Virginia one of the best motorcycle roads in the country.
Back of the Dragon follows Virginia Route 16 through Tazewell County and Smyth County and is famous for its more than 400 curves, mountain riding terrain, and dramatic elevation transitions. Riders and drivers from across the country come here to experience one of the best roads in Virginia while exploring destinations like Burke’s Garden, Jefferson National Forest, and the mountain communities surrounding the route.
Before you head into the curves, explore the full Back of the Dragon experience and start mapping out your ride through Southwest Virginia.
Ride the Back of the Dragon Through Southwest Virginia
More Than 400 Curves Across Virginia Route 16
The Back of the Dragon route has earned its reputation because the ride constantly changes between technical mountain sectors and wide-open Appalachian scenery. One moment you are climbing through elevation transitions with stacked switchbacks ahead, and the next opens into long mountain overlooks stretching across the Clinch Mountain ridgelines. Riders often describe the Route 16 ride as a balance between focus and freedom because the road demands attention while constantly rewarding you with changing scenery.
Unlike flat highway touring, this Virginia mountain motorcycle ride rewards pacing, throttle control, and awareness through the curves. Certain downhill sections tighten quickly, especially on the descent toward Marion where riders encounter technical transitions that require smooth braking and controlled corner entry. In our experience, first-time visitors are usually surprised by how physically engaging the route becomes once they move deeper into the mountain sectors surrounding Tazewell County.
Why Riders Call It One of the Best Roads in Virginia
Some roads are simply transportation. The Back of the Dragon motorcycle route feels like an experience built around the ride itself. Riders come for the mountain curves, but many stay longer because the destination atmosphere surrounding Tazewell and Marion turns the trip into a full Appalachian riding experience.
Our team has seen riders stop repeatedly throughout the route just to take in the mountain views near Clinch Mountain and Jefferson National Forest overlooks. During fall riding season, the elevation shifts between Marion and Tazewell create dramatic foliage changes across the mountains that make certain curve sections feel completely different from one ridge to the next. If this is your first ride through Southwest Virginia, take time to explore the route instead of rushing through it. The best moments often happen between the planned stops.
What to Expect Along the Back of the Dragon Route
Mountain Elevation Changes and Scenic Overlooks
The terrain across Southwest Virginia constantly shifts as riders move through mountain elevations and winding Appalachian roads. Some sections feel enclosed by tree-lined curves climbing along Clinch Mountain, while others suddenly open into broad scenic overlooks stretching across the valleys surrounding Tazewell County and Burke’s Garden.
Weather can also change quickly throughout the route. Riders traveling during spring and fall often encounter cooler temperatures at higher elevations, even when Marion or Tazewell feels warm and comfortable. Checking conditions before heading into the mountains is always a smart part of motorcycle trip planning. The Virginia Department of Transportation also provides useful travel and roadway updates for Virginia travelers.
Small Town Stops and Appalachian Riding Culture
One reason the Back of the Dragon curves stand out from other scenic Virginia highways is the atmosphere surrounding the route itself. Riders frequently gather near the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center in Tazewell before heading toward Marion or branching into nearby Appalachian riding routes.
The intersection of US-19 and VA-16 has become a recognizable meeting point for touring riders arriving from Tennessee, North Carolina, and other parts of Virginia. Many visitors also build side trips into Burke’s Garden, often called the “Heart of the Dragon,” because the surrounding mountain basin creates one of the most distinctive scenic detours in Southwest Virginia
Road Conditions and Rider Awareness
Virginia Route 16 through Clinch Mountain demands steady attention because the road changes character quickly between exposed mountain ridges, shaded tree cover, and technical downhill sectors. Riders descending toward Marion encounter several tight first-gear switchbacks where corner visibility narrows rapidly before reopening into longer sweepers farther down the mountain.
In our experience, gravel washouts occasionally appear near logging pull-offs after heavy rain, especially along outer curve edges where mountain runoff crosses portions of the roadway. Riders should also expect stretches with limited guardrails along steeper elevation sectors near Clinch Mountain ridgelines. Morning moisture, fallen leaves during peak fall season, and cooler pavement temperatures in shaded sections can all impact traction throughout the route.
Scenic drivers can still enjoy the experience comfortably, but the road rewards patience, smooth braking, and controlled pacing rather than aggressive riding. Many visitors also extend their trip into nearby destinations like Burke’s Garden or surrounding sections of Jefferson National Forest to experience more of Southwest Virginia beyond the main route.
Planning Your Back of the Dragon Ride
Best Times of Year to Ride Virginia Route 16
Spring and fall are often considered the most popular riding seasons along the Back of the Dragon motorcycle route. Spring brings fresh mountain greenery and cooler riding temperatures, while fall transforms the surrounding Appalachian terrain with changing leaves and clear mountain views.
Summer riding also remains popular, especially for touring groups and multi-day trips across Virginia mountain roads. Morning rides typically offer cooler temperatures and lighter traffic throughout the route between Marion and Tazewell.
Fuel Stops, Lodging, and Ride Preparation
Planning ahead helps riders enjoy the route instead of worrying about logistics once they are already deep into the mountains. Fueling up before longer stretches, monitoring weather conditions, and preparing for changing elevation temperatures all help create a smoother ride experience.
Tazewell gives riders access to lodging, food, rider gathering areas, and planning resources before or after the route. If you are organizing a longer motorcycle touring trip through Southwest Virginia, explore how to plan your Virginia motorcycle trip before arriving.
Group Rides and Motorcycle Club Trips
Back of the Dragon has become a major gathering point for motorcycle clubs and touring groups traveling through Southwest Virginia because Tazewell offers a natural staging area before riders head deeper into Virginia Route 16. Many groups organize meetups near the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center before coordinating fuel stops, curve pacing, and regroup locations throughout the Clinch Mountain sectors.
During rally weekends and peak fall riding periods, it is common to see groups arriving from Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, and across Virginia to use Tazewell County as a launching point for multi-day Appalachian rides. Our team has seen touring riders combine Back of the Dragon with routes through Burke’s Garden and nearby Jefferson National Forest roads to create longer mountain touring loops throughout the region.
Experience Back of the Dragon Beyond the Ride
Pizza, Brews, and Rider Gatherings
One of the best parts of the Back of the Dragon experience begins after the engines cool down in downtown Tazewell. Riders gather near the Back of the Dragon Welcome Center and along Main Street after long hours on Virginia Route 16, especially during busy spring and fall weekends when motorcycles fill nearby parking areas and sidewalks throughout town.
Stopping for pizza and brews after the ride has become part of the rhythm of the destination itself. Riders often spend as much time talking about specific switchback sections near Clinch Mountain and scenic overlooks above Burke’s Garden as they do planning the next day’s route through Southwest Virginia.
Photos, Merchandise, and Ride Memories
The road creates memorable moments that riders often want to bring home with them. Some visitors collect photos from the ride, while others pick up souvenirs or riding gear tied to the Back of the Dragon community.
For many touring riders, the experience becomes part of a larger tradition of Appalachian motorcycle travel. Visitors can also explore Back of the Dragon riding gear tied to the Back of the Dragon community.
