BACK OF THE DRAGON
Welcome to 32 miles of the most exciting and technical road you will ever ride – The Back of the Dragon. You'll find unmatched beauty and riding enjoyment on Virginia's Route 16, the two-lane ribbon over the three mountain range between Marion and Tazewell, Virginia. Take this ride and earn your place amongst the "Dragon Masters" and those who aspire to be.
What began as a passion for motorcycle riding and a love for an amazing stretch of highway has turned an idea into a trail, a business and an event! In October, 2010, a recently retired Army Master Sargent, enthusiastically marched into the Tazewell County Office of Economic Development and Tourism with an idea that he had been considering... He was carrying a large rendering of a medieval dragon in one hand and a motorcycle helmet in the other. "Route 16 is a natural for motorcycles and sports cars," he exclaimed. "With elevations of 3,500 feet, there are 32 miles of 438 winding curves, some of which are 15 mile-per-hour curves; and once you get to the top, the views are amazing!" And that, my friends, is how the Back of the Dragon was born.
The entirety of Back of the Dragon runs along Route 16 from Marion, Virginia to Tazewell, Virginia.
Once you’ve conquered the Dragon, why not explore more twists and turns for a truly unforgettable ride! These two routes will lead you through some of the most beautiful scenery our backroads of Appalachia have to offer. Give ‘em a look…
For more information about The Back of the Dragon, visit the official Dragon Website.
LODGING
Cavitt's Creek Park Campground - Tazewell
750 Recreation Dr. | 276-988-7250
38769 Gov. GC Peery Hwy. | 276-326-3688
Cottage at Crab Orchard - Tazewell
3663 Crab Orchard Rd. | 276-988-6755
15746 Gov. GC Peery Hwy. | 276-964-9014
Fincastle Motor Inn - Tazewell
1690 Fincastle Turnpike | 276-988-2531
Foxtail Orchard Cabins & Campground - Tazewell
148 Macky Ln. | 434-390-9594
Holiday Inn Express - Claypool Hill
180 Clay Drive | 276-596-9880
Journey Cabin on Clinch River Farms - Pounding Mill
630 Estates Drive | 276-971-4518
550 Williams Street | 276-945-2033
Parsonage Guest House - Burkes Garden
7322 Burkes Garden Rd. | 276-970-6862
Real McCoy Cabins - Pocahontas
156 Wood Smoke Way | 276-945-3106
Red Dirt ATV Resort - Bluefield
214 Dunn Road | 304-922-8160
Super 8 Motel - Claypool Hill
12367 Gov. GC Peery Hwy. | 276-207-8829
The Cabin at Little Creek - Burkes Garden
Burke's Garden Road | 888-829-7076
Trailhead ATV Resort - Boissevain
465 Miners Park Lane | 276-945-3089
DINING
Cuz's Uptown Barbeque - Pounding Mill
15746 Gov GC Peery Hwy. | 276-964-9014
Double Gates Grocery - Bluefield
401 Mountain Lane | 276-326-2132
1735 Pisgah Road | 276-385-1150
817 E Fincastle Turnpike | 276-988-6572
920 Gose Mill Road | 276-472-2222
Old Virginia Chophouse - Tazewell
203 Main Street | 276-979-4451
S'Mothered Bake Shop - Tazewell
113 Shire Lane | 276-979-4520
1204 Virginia Ave. | 276-322-7179
Shogun Sushi Hibachi Thai - Bluefield
512 Commerce Drive | 276-322-7666
592 Main Street | 276-202-1794
The Front Porch on Main - Tazewell
254 Main Street | 276-988-6093
The Well Coffee Shop - Tazewell
168 Main Street | 276-385-1103
2871 East Fincastle Drive | 276-988-7867
ATTRACTIONS
21. Channels State Forest Preserve
Brumley Gap Road, Abingdon, VA
276-236-2322
700 Hayters Gap Road, Lebanon, VA
276-880-2226
2313 Main Street, Lebanon, VA
276-889-2505
255-299 Hurt Buggy Road, Cedar Bluff, VA
2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, VA
276-781-7400
5418 Thompson Valley Road, Tazewell, VA
276-988-9792
31. Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
3663 Crab Orchard Road, Tazewell, VA
276-988-6755
32. Cavitt’s Creek Lake Witten
750 Recreation Dr., North Tazewell, VA
276-988-7250
