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.  For more information about The Back of the Dragon, visit the official Dragon Website.

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 over 260 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.  To celebrate the passion for the ride and the road, an annual Back of the Dragon - The Awakening event takes place each June. 

Approximately 32 miles, including over 400 curves, or 105 with Rt 80 back to Tazewell

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The entirety of Back of the Dragon runs route 16 from Tazewell, Virginia to Marion, Virginia.

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To download a tank map for this route click the button below and unzip the zip file.

LODGING

Holiday Inn Express - Claypool Hill

180 Clay Drive   276-596-9880
 

Real McCoy Cabins - Pocahontas

156 Wood Smoke Way  276-945-3106
 

Trailhead ATV Resort - Boissevain

465 Miners Park Lane  276-945-3089
 

Comfort Inn - Bluefield

38769 Gov. GC Peery Hwy  276-326-3002
 

Fincastle Motor Inn - Tazewell

858 E. Fincastle Turnpike  276-988-2531
 

Super 8 Motel - Claypool Hill

12367 Gov. GC Peery Hwy  276-964-9888
 

Cuz's Cabins - Pounding Mill

15746 Gov. GC Peery Hwy  276-964-9014
 

Cavitt's Creek Park Campground - Tazewell

750 Recreation Dr    276-988-7250
 

Foxtail Orchard Cabins & Campground - Tazewell

3628 BF Buchanan Hwy   276-200-4176
 

Cottage at Crab Orchard - Tazewell

3663 Crab Orchard Rd   276-988-6755

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Parsonage Guest House - Burkes Garden

7322 Burkes Garden Rd   276-970-6862