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Back of the Dragon

From Virginia.wiki
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Region
Southwest Virginia

Route
Virginia Route 16

Distance
About 32 miles


Back of the Dragon is the name given to a 32-mile stretch of Virginia Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion. The road crosses the Appalachian mountain landscape and draws motorcyclists and sports-car drivers for its tight bends, changing elevations, and scenic views. Visitors can make it a focused drive or build a longer stay around the small towns and outdoor attractions at either end. [1][2]
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Why go

The appeal is the drive itself: Virginia Route 16 winds through mountain terrain, with repeated curves, changing grades, and stretches of forest and open views. The route is often described as having more than 400 curves, but the experience is not a race or a ride to rush. Its narrow, twisting sections call for attention and a pace suited to road and weather conditions. [3]

The two gateway towns make it easy to shape the day around more than the road. Tazewell has the Back of the Dragon visitor hub on Main Street, while Marion offers access to nearby outdoor recreation, including Hungry Mother State Park. The route also passes through the mountain scenery of Smyth and Tazewell counties. [4]

Highlights

  • The Virginia Route 16 drive: Travel the full stretch between Tazewell and Marion for the linked sequence of bends, mountain climbs, and changing views. Pause only at safe, designated places; avoid stopping in the travel lane or where visibility is limited.
  • Back of the Dragon visitor hub: The official operation lists its store and visitor stop at 592 Main Street in Tazewell. Its offerings and opening details can change, so check the official site before making it part of your itinerary. [5]
  • Hungry Mother State Park: Near Marion, this state park offers a contrasting stop for lake scenery, trails, and other outdoor recreation. Check the park’s current conditions, facilities, and seasonal details before visiting. [6]
  • Tazewell and Marion: Leave time to explore the towns at the ends of the route, find a meal, and take a break between drives.

History and character

Back of the Dragon is a modern tourism identity for an existing mountain highway, not a newly built road. The name evokes the road’s undulating route across the region’s mountain ridges. Virginia’s 2012 legislation designated the portion of Route 16 between Frog Level in Tazewell County and Marion in Smyth County as the “Back of the Dragon,” and directed the Virginia Department of Transportation to mark the designation. [7]

The route’s promotion has also been tied to local tourism and business activity. The Virginia Small Business Development Center describes the project’s early work to market Route 16 to motorcycle and car enthusiasts, and records an official-designation ribbon cutting in October 2012. [8]

Planning a trip

Plan around the road’s curves rather than treating it as a quick connector. Allow time for a careful drive, breaks, and any stops in Tazewell or Marion. If you ride a motorcycle or drive a sports car, stay within your ability and leave room for changing sightlines, shaded pavement, and other traffic. The official route information describes the drive as a challenging, winding mountain road. [9]

Check weather and road conditions before setting out, and confirm current details with the official route website and local visitor organizations. Do not assume that every pull-off, business, or attraction is open or available on the day of your visit. If adding Hungry Mother State Park, use the Virginia State Parks website for current hours, facilities, and notices. [10]

Explore nearby

Marion, Virginia
The southern gateway to the drive, with town services and access to Hungry Mother State Park.



Tazewell, Virginia
The northern gateway, home to the Back of the Dragon visitor hub on Main Street.



Hungry Mother State Park
A mountain lake, trails, and outdoor recreation near Marion.



Southwest Virginia
Explore the wider region’s mountain towns, scenic roads, and outdoor destinations.



Travel books and maps: Browse related Virginia travel books and maps on Amazon

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References

  1. ↑ The Road, Back of the Dragon, Back of the Dragon. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  2. ↑ The Back of the Dragon, Visit Smyth County, Visit Smyth County. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  3. ↑ Our Story, Back of the Dragon, Back of the Dragon. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  4. ↑ The Back of the Dragon, Visit Smyth County, Visit Smyth County. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  5. ↑ Home, Back of the Dragon, Back of the Dragon. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  6. ↑ Hungry Mother State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  7. ↑ 2012 Uncodified Act, Chapter 648, Virginia Law, Virginia General Assembly. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  8. ↑ Back of the Dragon Project, Virginia SBDC, Virginia Small Business Development Center Network, July 31, 2018. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  9. ↑ The Road, Back of the Dragon, Back of the Dragon. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
  10. ↑ Hungry Mother State Park, Virginia State Parks, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
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