A motorcycle rider’s guide to Virginia’s Back of the Dragon

The state of Virginia has designated a portion of State Route 16 (SR16) as the Back of the Dragon. SR16 runs north through the state, from the North Carolina state line to the West Virginia state line. The Back of the Dragon is the only officially designated motorcycle route in Virginia and is known as one of the state's premier motorcycle riding roads.

As you ride the Back of the Dragon, you'll encounter hairpin turns, switchbacks, slaloms, elevation changes, and spectacular views. Simply put, it's a fantastic motorcycle road, and should be near the top of your list of must-ride motorcycle destinations—no matter where you live.

The southern terminus of the Back of the Dragon is located at SR16's juncture with U.S. Highway 11 in Marion, Virginia. Follow SR16 north and you'll enter the town of Tazewell—the Back of the Dragon's northern terminus and home of the Back of the Dragon store.

The Back of the Dragon covers 32 miles across two counties and features more than 400 turns. It also climbs three mountains—Big Walker, Brushy, and Clinch—and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the valleys below.

Use our interactive Back of the Dragon route map to plan your ride. But don't feel limited to the stops we've included—this area of Virginia offers plenty of additional opportunities for rides and recreation along and beyond the Back of the Dragon.

Riding in the mountains of Virginia means preparing for all types of weather. To help you decide when you want to ride the Back of the Dragon—and what types of motorcycle gear and clothing you'll want to pack—here are the month-by-month averages for nearby Wytheville, Virginia.

SR16 connects Tazewell to Marion and Interstate 81, which means you'll probably share the road with commercial, commuter, and tourist traffic. Throughout your ride, you'll pass through farmlands and forests, over mountains, and even alongside a lake. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Watch for loose gravel, fallen rocks, farm debris, and other surface hazards

• Stay alert for wildlife crossing the road, including deer, bears, and turkeys

• Expect limited sight distances along most of the route, including several blind curves

• Take a moderate pace entering turns and keep your eyes on the road ahead, not the scenery.

While the Back of the Dragon is only 32 miles long, this route offers plenty to see and experience. Make the most of your ride with these two destinations:

Hungry Mother State Park is a 2,900-acre park that features a 108-acre lake. The park offers camping, picnic areas, and about 18 miles of hiking trails.

Like other Appalachian communities that once depended on coal, Tazewell took some time to reimagine and reinvigorate itself. The roadmap to success turned out to be the Back of the Dragon. The town has rolled out the welcome mat and embraced visitors to the area. It's a wonderful thing when motorcycle riders represent the economic present and future, isn't it?

Your motorcycle tires are all that connect you to the road—and on curvy roads like the Back of the Dragon, that connection is crucial. Are your tires ready for your next ride? 

Don’t let insufficient motorcycle insurance stop you from enjoying your ride. Review Virginia’s insurance requirements and rules of the road.