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.
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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
DINING
Buston House B & B-Tazewell
269 Pine Street | 704-577-1665
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Cavitt's Creek Park Campground - Tazewell
750 Recreation Dr. | 276-988-7250
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38769 Gov. GC Peery Hwy. | 276-326-3688
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​Cottage at Crab Orchard - Tazewell
3663 Crab Orchard Rd. | 276-988-6755
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​Cuz's Cabins - Pounding Mill
15746 Gov. GC Peery Hwy. | 276-964-9014
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​Fincastle Motor Inn - Tazewell
1690 Fincastle Turnpike | 276-988-2531
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​Foxtail Orchard Cabins & Campground - Tazewell
Hangar 22, Fox Den, Iron Horse Cabins
148 Macky Ln. | 434-390-9594
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​Holiday Inn Express - Claypool Hill
180 Clay Drive | 276-596-9880
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​Journey Cabin on Clinch River Farms - Pounding Mill
630 Estates Drive | 276-971-4518
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​Katy's Kottages - Bluefield
550 Williams Street | 276-945-2033
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Parsonage Guest House - Burkes Garden
7322 Burkes Garden Rd. | 276-970-6862
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​Real McCoy Cabins - Pocahontas
156 Wood Smoke Way | 276-945-3106
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Red Dirt ATV Resort - Bluefield
214 Dunn Road | 304-922-8160
Riverside Retreat -Tazewell
2792 Fincastle Turnpike | 276-209-4321
Rudy’s Roost -Tazewell
5418 Thompson Velley Road | 276-385-3555
Sunflower Shanty- North Tazewell
133 N Bland Street | 276-971-0769
12367 Gov. GC Peery Hwy. | 276-207-8829
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​The Cabin at Little Creek - Burkes Garden
Burke's Garden Road | 888-829-7076
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The Company House - Pocahontas
184 East Water Drive | 843-801-2515
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The Dragon’s Den -Tazewell
391 Dogwood Road | 276-209-4321
The Inn @ Horseshoe Hill - Bluefield
247 Dunn Road | 276-945-3030
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The Old Jail -Tazewell
194 Central Avenue | 276-210-4878
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Trailhead ATV Resort - Boissevain
465 Miners Park Lane | 276-945-3089
Bearded Dragon @ Back of the Dragon Welcome Center
524 West Main Street | 276-202-1794
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Cuz's Uptown Barbeque - Pounding Mill
15746 Gov GC Peery Hwy. | 276-964-9014
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​Double Gates Grocery - Bluefield
401 Mountain Lane | 276-326-2132
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Fiesta Jalisco - Tazewell
100 Tazewell Mall Circle | 276-979-4163
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​Fisher and Company - Tazewell
1735 Pisgah Road | 276-385-1150
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817 E Fincastle Turnpike | 276-988-6572
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Margaret’s Country Corner - Bluefield
500 Virginia Avenue | 276-322-2555
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920 Gose Mill Road | 276-472-2222
Ole No. 3 Restaurant Bar - Pocahontas
217 Shop Hollow Road | 276-245-1255
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​Old Virginia Chophouse - Tazewell
203 Main Street | 276-979-4451
Queens Pizza - Bluefield
527 Commerce Drive | 276-322-5500
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​​Savory Flavors - Bluefield
1204 Virginia Ave. | 276-322-7179
Shepherd’s Deli - Tazewell
661 Fincastle Turnpike | 276-979-4028
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​Shogun Sushi Hibachi Thai - Bluefield
512 Commerce Drive | 276-322-7666
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​The Bearded Dragon - Tazewell
592 Main Street | 276-202-1794
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The Box Charc - North Tazewell
113 Shire Lane | 276-979-4140
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​The Front Porch on Main - Tazewell
254 Main Street | 276-988-6093
The Happy Goat - Tazewell
216 Main Street | 276-245-7622
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​The Well Coffee Shop - Tazewell
168 Main Street | 276-385-1103
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​Your Grate Escape - Tazewell
2871 East Fincastle Drive | 276-988-7867
ATTRACTIONS
Back of the Dragon Welcome Center
592 Main Street, Tazewell, VA
276-979-4288
Channels State Forest Preserve
Brumley Gap Road, Abingdon, VA
276-236-2322
700 Hayters Gap Road, Lebanon, VA
276-880-2226
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2313 Main Street, Lebanon, VA
276-889-2505
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255-299 Hurt Buggy Road, Cedar Bluff, VA
2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, VA
276-781-7400
Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park
3663 Crab Orchard Road, Tazewell, VA
276-988-6755
750 Recreation Dr., North Tazewell, VA
276-988-7250
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