Back of the Dragon


The Back of the Dragon is a section of Virginia State Highway 16 noted for numerous turns and mountain scenery. It attracts car and motorcyclists enthusiasts from several countries.

Road Route

The Back of the Dragon crosses Big Walker, Brushy and Clinch Mountains along its route that runs from Hungry Mother State Park north of Marion, Virginia for 32 miles to Tazewell, Virginia. Larry Brent Davidson spearheaded the naming of this section of the road because the route reminded him of the humps on the back of a dragon.
The turn count varies considerably with estimates of between 260 and 438 turns.
The speed limit is generally 55 mph with many turns marked at 15 mph. Loose gravel, fallen rocks, agricultural trucks and vehicles suddenly coming out on the road, has led to 12 crashes, 13 injuries and no fatalities between 2013 and 2018, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

External Links