Back of the Dragon

It has been suggested that this article be merged into Virginia State Route 16. (Discuss) Proposed since December 2021.

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State Route 16
Route information
Maintained by Virginia DOT
Length	32 mi (51 km)
Existed	1940–present
Tourist routes	Virginia Byway
Location
Counties	Tazewell
Highway system
Virginia Routes Interstate US Primary Secondary Byways History HOT lanes

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

Route description[]

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.^[1]

The turn count varies considerably with estimates of between 260 and 438 turns.^[2]

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.^[2]

References[]

Further reading[]

External links[]

• Back of the Dragon.
• Facebook
• Virginia is for Lovers
• Youtube.com "Back of the Dragon VA SR 16 1.1". Abstract: Running from Tazewell to Marion VA, Virginia's State Road # 16 is 32 miles of switchbacks and sweepers climbing and descending multiple mountains. Promoted by the locals as "The Back of the Dragon," it lives up to its billing. If you like the more famous "Tail of the Dragon" at Deal's Gap in NC/TN, you owe it to yourself to come experience this world class motorcycle road.