Why this ride
Sustained elevation change, linked bends and open summit views. It also links naturally to Appalachian highlands.
CURVESCOUT / MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Virginia Back of the Dragon
Plan this ride
- Recorded distance
- 52 km
- Riding-time estimate
- 1 h 00
- Journey
- Recorded itinerary
Distance and timing basis
The recorded total and the leg detail need reconciliation. Inspect the leg notes before using this record for timing or navigation. Stops, delays, approach and any separate return travel add time. Basis: producer-declared routed record.
Reading history stays on this device. My road watch requires a separate selection; opening it does not subscribe this ride.
Distance and riding time are measured on the routed road. Check local closures and conditions before you ride.
Access context
Check seasonal gates, park access and state 511 notices before publication. Specific flag: weather.
Seasonal context
Apr-Oct
Waypoint introductions and full write-ups
1. Marion
Planning note
Marion sits at 0 km, early in the day. Next is Tazewell.
2. Tazewell
Tazewell is a small Appalachian county seat in southwest Virginia, and the road that matters here is Virginia Route 16, the one that riders call the Back of the Dragon. It runs from Marion, to the south, across the Appalachian ridges and down to Tazewell, about thirty-two miles of steep climbs, tight curves and little else, with claims of hundreds of curves along the way. Most of it runs through the Jefferson National Forest, over Walker Mountain and Clinch Mountain, with forest on both sides and very few houses.
Read the complete Tazewell write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
Tazewell comes up 16 km in. Next is Tazewell.
3. Tazewell
Return visit. Read the place description above.
Read the complete Tazewell write-up.
Recorded stop-planning note
May refer to an earlier itinerary; verify against your selected route before riding.
Planning note
52 km in you reach Tazewell.