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United States VA-16 Difficulty: 9.0/10

Back of the Dragon (VA-16 Tazewell to Marion)

Virginia's premier technical motorcycle highway crosses three distinct mountain chains—Walker Mountain, Brushy Mountain, and Clinch Mountain—via 438 curves in 32 miles. With virtually no guardrails on narrow outside edges, dramatic 200-foot drop-offs, and switchbacks so steep that second gear is essential, the Back of the Dragon rewards disciplined body position and trail braking. Tazewell anchors the northern terminus with a custom motorcycle welcome center, while Marion provides access to Hungry Mother State Park and the Mount Rogers high country.

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Distance
Distance
32 mi
51 km total run
Turns
Turns
438
13.7 turns per mile
Summit
Summit
3,500 ft
Pass Summit
Surface
Surface
Paved (Twisty)
Difficulty: 9.0/10
3D Vector Trajectory
CARTO Dark Matter GL
Start: Marion, VA End: Tazewell, VA
Elevation Profile 2,100 – 3,500 ft
SUMMIT 3,500 FT
Pass Summit
Apex Density Index 13.7 curves / mi
Scenic Sweeper Technical Switchback
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Repair

Certified Motorcycle Repair

Nearby Staging
Wytheville Powersports ~25 mi
Wytheville, United States • +1-276-228-3118
Emergency Tire & Mounting | Full Service & Diagnostics | Touring Maintenance
Brands: Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, CFMOTO
Eurosport Asheville ~109 mi
Asheville, United States • +1-828-628-0101
Certified BMW & KTM Master Service | Diagnostics | ADV Rigging
Brands: BMW, KTM, Triumph, Aprilia
Lodge

Rider-Friendly Lodging

Covered Parking
The General Francis Marion Hotel ~1 mi
Marion, VA

Elegantly restored 1920s grand boutique hotel hailed as one of Virginia's historic treasures. Boasting original terrazzo floors, rich mahogany woodwork, and warm Appalachian hospitality. The quintessential southern basecamp for conquering the Back of the Dragon and relaxing in high-society vintage comfort.

Cue

Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet

Start Point Marion, VA 36.8437, -81.5146
Summit / High Point Pass Summit 3,500 FT Summit
End Destination Tazewell, VA 37.1265, -81.5187
T-CLOCS Pre-Ride: Tires & Wheels Controls & Cables Lights & Electric Oil & Fluids Chassis & Stand
DUNLOP
Official Tire Partner: Grip for Mountain Passes
Dunlop Roadsmart IV and Trailmax Mission provide maximum wet/dry confidence on mountain switchbacks.
Explore Dunlop Tires ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

How many curves and miles is Back of the Dragon (VA-16 Tazewell to Marion)? ▼

Back of the Dragon (VA-16 Tazewell to Marion) spans 32 miles and packs approximately 438 curves (13.7 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 2,100 ft - 3,500 ft and technical rating 9.0/10.

Where are the start and end coordinates? ▼

The route starts at Marion, VA (Latitude 36.8437, Longitude -81.5146) and finishes at Tazewell, VA (Latitude 37.1265, Longitude -81.5187).

How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation? ▼

Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.

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