Author: LEDJ EDEL

Back of the Dragon is a 32-mile section of Virginia Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion, and this Back of the Dragon motorcycle guide covers what Tazewell riders need to know before they head out. The road crosses three mountains, climbs to about 3,500 feet, and packs in roughly 438 curves, which makes it one of the most technical rides in the state. Tazewell makes a convenient starting point, with lodging, food, and fuel before you tackle the road.

Key Riding Highlights on the Back of the Dragon

1. Start in Tazewell and Join Route 16

From Tazewell, head southwest on US Business 19 for about two miles, then turn onto VA Route 16 to begin the Dragon. Before you commit, fill your tank and use the town’s services, because options along the road itself are limited. Tazewell also has a visitor welcome center for the route.

2. Cross Three Mountain Ranges

Route 16 crosses Big Walker, Brushy, and Clinch Mountains on its way to Marion. Expect constant elevation changes, tight bends, and a sequence of corners that rarely lets you relax. Some curves are posted as low as 15 miles per hour, so treat the speed advisories as limits, not suggestions.

3. Ride Through Rich Valley

The Rich Valley section is known for its stacked curves, including bends that riders have nicknamed for their shape. Keep your lines smooth and your eyes up through the corners, and use the pull-offs when you want to take in the views.

4. Finish at Hungry Mother State Park and Marion

The route ends near Hungry Mother State Park and the town of Marion, which both offer places to rest, eat, and refuel. If you want a break from the corners, the park is a relaxed place to stop before you head back.

5. Add a Side Trip to Burkes Garden

Burkes Garden lies close to Tazewell and makes a quieter extension of your day. Read the Burkes Garden motorcycle ride guide if you want a gentler contrast to the Dragon.

Safety Tips for Route 16

Ride Within Your Limits

The Dragon rewards smooth, patient riding. Keep your speed under control, brake before the corner rather than in it, and never cross the center line on blind curves.

Expect Traffic in Both Directions

Other riders, cars, and local traffic share the road, and some will be moving faster or slower than you. Stay in your lane, avoid passing unless you have a clear view, and use pull-offs to let faster riders go.

Watch for Gravel, Wildlife, and Weather

Mountain roads collect gravel and debris, and deer cross at dawn and dusk. Cool, damp air and fog at elevation can make the pavement slick, so slow down when visibility drops.

Plan Fuel and Food at Both Ends

Gas stations, restaurants, and lodging are concentrated in Tazewell and Marion, with very little between them. Fill up before you start and carry water.

Prepare Before You Ride

A technical road like this one is hard on tires and brakes, so review motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt before you leave. Check your brake feel, tire pressures, and chain tension before the first corner.

Conclusion: A Technical Ride That Rewards Patience

The Back of the Dragon is a demanding but rewarding stretch of Route 16, best enjoyed at a pace you can control. Start fully fueled in Tazewell, respect the speed advisories, and use the pull-offs to enjoy the scenery.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and route-planning purposes only. Always observe posted speed limits and warning signs, check current road and weather conditions, and ride within your capabilities.

Official & Credible Sources

• Back of the Dragon, Official Route Information: https://www.backofthedragon.com
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Road Conditions & Travel Updates: https://www.virginiadot.org
• Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission (Round the Mountain), Regional Visitor Information: https://visitswva.org

Enjoyed This Guide? Explore Related Virginia Touring Resources

1. Technical Mountain Riding: Study the Snake Route 421 motorcycle guide.
2. Ridge Road Twists: Read the Clinch Mountain and Route 80 motorcycle guide.
3. Coalfield Overlooks: Explore the Breaks, Roaring Plains and Route 83 motorcycle guide.
4. High Country Climb: Try the Whitetop Mountain and Route 603 motorcycle guide.
5. Southwest Corridor: Compare the Route 58 Southwest Virginia motorcycle ride guide.

Grayson County sits in the far southwest corner of Virginia, near the state’s highest peak, which makes this Grayson County and Mount Rogers motorcycle guide a useful planning tool for riders who want high-country scenery without a long trip off the main road. The area is known for Grayson Highlands State Park, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and the winding stretch of US Route 58 that links Independence with Damascus. It is a quiet region, so plan fuel and meals ahead.

Key Riding Highlights in Grayson County and the Mount Rogers Area

1. Ride US Route 58, the Highlands Parkway

US Route 58 crosses Grayson County between Independence and Damascus, and the section near Mouth of Wilson carries the name Highlands Parkway. The road follows valleys and low ridges, with curves that suit relaxed touring. For the longer route, see the Route 58 Southwest Virginia motorcycle ride guide.

2. Turn Onto VA 362 to Grayson Highlands State Park

Near Mouth of Wilson, VA 362 leaves US 58 and leads about two miles into Grayson Highlands State Park. The park sits high in the Blue Ridge and is known for its open balds, cool air, and roaming wild ponies. An entrance fee applies, so check current fees and gate hours before you go.

3. See Mount Rogers from the Highlands

Mount Rogers is the highest point in Virginia, and the park provides the main trail access to its summit. Riders will not reach the summit by motorcycle, but the views from the park roads and overlooks give a strong sense of the high country.

4. Combine the Ride with Whitetop Mountain

Whitetop Mountain, Virginia’s second-highest peak, lies within a short drive of Mouth of Wilson. Read the Whitetop Mountain and Route 603 motorcycle guide to build a loop that covers both areas.

Safety Tips for Grayson County and the Mount Rogers Area

Wild Ponies and Free-Range Animals

Wild ponies and free-range cattle roam parts of the Highlands, especially near the park and trailheads. Slow down, give animals plenty of space, and never feed or approach the ponies.

Sudden Mountain Weather

Temperatures at elevation can be much cooler than in the valley, and fog, wind, or rain can arrive quickly. Carry layers and rain gear, and reduce speed on wet pavement.

Limited Services

Gas stations and restaurants are limited near Mouth of Wilson and the park. Fill your tank before you leave Independence, Damascus, or another larger town, and bring water.

Park Hours and Parking

Grayson Highlands State Park has an entrance gate with seasonal hours, and popular parking areas can fill on weekends and during fall color. Check the park’s website before you go.

Prepare Before You Ride

Mountain curves and long descents are hard on tires and brakes, so review motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt before you leave. Check the forecast for the highlands, because conditions there can differ from the valley.

Conclusion: A High-Country Corner of Virginia

Grayson County and the Mount Rogers area give riders quiet mountain highways, a state park with wild ponies, and quick access to Whitetop Mountain. Plan fuel and layers, watch for animals and weather, and ride within your limits to enjoy one of Virginia’s most distinctive regions.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and route-planning purposes only. Always observe posted speed limits, check current road and weather conditions, and ride within your capabilities.

Official & Credible Sources

• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Road Conditions & Travel Updates: https://www.virginiadot.org
• Virginia State Parks, Grayson Highlands State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS), George Washington & Jefferson National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj

Enjoyed This Guide? Explore Related Virginia Touring Resources

1. Alpine Highlands: Explore the Highland County maple and mountain loop guide.
2. More Highlands Touring: Try the Route 39 Virginia Highlands motorcycle guide.
3. Ridge Road Twists: Read the Clinch Mountain and Route 80 motorcycle guide.
4. Technical Mountain Riding: Study the Snake Route 421 motorcycle guide.
5. Parkway Plateau: Continue on the Blue Ridge Parkway plateau section motorcycle guide.

Hillsville is the county seat of Carroll County, and it sits where US Routes 58, 221, and 52 meet close to Interstate 77, which makes this Carroll County and Hillsville motorcycle guide a practical starting point for exploring the southern end of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway. The county covers about 30 miles of the Parkway, with overlooks, historic stops, and easy highway access. Riders can combine mountain scenery, small-town stops, and relaxed routes in one trip.

Key Riding Highlights in Carroll County and Hillsville

1. Ride the Blue Ridge Parkway Through Carroll County

The Parkway runs through Carroll County between Mileposts 182 and 212. The main access point is Fancy Gap at milepost 199.5, where US Route 52 meets the Parkway close to Interstate 77. A visitor center operates in Fancy Gap, so check its current hours if you want maps or road updates. For a nearby Parkway section, read the Blue Ridge Parkway plateau section motorcycle guide.

2. Stop at Groundhog Mountain and the Puckett Cabin

Groundhog Mountain Scenic Overlook, at milepost 188.8, offers a picnic area and wide views. The Orlean Puckett Cabin, at milepost 189.9, is a historic stop that rewards a short walk. Parking areas are small, so slow down and watch for pedestrians.

3. Experience US Routes 58 and 221 at Hillsville

US Route 58 leads east from Hillsville toward Martinsville and west toward Galax, where it runs together with US 221. These highways give riders a quieter alternative to the interstate and a chance to see small communities. For a longer route breakdown, see the Route 58 Southwest Virginia motorcycle ride guide.

4. Take US Route 52 Over Fancy Gap

US Route 52, known as the Fancy Gap Highway, connects the Parkway at Fancy Gap with the surrounding valley and runs alongside Interstate 77. The road climbs and descends the Blue Ridge, so expect steeper grades and tighter curves than on the Parkway.

5. Finish at the Blue Ridge Music Center

The Blue Ridge Music Center sits near milepost 213, at the edge of the county, and is a good stop for riders interested in traditional mountain music. Check its calendar for live performances before you go.

Safety Tips for Carroll County and Hillsville

Plan Around the Hillsville Flea Markets

Hillsville hosts two large flea markets, one on Memorial Day weekend and one on Labor Day weekend. VDOT regularly warns of major delays on US Route 58 Business and on Interstate 77 near Exit 14 during these events, with bumper-to-bumper traffic and crowded sidewalks. If you are not attending, avoid the area on those weekends.

Steep Grades and Fog at Fancy Gap

Interstate 77 and US Route 52 descend the Blue Ridge near Fancy Gap, and heavy trucks are advised to use low gear over this stretch. Fog and wet pavement are common at this elevation, so reduce your speed, use low beams, and keep extra distance behind trucks.

Parkway Speed Limits and Crowds

Expect slow-moving traffic, cyclists, and sightseeing vehicles at overlooks. Keep a relaxed pace and be prepared for sudden stops.

Check Parkway Road Status

Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway can close for maintenance, weather, or storm repairs. Check the National Park Service road status page before you leave, and plan a backup route on US 58 or US 52.

Prepare Before You Ride

Steep descents and wet mountain roads are hard on tires and brakes, so review motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt before you leave. Fill your tank in Hillsville or Fancy Gap before you enter the Parkway.

Conclusion: A Practical Hub at the Southern Parkway Gateway

Carroll County and Hillsville give riders Parkway scenery, historic stops, and easy highway connections in one compact area. Plan around flea market weekends, respect the grades and fog at Fancy Gap, and ride within your limits for a smooth and memorable trip.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and route-planning purposes only. Always observe posted speed limits, check current road and weather conditions, and ride within your capabilities.

Official & Credible Sources

• National Park Service (NPS), Blue Ridge Parkway: https://www.nps.gov/blri
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Road Conditions & Travel Updates: https://www.virginiadot.org
• Virginia Tourism Corporation, Visitor Information: https://www.virginia.org

Enjoyed This Guide? Explore Related Virginia Touring Resources

1. Parkway Ridge Riding: Continue with the Blue Ridge Parkway ridge section motorcycle guide.
2. High Country Climb: Study the Whitetop Mountain and Route 603 motorcycle guide.
3. Hidden Mountain Valley: Read the Burkes Garden motorcycle ride guide.
4. Far Southwest Byway: Try the Route 42 Cumberland Gap scenic byway motorcycle guide.
5. Plateau Overlooks: Explore the Breaks, Roaring Plains and Route 83 motorcycle guide.

Meadows of Dan sits in Patrick County, where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses US Route 58 near milepost 178, which makes this Patrick County and Meadows of Dan motorcycle guide a useful planning tool for riders who want parkway scenery and mountain highway riding in the same trip. The area is small, but it packs in a historic mill, country shops, mountain views, and quick access to both the Parkway and US 58. It works well as a lunch stop, an overnight base, or a full-day destination.

Key Riding Highlights in Patrick County and Meadows of Dan

1. Ride US Route 58 Through Meadows of Dan

US Route 58, known locally as the Jeb Stuart Highway, passes through the community on a bypass, with US 58 Business running through the center of Meadows of Dan. Follow the signs for the Blue Ridge Parkway if you want to stop in town, and for the bypass if you prefer a faster pass. For the larger route picture, read the Route 58 Southwest Virginia motorcycle ride guide.

2. Stop at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Mabry Mill sits at Parkway milepost 176, a short ride north of the US 58 junction. The restored mill, the millpond, and the short walking trail make it one of the most popular stops on the Parkway, and its restaurant is one of only four on the entire route. Folk demonstrations and music are offered on certain days, so check the current schedule before you plan your visit.

3. Continue Along the Parkway

From Meadows of Dan you can ride north or south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with smooth curves, long views, and a relaxed pace set by the speed limit. For more on this part of the Parkway, see the Blue Ridge Parkway plateau section motorcycle guide.

4. Head Southeast Toward Stuart

US Route 58 continues southeast to Stuart, the Patrick County seat, about 14 miles from Meadows of Dan. It is a good option for riders who want a change of pace from the Parkway and a place to refuel and eat.

5. Follow the Crooked Road Music Trail

Meadows of Dan lies along The Crooked Road, Virginia’s heritage music trail, so you may find live music at nearby venues and community events. It is worth checking local listings before you go.

Safety Tips for Patrick County and the Parkway

Slow Down for Parkway Speed Limits

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road with a lower speed limit than most highways, plus slow-moving cars, cyclists, and pedestrians near overlooks. Keep your speed in check and be prepared for sudden stops.

Crowds and Parking at Mabry Mill

Mabry Mill can be very busy on weekends and during fall color season. Enter the parking lot slowly, watch for walkers crossing between cars, and keep your gear secure while you are off the bike.

Fog, Cool Air, and Wet Pavement

Mabry Mill sits at roughly 2,900 feet, so conditions can be cooler and foggier than in the valley. Pack layers and rain gear, and take wet pavement and fallen leaves seriously.

Check Parkway Conditions Before You Go

Sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway sometimes close for maintenance, weather, or storm repairs. Check the National Park Service road status page before you leave, and plan a backup route on US 58.

Prepare Before You Ride

Mountain curves and long descents are hard on tires and brakes, so review motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt before you leave. Fill your tank before you enter the Parkway, because services along it are limited.

Conclusion: A Small Community with Big Parkway Appeal

Patrick County and Meadows of Dan give riders a historic mill stop, an easy connection to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a relaxed base for Southwest Virginia touring. Respect the speed limits, watch for crowds and changing weather, and plan your fuel and food stops ahead.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and route-planning purposes only. Always observe posted speed limits, check current road and weather conditions, and ride within your capabilities.

Official & Credible Sources

• National Park Service (NPS), Blue Ridge Parkway: https://www.nps.gov/blri
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Road Conditions & Travel Updates: https://www.virginiadot.org
• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Mabry Mill Site Information: https://dwr.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/mabry-mill-blue-ridge-parkway

Enjoyed This Guide? Explore Related Virginia Touring Resources

1. Parkway Ridge Riding: Continue with the Blue Ridge Parkway ridge section motorcycle guide.
2. Sister Scenic Drive: Compare the Skyline Drive southern section motorcycle guide.
3. Parkway Mile 0 Gateway: See the Route 250 Waynesboro to Staunton motorcycle guide.
4. High Country Climb: Read the Whitetop Mountain and Route 603 motorcycle guide.
5. Twisting Mountain Roads: Try the Snake Route 421 motorcycle guide.

Perched high on a scenic plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Floyd County and Route 8 motorcycle guide explores one of Virginia’s most culturally rich and visually captivating riding corridors. Anchored by the historic town of Floyd—famous for the Floyd Country Store, live bluegrass music, and artisan handcrafts—this route centers around Virginia Route 8 as it climbs from Christiansburg up onto the high mountain plateau. Combining technical mountain climbs, sweeping agricultural plateau curves, and direct access to iconic Blue Ridge Parkway landmarks like Mabry Mill, Floyd County is an essential stop for touring riders.

Key Riding Highlights & Route 8 Plateau Conditions

Navigating the mountain plateau climbs and rural backroads of Floyd County requires specific road awareness:

• 1. Master Technical Plateau Climbs on Virginia Route 8 South:
  Ascending from Montgomery County into Floyd County, Route 8 features tight, banked switchbacks and continuous S-curves climbing through dense timberlines onto the open mountain plateau.
• 2. Intersecting the Blue Ridge Parkway at Tuscora Gap:
  Route 8 crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 165 near Tuxedo and Floyd. Expect turning tourist vehicles, slowing recreational traffic, and pedestrians near parkway access ramps.
• 3. Explore Scenic Backroad Loops along Route 221 and Route 726:
  Connecting Floyd to Hillsville and Meadow of Dan, US Route 221 offers broad-radius, rolling plateau sweepers with unobstructed vistas of pastures, old barn structures, and distant ridge lines.
• 4. Watch for Weekend Event Congestion and Agricultural Traffic:
  Floyd hosts heavy weekend crowds for music gatherings and artisan markets. Reduce speeds when approaching downtown intersections, and watch for slow-moving farm machinery on rural secondary lanes.

Before ascending onto high mountain plateaus, complete a thorough mechanical check using the complete pretrip motorcycle maintenance guide. Check cold tire pressure and tread depth for mountain curves with motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt. If connecting to urban valley connectors to the north, review roanoke and roanoke valley motorcycle guide.

Conclusion: The Cultural and Scenic Plateau of the Blue Ridge

Studying this Floyd County and Route 8 motorcycle guide equips riders to safely experience a unique high-altitude mixture of technical cornering, historic music culture, and sweeping plateau landscapes. Offering memorable pit stops, artisan heritage, and direct parkway connections, Floyd County is a highlight of Blue Ridge touring.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and route-planning purposes only. Always observe posted speed limits, yield to pedestrians in historic downtowns, and ride within your capabilities.

Official & Credible Sources

• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) — Floyd County Travel Updates: https://www.virginiadot.org
• Visit Floyd County Tourism & Cultural Directory: https://www.visitfloydva.com
• National Park Service (NPS) — Blue Ridge Parkway Floyd Corridor: https://www.nps.gov/blri

Enjoyed This Guide? Explore Related Virginia Touring Resources:

1. Urban Valley Hub: Tour northern valley connectors on roanoke and roanoke valley motorcycle guide.
2. Transportation Crossroads: Explore neighboring mountain passes on wytheville and wythe county motorcycle guide.
3. Pre-Trip Safety Inspection: Perform complete pre-ride mechanical checks using the complete pretrip motorcycle maintenance guide.
4. Tire Maintenance: Maintain edge grip for mountain plateau climbs with motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt.
5. Riverside Canyon Corridors: Tour deep river cuts on giles county and new river valley motorcycle guide.

Carved deeply by one of the oldest rivers in North America, the Giles County and New River Valley motorcycle guide details a stunning Appalachian corridor bounded by massive limestone bluffs and dense mountain ridges. Anchored by Pearisburg, Pembroke, and Narrows, Giles County features sweeping riverside highways, high-altitude mountain passes, and direct access to regional outdoor landmarks like Mountain Lake and the Cascades Recreation Area. Combining smooth, rhythmic river carving with sharp elevation gains, the New River Valley is a premier destination for scenic and technical motorcycle touring.

Key Riding Highlights & Giles County Conditions

Navigating the riverside curves and mountain passes of Giles County requires specific road awareness:

• 1. Master Sweeping Riverside Curves along Virginia Route 100:
  Paralleling the New River from Dublin to Pearisburg, Route 100 delivers long, broad-radius curves with excellent sightlines. Enjoy views of rushing water and towering limestone bluffs while maintaining a relaxed cruising cadence.
• 2. Ride the Majestic Narrows Gap along US Route 460:
  US 460 cuts directly through a massive mountain gap carved by the New River near Narrows. Featuring wide dual-lane pavement, this section offers impressive cliffside vistas accompanied by steady commercial traffic flow.
• 3. Technical Mountain Ascents toward Mountain Lake (Route 700):
  Riders seeking tight switchbacks can ascend Virginia Route 700 toward Mountain Lake Hotel (famous as a filming location for Dirty Dancing). Expect sharp inclines, narrow asphalt, and dense forest canopies.
• 4. Watch for Damp River Canyon Asphalt and Wildlife:
  Deep river cuts along Route 100 and Route 61 retain morning humidity and damp patches in shaded corners well into midday. Additionally, whitetail deer frequently cross near riverbank corridors during dusk hours.

Before venturing into deep river canyons and mountain ascents, perform a complete mechanical inspection using the complete pretrip motorcycle maintenance guide. Maintain correct cold tire pressure and tread grip for river canyon asphalt using motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt. If connecting to peaceful agricultural valley corridors, review route 42 cumberland gap scenic byway motorcycle guide.

Conclusion: The Majestic New River Canyon Highway

Studying this Giles County and New River Valley motorcycle guide arms riders with vital road insights to experience one of Virginia’s most dramatic river corridors. Offering a seamless blend of sweeping water-level curves, steep mountain gaps, and rich Appalachian history, Giles County is a highlight of any southwestern touring route.

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for educational and route-planning purposes only. Always observe posted speed limits, exercise caution in shaded river canyons, and ride within your capabilities.

Official & Credible Sources

• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) — Giles County Travel Updates: https://www.virginiadot.org
• Giles County Tourism Authority — Tourism Directory: https://www.virginiasmountainplayground.com
• Virginia Tourism Corporation — New River Valley Regional Guide: https://www.virginia.org

Enjoyed This Guide? Explore Related Virginia Touring Resources:

1. Valley Byway Corridors: Connect directly to peaceful farm loops on route 42 cumberland gap scenic byway motorcycle guide.
2. Transportation Crossroads Hub: Explore neighboring mountain passes on wytheville and wythe county motorcycle guide.
3. Pre-Trip Safety Check: Perform complete pre-ride mechanical checks using the complete pretrip motorcycle maintenance guide.
4. Tire Maintenance: Maintain edge grip for damp river canyon asphalt with motorcycle tire pressure and tread maintenance for mountain curves and slick asphalt.
5. Urban Mountain Gateway: Tour northern valley routes on roanoke and roanoke valley motorcycle guide.