Fall in Virginia is practically synonymous with scenic drives, but one winding mountain road in the southwestern part of the state offers an especially spectacular way to experience the season.
The Back of the Dragon follows 32 miles of Virginia Route 16 between Tazewell and Marion, climbing and descending through the Appalachian Mountains.
Known as one of the country’s premier motorcycle routes, the road is just as memorable for its scenery, with mountain forests and expansive views surrounding the drive.
And when autumn arrives, the route becomes even more impressive as the surrounding mountains burst into brilliant fall colors.
For anyone looking for an unforgettable fall foliage road trip in Virginia, this is one stretch of road worth putting on the itinerary.
Where is the Back of the Dragon?
The Back of the Dragon is located in Southwest Virginia, along a 32-mile portion of Route 16 connecting the towns of Tazewell and Marion.
The route cuts through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, crossing Clinch Mountain, Brushy Mountain, and Big Walker Mountain along the way.
The road gets its memorable name from the way Route 16 twists and zigzags across the mountains, creating the appearance of a dragon’s back.
It has become particularly famous among motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts thanks to its hundreds of curves and significant elevation changes.
But you don’t need to be on a motorcycle to appreciate the scenery. The route passes through a beautiful section of Southwest Virginia where dense forests, mountain ridges, valleys, and panoramic overlooks make the drive a destination in itself.
What to expect if you go
Don’t expect an ordinary country drive.
The Back of the Dragon is a twisting mountain road with hundreds of curves, elevation changes, and constantly changing scenery, which is a major reason it has developed a reputation as one of the nation’s best motorcycle roads.
As you travel along Route 16, the landscape alternates between forested stretches and more open mountain vistas, giving you plenty to look at between the curves.
The route also features scenic overlooks where you can safely pull over and take in the surrounding Appalachian landscape.
For fall visitors, that’s particularly appealing: the same mountain terrain that makes the Back of the Dragon such a celebrated riding route also creates an incredible backdrop for autumn foliage.
It’s worth taking your time rather than treating the 32 miles as a race from one end to the other. If you’re driving during peak foliage, build in time for stops, photos, and enjoying the scenery. And because this is a winding mountain road, drivers should remain attentive and adjust their speed to the road and weather conditions.
When is the best time to go?
While the Back of the Dragon is a year-round destination, mid-fall is the time to go if your main goal is seeing the route surrounded by peak fall foliage.
As autumn progresses, the forests covering the surrounding mountains transform into a colorful mix of reds, oranges, yellows, and golds, turning the already dramatic mountain landscape into an especially scenic drive.
For the full fall foliage experience, aim for the middle portion of the season rather than going too early, when many leaves may still be green, or waiting until too late, when foliage may have begun to fade or fall.
Since peak color can vary from year to year, it’s smart to check fall foliage reports before setting out.
And if you’re coming specifically for the views, give yourself more than the minimum driving time.
The best part of the Back of the Dragon isn’t simply reaching the other end — it’s stopping along the way to take in the Appalachian scenery.
