{
  "name": "Back of the Dragon",
  "slug": "back-of-the-dragon-va-16",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/back-of-the-dragon-va-16/",
  "summary": "A 32-mile run of Virginia Route 16 between Marion and Tazewell that crosses three Appalachian ridges, with a quoted 438 curves and the distinction of being Virginia's only designated motorcycle route.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "VA 16"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "United States",
    "region": "Virginia",
    "start": {
      "name": "Marion",
      "lat": 36.833078,
      "lon": -81.51931
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Tazewell",
      "lat": 37.123655,
      "lon": -81.56852
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 32.1,
    "lengthKm": 51.7,
    "driveMinutes": 71,
    "corners": 300,
    "hairpins": 3,
    "maxGradientPercent": 9,
    "summitMetres": 1052.6,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "demanding",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 7
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "spring",
      "summer",
      "autumn"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {},
  "hazards": [
    "Blind tightening curves where signed speed drops sharply",
    "Heavy motorcycle and sports-car traffic on weekends",
    "Farm equipment and trucks on the climbs"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "mountain",
    "forest",
    "valley"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Walker's Mountain Overlook",
    "Clyburn Ridge Overlook",
    "Black Hill"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 433
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "Routes - bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line, not copied from other lists; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-07-25"
}