Riding the Back of the Dragon on the Way to the Smoky Mountains

Our Smoky Mountains motorcycle trip started in Huntington, West Virginia, where we met our friends Tom and Terry before turning south. On paper, this looked like a travel day. In reality, it turned into one of those rides that packs in enough weather, road drama, and scenery to feel like a full adventure before you even reach your base camp.

Rain, coal country, and a rough start

We rolled out under light rain and dark skies, then spent the first part of the day threading through West Virginia coal country. Between the weather, slick pavement, a deer crossing in front of our friends, and a near miss involving a banana peel (we all know what happens if you hit a banana peel, thanks Loney Toons), the ride delivered more excitement than expected before lunch. The roads that we were on were part of the WV Coal Heritage Scenic Byway so it was natural that we passed deep mines, strip mines, heavy equipment, and long coal trains, which gave the route a rugged industrial feel that stood in sharp contrast to the mountain scenery still waiting for us farther south.

Lunch in Tazewell and the Back of the Dragon

By the time we reached Tazewell, Virginia, the rain had eased enough for us to stop at the Back of the Dragon welcome center for lunch and the standard rider photo. The facility was in great shape, the food was solid, and it made a good reset before riding the famous stretch between Tazewell and Marion. This time we made it through without deer, banana peels, or any other roadside surprises, which felt like a small victory after the morning we had already logged.

*** Not our 1st trip to the Back of the Dragon***

A wrong turn and a wet finish

After Marion, the original plan was to continue toward The Snake on US 421, but we turned the wrong way and ended up committing to a different route toward Knoxville. Interstate miles are rarely the part of a trip you remember fondly, and this stretch ended with a heavy downpour that turned a long day into a soaked arrival. Even so, the Back of the Dragon ride was more than enough to justify the route and set the tone for the days ahead.

If you enjoy West Virginia and Virginia mountain roads, you should consider riding the Back of the Dragon. The famous section of Route 16 between Marion and Tazwell VA is great as is the entire Route 16 between Marion VA and Saint Mary’s WV.