FIND WHAT
YOU LOVE.
As one of central Appalachia’s premiere motorcycle and sports car routes, the Back of the Dragon is a beast to be tamed — if you can handle it. Tucked into the dense forests of Tazewell County, the Back of the Dragon is a segment of highway designated for motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts that weaves throughout the Appalachian Mountains.
Jamie Cartwright, events and marketing director at the Back of the Dragon, has been a part of the team for the last five years. Starting in retail, Cartwright worked her way up to lead event coordination, helping motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts plan their annual travels, poker runs, and all other excursions into some of Tazewell County’s most beautiful — and challenging — terrain.
“It just took off,” Cartwright said. “It’s been a very humbling, very beautiful experience to see something that was growing grow into and blossom into something bigger.”
Since the Back of the Dragon was passed into law as a designated route in 2012, business has only boomed. One major renovation includes the new state-of-the-art visitors center that opened in 2019 that houses a coffee shop, food truck, souvenirs for all ages, and a taproom with local brews. The building is unmistakably one-of-a-kind with its massive dragon statue out front, which has become a hotspot for selfies. So far, it’s all been uphill, she said.
Every year, Cartwright said, riders on both the Back of the Dragon and nearby Spearhead ATV Trails spend an average of $150-200 per day in the region. Lodging costs, taxes, and souvenirs can add up — and those dollars can go a long way, Cartwright added. Plus, many businesses in the region offer discounts for travelers visiting the Back of the Dragon.
“That’s what you get when you work close with these folks [fellow businesses] — they’re so appreciative,” she said. “Everyone benefits from our [outdoor] tourism.”
This time last year, the industry, like many others, was on the brink of an uncertain future. As the ongoing coronavirus pandemic began to spread, states across the nation began to implement Stay-at-Home orders and mandates, keeping folks indoors and non-essential activities to a minimum. As an outdoor recreation business, the Back of the Dragon wasn’t hit quite as hard as other businesses throughout the state, Cartwright said, but they still faced their own set of challenges.
“People were flocking outside for the first time in a very long time,” Cartwright said. “They got out, rode their cars, they got outside… We’re fortunate to have enough space outside and inside. [Shutdowns] didn’t drastically affect us, but it did hurt us. But with folks going outside and wanting to ride and explore and see the mountainside, it was still a positive in such a negative time.”
Now, with COVID-19 vaccinations becoming more accessible across the state and region, Cartwright hopes that tourists will feel more comfortable venturing out — especially into outdoor activities.
“With vaccinations readily available and folks taking that opportunity to vaccinate and be more safe and cautious, I think we’re definitely going to see an uptick in tourism throughout the country,” Cartwright said. “A lot will be in the Appalachian Mountains. There’s nothing like the valleys and backroads — you just don’t see this everywhere.”
Tazewell County’s atmosphere, scenery, and hospitality are unmatched, but there’s a certain bond forged on the blacktop that brings folks back to the Back of the Dragon each year, Cartwright says.
“It’s just unreal. It’s the winding curves, the three mountain ranges, the 3500-ft elevation [increase], the 32 miles: It truly is the road,” Cartwright said. “The road is remarkable — it’s absolutely challenging for even the best. It’s the thrill, the excitement, the adventure. [There’s] a sense of accomplishment once they’re finished — it’s what they’re looking for.”
This season, the Back of the Dragon will have plenty of new gear and activities on site, from new coffee mugs and tumblers to live music sessions on Saturday afternoons throughout the summer. More events, Cartwright anticipates, will be added throughout the year to ensure compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.
As a non-rider, Cartwright says there’s still a certain adrenaline rush that comes from visiting the Back of the Dragon, whether you’re a rider, driver, or fellow onlooker, and it’s something, she explains, that can only be experienced in Tazewell County. She’s hopeful that more visitors can experience it for themselves this season.
“You know how some people get chill bumps when they hear certain things? The motorcycles are that for me. When I hear them, I get chill bumps and think, ‘Yes! here they come!’ It’s almost like a little kid in a candy store,” Cartwright said. “I’ve started booking a lot of clubs, a lot of poker runs. With recent pandemic, folks are ready to get out. They want to live.”
Think you can slay the Back of the Dragon? There’s only one way to find out.
Plan your trip to the Back of the Dragon. Be sure to use the hashtags #tazewellcounty, #tazewellcountyva and #backofthedragon when you post photos from your trip!
Tazewell County, Virginia is nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Founded in 1799, the county has a rich history spanning generations and is home to some of the best outdoor recreation experiences available in the region!
