Back of the Dragon

Marion to Tazewell

Southwest Virginia · Virginia · United States

Key measurements

Distance

31.7 miles

Elevation gain

4,583 ft

Elevation loss

4,313 ft

High point

3,458 ft

Low point

2,025 ft

Net change

270 ft (2,229 ft to 2,498 ft)

Route type

point-to-point

Route Overview

This route cuts north across the Ridge-and-Valley province of Southwest Virginia, connecting Marion in Smyth County to Tazewell in Tazewell County. Crossing successive high mountain ridges and deep agricultural hollows, the trip compresses over 4,500 feet of cumulative elevation gain into less than 32 miles. It is an exceptionally dense, technical mountain road characterized by tight switchbacks, rapid elevation changes, and minimal straight pavement.

From the start in Marion, the road immediately ascends into high hardwood ridges, reaching its maximum elevation of 3,458 feet near mile 7.2. It then plunges sharply into valley floors—dropping to a low of 2,025 feet around mile 12.5—before climbing over additional mountain crests on its way to downtown Tazewell.

Key Segments & Geographic Transitions

The Ridge Crossings of VA-16 — Miles 0.0–30.7

Beginning at Main Street and Park Boulevard in Marion, Virginia State Route 16 leaves town and enters a steep climb through dense forested terrain. The pavement climbs rapidly to the route's summit at mile 7.2 (3,458 feet) before executing a long, highly technical descent into the valley low point at mile 12.5 (2,025 feet). Across this entire 30-mile corridor, the road continuously snakes over mountain spines and through shaded drainage ravines. Corners are tight, frequent, and blind, with brief valley floors giving way to immediate crest climbs.

Tazewell Highway Confluence — Miles 31.2–31.7

After exiting the primary mountain segment, the route briefly joins the combined corridor of VA-16, US-19, and US-460 on the outskirts of Tazewell. This short four-lane connecting section transitions quickly off the main highway into lower-speed municipal streets, ending on Main Street in downtown Tazewell.

Seasonal & Environmental Context

With elevation spanning nearly 1,500 vertical feet between valley bottoms and ridge tops, environmental conditions change noticeably along the run. Deep mountain hollows remain shaded long into the morning, leaving damp pavement and lingering valley fog well after higher ridge lines have dried.

In autumn, fallen leaves accumulate heavily in tight corners, particularly in heavily forested drainages. Winter brings rapid ice formation on high-elevation slopes and ridge crests, and road sand or gravel applied during freezing weather tends to collect in turn apexes into late spring. Summer afternoon thunderstorms frequently cause washouts across low points where gravel driveways meet the pavement.

Logistics & Services

Fuel, food, and municipal services are concentrated entirely at the route ends in Marion and Tazewell. The central 30-mile stretch along VA-16 crosses sparsely populated mountain country with no commercial fuel or emergency services along the road.

Cellular coverage is reliable near the towns but unreliable in deep hollows and low spots between the major ridge passes.

Important Considerations

This corridor carries local residential, forestry, and agricultural traffic. Slow-moving pickup trucks, farm machinery, and maintenance vehicles may be encountered around sharp, blind bends. Wildlife—specifically white-tailed deer and wild turkey—is common along the forested upper ridges, particularly near dawn and dusk. Unpaved side roads and farm entrances frequently track loose gravel onto the main roadway after rainfall.