Posted September 04, 2014 | Updated September 06, 2019

I have accused my husband on occasion of wearing blinders, as he was all about the destination and not about the journey to get there. But I never really thought I did the same, until I took a leisurely country drive from Hungry Mother State Park.

Little did I know that one of the most exhilarating switchback-laden roads cut through the park and beyond, Route 16 The Back of the Dragon.  

 Back of the Dragon cuts through Hungry Mother State Park.

BACK OF THE DRAGON

One of the main draws that I have noticed for the Marion Virginia area (where Hungry Mother State Park is located) is called “Back of the Dragon.” This is a famous touring road and is a two lane ribbon over three mountains that goes from Marion to Tazewell following Highway 16.

As part of my homage to the state parks, I followed this road up and over the back of the park to a spectacular scenic overlook. Sadly, my photos are akin to capturing the brilliance of a rainbow when it comes to actually sharing online how breathtakingly beautiful the scenery there really was, but my journey did not end there...

There's only one way to go, slow and easy (or bend a knee fast).

Experience The Dragon when you visit Hungry Mother State Park.

These scenic views can be seen from this pull out above the park.

FROM THE BACK TO THE SIDE: SIDETRIPPING

A little background: As I was flying down I-81 to get to the state park I felt a rumbling vibration in the front end of my Dodge Challenger and decided to bring it over to Thompson Tire in Marion to have it checked out. I highly recommend them for their service and southern hospitality; they were a joy to deal with. 

If I could have stopped and snapped 1000 photos I would have, but my car compelled me to just keep moving along, like it had a mind of its own. I felt as if I was in an old-time painting, like that of an old Americana Folk Art farm scene painted in intense primary colors.

There were brilliant yellow sunflowers bending their heads from the weight of the load of seeds, and black scarecrows guarding rows of tomato and corn patches.

 J.R.R. Tolkien — 'All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost."

I see our neighbors in cabin 19 had the same idea.

BACK AT THE PARK

After I finally arrived quite late back to the cabin at Hungry Mother State Park, my husband asked if I had gotten lost. I thought about that for a moment, after apologizing for being late. Yes, I think I did!