The Dragon’s Tooth is an aptly named rock monolith of Tuscarora quartzite straddling Craig and Roanoke Counties just west of Catawba, VA. It stands out on it’s own at the top of Cove Mountain. It's as popular a hike as its’ nearby neighbor, McAfee Knob , with one difference, sweat! McAfee Knob is a walk in the park compared to this tough short hike.
Parking is directly off VA311. From the Dragon’s Tooth parking area head towards the information kiosk located at the rear of the parking area (Note: non-flush toilets are available). The blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth Trail begins at the kiosk. Go about 0.25 miles, crossing two small bridges before arriving at the intersection of the blue blazed Boy Scout Connector Trail. There are a couple of camping spots at this intersection, and if the creek is running, they are the only camping spots on the whole trail with a water source. You will use the Boy Scout Connector Trail on the return trip. Bear to the right on the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth Trail.
For the next 1.4 miles you will cross the creek/creek bed about 7-8 times on a steady but easy climb to the intersection of the white blazed Appalachian Trail (A.T.) There are some great camping spots (no water source) at this intersection. Turn right onto the A.T., heading south towards the Dragon’s Tooth.
Now the fun begins!! The next 0.7 miles is one of the toughest parts of the A.T. that we have hiked. The trail becomes very rocky, climbing multiple series of rock steps, the trail seemingly clinging to the edge of the mountain at times, near the top at two different places you will use a series of u-shaped iron bar steps embedded in the rock due to the steepness of the trail, and a few overlooks to give you a breather prior to reaching the intersection of the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth Spur Trail, bear left. Imagine doing this part of the trail as an A.T. thru-hiker with 25-35+ lbs on your back!
It is less than 0.3 miles to Dragon’s Tooth on an easy path. Keep your eyes open on the left for a paths leading to overlooks prior to reaching Dragon’s Tooth. Be sure to circle behind the Tooth, as there is a crevice that makes it possible to climb onto the Tooth. It is not the easiest climb, and if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it, be safe! There are plenty of good views without climbing the Tooth.
For your return trip; take the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth Spur Trail back to the intersection of the A.T. taking a right and heading north. Stay on the A.T. reaching the intersection of the Dragon’s Tooth Trail in 0.7 miles. Instead of returning on the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth Trail stay straight on the more scenic A.T. going north. There will be an overlook in less than 0.25 miles with a campsite (no water) about 0.5 miles beyond that. Take a left in 0.3 miles onto the blue blazed Boy Scout Connector Trail, and in another 0.3 miles arrive at the blue blazed Dragon’s Tooth Trail passing the campsites mentioned near the beginning of the hike. Take a right on the Dragon’s Tooth Trail arriving at the Dragon’s Tooth Parking Lot in 0.25 miles.
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Reviews For The Dragon's Tooth Hike (5 Most Recent)
This was a really great hike. It was a little tough for this out of shape 50 year old but my 17 year old daughter and 8 year old son loved it. They especially liked the spots where they had to "rock climb". The views are well worth the effort with great photo ops. (like sitting at the top of the tooth!) Just be careful. Would not recommend for smaller children. This time of year you probably won't need your coat on the trail but will need it on top. A lot of our fellow hikers pulled their hats and gloves out while on top but took them off on the way down. Dragon's Tooth is now one of our favorite places in Virginia.
By:
brookeson
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, November 25, 2011
Awesome 3hr hike! Summer or winter! The best part is the top and the big rocks to climb up!!! We had warm weather for this wonderful Thanksgiving hike. So far I love this hike, McAFees Knob, Mount Rogers, Old Rag, Whiteoak Canyon and Crabtree falls!!
By:
VA
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, November 25, 2011
Just a heads up, the boy scout connector trail is now yellow-blazed. GREAT HIKE
By:
altcl
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, October 09, 2011
A very beautiful hike and great views from the AT, but make sure to heed the warnings of difficulty! While we didn't have trouble with the strenuous parts, it can be very slow going over some of the rocky areas, so wearing proper footwear (i.e., boots with ankle support) and taking your time is extremely important to avoid injury. I would generally NOT recommend this trip for those hiking with dogs or small children. We knew the hike was difficult prior to our first visit, but elected to take our small dog since she loves to hike along with us. She did okay, but had to be carried over the rough, rocky areas of the AT, and was not able to make the last leg of the steep climb to the top (i.e., scaling a ledge and using metal "stairs" to reach Dragon's Tooth). I would also recommend hiking with a pack so your hands are free to help navigate some of the rough spots.
Definitely worth it, just make sure you are prepared!
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Monday, June 20, 2011
Being from Michigan this was my first mountain type hike. It was a great one to start with also. I loved every bit of this hike. The first part of the hike is just constant switchbacks through the woods. When you get to that last mile or so and round that corner just after the campsites and get that first view it's breath taking. I'm 27-years-old, 6'2" and in pretty good shape so the rough terrain didn't slow me down at all. The U-shaped bars in the rock I'm sure are very helpful for anyone shorter than I am though. I also am scared of heights but other than walking up to the edge at the top it didn't bother me at all.
The trail is very well blazed and maintained.
I have to say thanks to Hiking Upward, this site helped me choose the hikes I wanted to do plus gave me all the info I needed to get there and what to expect.
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