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)
Definitely a great hike but not one to do with broken ribs. You need all of the moving parts working for this one. If you're looking for solitude this is not the hike for you. We must have passed over twenty VT students and others going both up and down. Probably the most peaceful part is on the descent on the AT and Scout Trail between the two ends of the Dragon's Tooth trail. You'll also catch a couple of more views there.
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Date of Hike: Friday, July 24, 2009
Beautiful hike with a great reward for all the effort!
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Chris
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Date of Hike: Monday, June 29, 2009
We had hiked from McAfee Knob the day before and spent the night at the campsite where the Dragon's Tooth Trail meets the Boy Scout Connector. There was water at the campsite and with the exception of a possible copperhead trying to get into one of the guys' tents it was outstanding. We left our packs and climbed it as a day hike. The first part was easy and cool with shaded trees and nice breezes. The last seven tenths of a mile was tough climbing up the rocks. It would have been very difficult climbing both up and down with a pack on. When we reached the ridge line it was like someone had turned on the AC as the breeze blew over the mountain. The views were awesome. They weren't as good as McAfee Knob, but what is. Overall it was a great experience.
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B.A.
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Date of Hike: Friday, February 06, 2009
I didn't hike to the tooth today, but instead did a loop using the trails that take you there. Leaving the parking area on Rt. 311, I hiked on the access trail up to it's junction with the scout trail which I used to reach the AT. The scout trail is less than half a mile long so you reach the AT quicker than by using the blue blazed access trail . . . but it does place you further north on the AT away from Dragon's Tooth. With a recent dusting of snow on the AT, the trail was simply beautiful. The contrast of colors from the green leaves of the mountain laurels, the grays of the rocks as well as tree trunks and limbs, the brown of fallen leaves, along with the white snow made the hike cinematic. This has always been a favorite hike - which the snow delightfully enhanced. A feature that I really like about this section of the AT is that from the scout trail south to the access trail you're pretty much hiking on top of a rocky ridge line with wonderful views on either side. After about a mile to a mile-and-a-half of hiking south on the AT from the scout trail, the trail intersects with the blue blazed access trail which I used to return to the parking area. You can continue south on the AT to Dragon's Tooth, but otherwise this loop provides a nice afternoon hike.
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B. A.
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Date of Hike: Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Having been years since I'd hiked to "The Tooth" - I was pleased to discover that it was everything I remembered and more. When I arrived at the parking lot off of 311 shortly before noon the temperature was in the mid 30's and there was only one other car present. While winding my way through a "holler" on the access trail up to the AT it was completely tranquil except for a few wild turkeys which scattered at my presence. From the saddle in the ridgeline where the access trail meets the AT on up to the tooth, the sun shone bright. In nooks and crags hidden in the shade there were a few spots where ground water was frozen on the trail. I didn't experience any wind until reaching the tooth. It wasn't until I was halfway down the access trail on my return that I encountered a couple other hikers. I'm now inspired to hit the trail more often - hopefully I'll make the Knob next week!
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