Dragons Tooth – Appalachian Trail

Distance: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1600 ft Difficulty: Strenuous Type: Out-and-Back Surface: Natural Activity: Hiking Best Season: Year-round Typical Time: 3-5 hours Fee: None Dogs: True Permit: False

The Dragons Tooth is one of the most dramatic geological features along the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, a 35-foot quartzite fin of rock jutting skyward from Cove Mountain in Jefferson National Forest. The trail ascends via the blue-blazed Dragons Tooth Trail from the trailhead on VA-311 near Newport, climbing steadily through mixed hardwood forest before joining the AT for the final approach to the summit ridge.

The summit scramble involves hands-on rock climbing up exposed quartzite ledges, with fixed ropes and iron rebar handholds installed at the steepest sections near the base of the tooth itself. The quartzite formation is part of the same ridge system that runs through this section of the Blue Ridge. Views from the top and the adjacent AT ridge extend across Catawba Valley to the south and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.

The nearby McAfee Knob section of the AT is visible from the Dragons Tooth ridge, and ambitious hikers can link both destinations via the AT in a longer point-to-point. The area around the base of the tooth is rocky and requires careful footing, particularly when wet. The section is near the town of Catawba, Virginia, and is popular with hikers from Roanoke. Parking is free along VA-311 at a signed lot.