Dragons Tooth Trail (Forest Trail #5009)

Area Status: Open

Dragons Tooth is a spectacular rock formation located on top of Cove Mountain. The 2.3 mile trail leading to Dragons Tooth is a gradual uphill climb for the first mile until it joins the Appalachian Trail and begins to climb steeply. This part of the hike is strenuousand requires rock scrambling near the top. You'll need your hands and feet to climb the last rocky sections to reach "The Tooth," a 35-foot rock spire. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a jumble of rugged rock outcroppings and panoramic views. Allow plenty of time and daylight to do this challenging hike. Many hikers will take six hours or more to complete the hike.

Trail Open To:

Trail Hiking

At a Glance

Fees:	No fee
Open Season:	Open year round
Restrictions:	When recreating on Forest Service Lands, follow the Forest Rules for Visitors and Forest Supervisor’s Orders. All visitors should follow Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace guidelines.
Closest Towns:	Catawba, VA - Roanoke County
Water:	Drinking water is not provided. All water taken from natural sources should be purified before use.
Restroom:	Vault Toilet at Dragons Tooth Trailhead
Operated By:	Eastern Divide Ranger District: (540) 552 - 4641
Information Center:	For more information contact: Eastern Divide Ranger District 110 Southpark Drive Blacksburg, VA 24060. 540-552-4641 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 12:00 and 12:30 - 4:30 Current weather conditions for Catawba, VA: www.weather.gov

General Information

Directions:

From I-81: Exit 140 and take Highway 311 north for 11 miles towards New Castle. Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is on the left, just past Catawba Grocery.

General Notes:

Trail Length: 1.20 miles
Blazes: Blue blazes on Dragons Tooth Trail and white blazes after converging with the Appalachian Trail
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Connecting Trails: Boy Scout Trail (Forest Trail #5002) and Appalachian Trail (Forest Trail #1)
Elevation: 1739 to 2842 feet
Trail Access Points: LAT 37.3787 LONG -80.1563
Trail Etiquette: Trail etiquette for multiple use trails calls for horses to have the right-of-way. Hikers should yield to horses. Bicyclists should yield to horses and hikers. Read the Sharing the Trail & Trail Etiquette Brochure.
Trail Map: It is recommended that all trail users always carry a reliable map. This trail is shown on the Interactive Visitor Map and the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated Map #787 and #788. Maps may be purchased at some local District Ranger Stations, at outdoor retail locations or by visiting the National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated website.