Dragon's Tooth - Appalachian Trail

Dragon’s Tooth s a unique geologic feature that consists of Tuscarora quartzite spires which outcrop on the top of Cove Mountain. The tallest "tooth" projects roughly 35 feet above the surrounding rock. The trail to Dragon's Tooth ascends steep, rugged outcrops of quartzite which form the spine of Cove Mountain and North Mountain. The spine is known as Dragon's Back. A difficult hike, Dragon's Tooth summit offers magnificent views of nearby and distant peaks year-round.

Note: The Dragon's Tooth hike is one of the most popular hikes along the entire Appalachian Trail and sees a tremendous amount of hiker traffic. It is ideal to hike this on a weekday as weekends are very crowded. Please read rules and regulations at the bottom of this description.

Directions to Trail Head
From Roanoke - take I-81 south to Exit 141. Turn left at the traffic light onto Rt. 419 (Electric Rd.) and follow 0.4 miles to next traffic light (Rt. 311). Turn right onto Rt. 311N and follow for 10 miles. Dragon’s Tooth parking lot is on left just past Catawba Grocery.

Hike Description
~ 4.5 mile round trip, out and back hike.
Moderate to difficult.
20 minutes from downtown Roanoke. 
Map kiosk at trailhead (very straight forward hike).

Rules & Regulations
- Max. group size for day hikes is 25 people.
- Max. group size for backpackin/camping is 10 people.
- No alcohol
- Dogs must be on leash at all times
- No camping or campfires on Dragon's Tooth
- Pack out all trash
- No camping or campfires outside of the 7 designated shelters/camping areas.
- Visit local A.T. C. Club for more details.

Add On
Finish your day with a great meal at the Home Place - a restaurant famous among thru-hikers. To reach the Home Place begin your return trip to Roanoke on Rt. 311 south. After 2 miles turn right into the Home Place (a large white farmhouse). Make a life-long friend by giving any thru-hikers you see a ride.

Go see a baseball game! View the Salem Red Sox schedule or by calling 540.389.3333.

Grab a beer at Parkway Brewing.

Roanoke Outside Land Activities and Attractions visit the website.