Dragon's Tooth - Appalachian Trail
Hiking Route
· United States of America
Responsible for this content
Roanoke Outside
Roanoke Outside
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/ image.jpgPhoto: marco fassari, Community -
/ photoPhoto: Donald Kennedy, Community
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/ photoPhoto: Donald Kennedy, Community
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/ photoPhoto: Donald Kennedy, Community
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/ image.jpgPhoto: François Eybert-Prudhomme, Community
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/ photoPhoto: Trevor Elliott, Community
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/ photoPhoto: Trevor Elliott, Community
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/ photoPhoto: Trevor Elliott, Community
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/Photo: Roanoke Outside, Roanoke Outside
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/ wpt 4Photo: Roanoke Outside, Roanoke Outside
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/ ppt 6Photo: Roanoke Outside, Roanoke Outside
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/ The ToothPhoto: Roanoke Outside, Roanoke Outside
Located on Cove Mountain near the Craig and Roanoke County line, the hike to Dragon's Tooth ascends steep, rugged outcrops of quartzite which form the spine of Cove Mountain. A more difficult hike, Dragon's Tooth summit offers magnificent views of nearby and distant peaks year-round.
difficult
Distance 3.2 km
1:20 h
374 m
26 m
923 m
549 m
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.
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.
Author
Roanoke OutsideUpdate: December 05, 2017
Difficulty
difficult
Technique
Stamina
Highest point
923 m
Lowest point
549 m
Start
Coordinates:
DD
37.377558, -80.155392
DMS
37°22'39.2"N 80°09'19.4"W
UTM
17S 574777 4137092
w3w
///vacancies.annotated.explore
Note
all notes on protected areas
Coordinates
DD
37.377558, -80.155392
DMS
37°22'39.2"N 80°09'19.4"W
UTM
17S 574777 4137092
w3w
///vacancies.annotated.explore
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
3.2 km
Duration
1:20 h
Ascent
374 m
Descent
26 m
Highest point
923 m
Lowest point
549 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
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