Dragons Tooth Trail is one leg of Virginia’s “Triple Crown” along with McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs. The entire loop is 35 miles (56 km) and features the best overlooks in the entire state of Virginia. Dragon’s Tooth ascends 1,162’ (354 m) to a height of 2,889’ (881 m) above sea level and has several outlooks into the Catawba Valley as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains. Let’s get started . . .
Getting to the Appalachian Trail Dragons Tooth parking area is pretty straight forward but definitely not a straight line. No matter which direction you approach you’ll be traveling in a pretty remote section of Virginia. The bonus is it’s a beautiful drive, especially if you love open country, fields, barns and cows. The turn-in to the trailhead is about a ½ mile north of the VA624 off of the VA311.
The earlier you arrive the better as the parking area isn’t large (35-40 car capacity) and can fill up quickly. Luckily the cars come and go on a pretty regular basis. Another bonus, there is a non-flush facility for one last pit stop before you begin.
Getting Started
You’ll start your hike at the information kiosk located at the far left end of the parking lot. If you want there is a checklist of items they suggest you bring but, honestly, it’s a bit late at that point. The first 1.7 miles (2.74 km) is relatively easy. Follow the White markers as it alternates between gentle slopes and some steep sections (just to keep it interesting) but nothing overly dramatic.
The trail is windy in areas with a creek on the left for a stretch that may or may not have a good flow. You’ll actually crisscross the same creek a number of times so it’s possible you could get a bit wet. It really depends on the time of year or how much moisture has been present recently.
You’ll reach a flat area with a few options. If you’re struggling you’ll want to turn around here. Otherwise, it’s time to conquer Dragons Tooth. The sign says .7 miles (1.12 km) but don’t be deceived. This is where the hike becomes more challenging. You’ll be fine but be prepared to push yourself a bit. Continue to follow the White markers.
The Fun Part
The first thing you’ll notice are the rock scrambles. The second thing is how they all have very good foot and hand holds making the ascent much easier. Be mindful if the rocks are wet and take your time. Regardless, pay attention and stay focused at all times. Be aware that there will be fellow hikers making their descent so be prepared to make room if needed. We’ve still have never encountered a belligerent fellow traveler (another reason to take up hiking!)
While a good amount is pretty basic uphill climbing there are a few sections that are either steeper or more narrow than others. Just ignore how intimidating they may at first glance appear and just keep pushing on. After a few, you’ll get more comfortable and probably find they aren’t as difficult to traverse as they at first appeared to be. At one point there is one spot where, due to the height and extreme angle of the rock-face, the Rangers have placed a few metal stairs to help you better navigate the ascent.
There are a few overlooks along the way that also serve as ideal resting points. Your view will vary depending on the time of year as leaves will obscure your vision from late spring to mid-fall. Some stops even have an elevated position to really enhance your view. No need to be too concerned . . . the best views are still ahead.
Dragons Tooth
Once on top you have a few options. We ran into a few guys who were camping directly underneath the Dragons Tooth itself while grooving to some 70’s tunes. You have a few nice outlooks to choose from right away (after all isn’t that the payoff for the hike). The first is nice but a bit dicey with a straight drop down that looms the farther out you venture.
The second is the centerpiece and provides the best pictures and views. It has a few perfect rocks resting on either side of the opening that are perfect for sitting or leaning on while enjoying the magnificent view. We arrived around 2 pm and had very little company so Ramie and Tia were able to relax on the rocks and enjoy the music. There are some natural places both at the foot of the (2) large rocks (one of which is the actual Dragons Tooth) and around 50’ away to settle in and enjoy a snack or just soak in the natural beauty.
If you’re feeling adventurous, and have no issues with height, you can continue around the inside edge of the tooth and climb up to the top where a 360° view awaits you. There isn’t a lot of room at the top but it generally doesn’t get too crowded anyway.
There are also tremendous opportunities for pictures and video at the base of the rocks. The formations themselves are highly unique and the centerpiece is appropriately named.
The Descent
From the top you have the option to continue along the Appalachian Trail heading north but, if you want to get back down to the parking lot, the way back follows the same path you came on. We actually found the rock scrambles easier to navigate on the way down. Whether it was familiarity, confidence in having already successfully navigated the rocks or simply a better vantage point for the handholds and footholds, little matter. After the .7 miles (1.12 km) descent you’ll once again reach the flat area where you can either continue back the way you came or choose the alternate Boy Scout Trail.
The Boy Scout Trail
We definitely recommend the Boy Scout option for a few reasons . . . it’s different, it’s the path less travelled, it’s still mostly in the shade and it has one outlook that’s even a better view than at Dragons Tooth. Your markers for the Boy Scout trail are blue. Warning, the Boy Scout path is very steep right away. It catches you a bit by surprise as you work your way up the winding incline. Once at the top you may choose to take a break and hydrate.
While the Boy Scout trail is technically shorter at 1.1 miles (1.8 km) it is more challenging for a variety of reasons. You’ll notice right away the pine needle-strewn pathways are much narrower than the initial route. It makes sense as they were designed for Boy Scouts single file walking. It is also more overgrown with lush greenery and some unique rock formations so take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
There are also some great rock scrambles that rival the last leg of Dragons Tooth trail. These are all downhill including one that provides a fun mini-slide to the ground. We also encountered a cool lizard that was cleverly camouflaged. As the trail starts to level off there are (2) different lookouts. The first is nice but the second is spectacular. In our opinion, it was the best lookout of the day. It’s also a great opportunity for a rest stop.
The Last Leg
Most of the rest of the hike is steadily downhill. It can be rough on your knees but starts to ease a bit when you reconnect to the original trail. You’ll start to recognize some spots and, before you know it you’re back at the parking lot and feeling pretty good about yourself.
The entire 4.6 mile (7.4 km) hike can be done in 2½ hours if you’re youngish and in great hiking shape. We took our time, with plenty of water breaks, and completed the loop in just under 4½ hours. Of course, it isn’t a race so the important thing is maintaining a comfortable pace for yourself and your group of fellow hikers.
Conclusion
One of the true bonuses to this hike is the tree cover that persists throughout. You are in the shade the majority of the time which, particularly in the summer, will be well appreciated. A last reminder that if you think you’ve brought enough water . . . go back and get some more. It is a physically taxing climb and you will want to stay hydrated as much as possible.
Please let us know some of your favorite hikes, especially if they feature great overlooks.
