Roanoke & the New River Valley · Catawba · Hiking · Out and back
Dragon's Tooth
A rugged scramble to a spire of Tuscarora quartzite — the most technical of the Triple Crown.
- Distance
- 4.5mi
- Climb (measured)
- 1,336ft
- Time (agency)
- 3h–5h
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Terrain
- ScrambleShadedRidgeline
The route
Map and elevation, linked
1,336 ft up, 1,336 ft down · 1,765–3,018 ft
What it feels like
What it feels like
One steady 2.3-mile climb of 1,253 ft, then the same ground back down: the return is easier on the lungs and harder on the knees. Rock underfoot, with hands-on scrambling the record calls out, mostly under tree cover.
Before you drive
What to know first
Closures and conditions change. Check the agency's alerts page before leaving.
- Parking
- Trailhead lot on Route 311 fills on weekends.
- Fees
- Free.
- Permits
- Not on file
- Hours
- Not on file
- Restrooms
- Not on file
- Water
- No reliable water on route.
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Cell service
- Not on file
- Emergency
- Not on file
How hard it will feel
Difficulty, explained
Hard
Steep with hands-on scrambling and rebar assists near the top. Descending the rock steps is slow and demanding.
Hands-on rock: the record describes scrambling. 1,336 ft of climbing, about 297 ft per mile.
- Distance
- +1
- 4.5 miles is a comfortable half-morning.
- Climb
- +2
- 1,336 ft of climbing, about 297 ft per mile.
- Footing
- +2
- Rocky tread slows every step and needs attention on the descent.
- Technicality
- +3
- Hands-on rock: the record describes scrambling.
- Exposure
- +0
- Mostly sheltered; shade is listed.
Commitment
How long it takes
- Hiking
- 2h18–3h07
- 2.2 mph moving on rocky tread, no stops. 1,336 ft of climbing adds 40 min at a hiking pace.
Terrain
Underfoot
- Surface
- Rocky, Dirt
- Technicality
- Slick rock when wet
- Crossings
- Slick rock when wet
- Exposure
- Not on file
- Grade
- Steepest quarter mile 16.9% · 37% of the route climbing at 5%+ · 7% near level Trailfinder reading
Recorded hazards
- Steep scrambling with fall risk
- Slick rock when wet
- Ice in winter
What you'll see
On the record
- Quartzite spire summit
- Rebar-assisted scramble
- Triple Crown route
Setting on file: Mountain, Ridgeline, Forest.
When to go
Seasonal character
Roanoke & the New River ValleyRidge hikes are exposed to wind and lightning. Summer weekends fill Triple Crown parking before sunrise; winter offers the clearest long views.
General seasonal character, not a live condition report. Check the agency's alerts page for closures.
Who it fits
Is this for you?
- Runners
- Hiking route
- Families
- Not recommended for young children
- Strollers
- Not stroller friendly
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- No notes on file
- Experience
- Experienced hikers; fitness and footing matter
The long version
About this route
Dragon's Tooth climbs to a jagged quartzite monolith on Cove Mountain. The upper section — the Dragon's Back — involves rebar rungs, rock steps, and hands-on moves that make this the most technical of the Triple Crown hikes.
The descent is harder than the ascent for most people. Wet or icy rock turns this route dangerous; save it for dry conditions.
WildlifeBlack bears and timber rattlesnakes are present. Watch where you place hands on rock. Wildlife guide
If not this one
Related, and why
Roanoke & the New River Valley
McAfee Knob
- Distance
- 8mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,415ft
- Time (agency)
- ~5h
- Rocky
- Shaded
- Ridgeline
Longer version · 8 mi when you want more of the same.
Roanoke & the New River Valley
Tinker Cliffs
- Distance
- 7.6mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,000ft
- Time (agency)
- ~5h
- Rocky
- Shaded
- Ridgeline
Runnable alternative · Supports running, with a firmer or steadier tread.
Appalachian Trail Corridor
Appalachian Trail — Virginia Sections
- Distance
- 557.5mi
- Elevation gain
- Gain not on file
- Hiking time (estimate)
- Your call
- Rocky
- Ridgeline
Nearby · 39 mi from this trailhead.
Before you drive
What to know first
Closures and conditions change. Check the agency's alerts page before leaving.
- Parking
- Trailhead lot on Route 311 fills on weekends.
- Fees
- Free.
- Permits
- Not on file
- Hours
- Not on file
- Restrooms
- Not on file
- Water
- No reliable water on route.
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Cell service
- Not on file
- Emergency
- Not on file
Provenance
- Facts:
- verified against the managing agency · last checked August 29, 2026.
- Route line:
- 7 OpenStreetMap ways (ODbL), fetched 2026-09-05; elevation from USGS 3DEP 10 m, 2026-09-05. Assembled as out-and-back (mirrored).
- Readings:
- anything marked Trailfinder reading is derived by Trailfinder from those sources, not published by the agency.
Before you go: Trail conditions, access rules, weather, water availability, and closures can change. Check the linked official source before leaving and choose a route appropriate for your experience and current conditions.