HomeVirginiaCatawba › Dragon's Tooth Trail

Dragon's Tooth Trail

4.9 ★★★★★ 78 Google reviews · Running trail in Catawba, Virginia · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Dragon's Tooth Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicFlat & fastHillyTrailhead parking

Hiking area featuring a challenging trail to a picnic area with scenic views.

What runners say about Dragon's Tooth Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (78 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“I could only hike 45 min up and then back down due to achilles tendon issues but it was very beautiful!”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Spectacular and easy hike and one of my favorites in the East Coast.”

Spectacular and easy hike and one of my favorites in the East Coast. Took us under 2 hours and we hiked with snow. AMAZING VIEW!

★★★★★ — Litzy , Jan 2022

Dragon's Tooth Trail in Roanoke, Virginia, is an adventure you won't want to miss! I hiked it recently, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The trail is a bit challenging, but the scenery makes it totally worth it.

★★★★★ — Brandon , Jun 2024

I could only hike 45 min up and then back down due to achilles tendon issues but it was very beautiful! Not too strenuous as least as far as I was able to go but I hear that it gets harder farther up. I plan to keep hiking it, each time increasing until I can finally reach the top.

★★★★★ — Gloria , Jan 2021

Great hike. Do keep in mind that you have to climb so plan accordingly who you bring. And wear shoes with good grip so you don't slip. But at the top it all pays off with a beautiful view!

★★★★★ — Bryce , May 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 78 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 22 mentions

“I could only hike 45 min up and then back down due to achilles tendon issues but it was very beautiful!”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“Moderate difficulty level and a little bit of rock climbing is required at the very top of the hill which is the end point of the trail.”

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Flat & fast 2 mentions

“Moderate difficulty level and a little bit of rock climbing is required at the very top of the hill which is the end point of the trail.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

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Plan your run at Dragon's Tooth Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners

Where to find Dragon's Tooth Trail

Appalachian Trl, Catawba, VA 24070

Get directions

Running trails near Catawba

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

McAfee Knob Trailhead

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Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Mountain trek via Appalachian Trail to a cliffside summit with expansive views of the valley.

3.8 miles away

Pawpaw Trail

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Riverside Park

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Green Hill Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,236 reviews

Salem, VA

PavedScenic

Expansive park with an open field, riverfront area, walking trails, picnic shelters & playgrounds.

7.6 miles away

Longwood Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 680 reviews

Salem, VA

Scenic

Scenic city park with play structures, trails, covered picnic tables & outdoor performances.

8.2 miles away

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve - Bennett Springs Access

4.7 ★★★★★ 175 reviews

Salem, VA

60 miNatural surfaceDog-friendly

Clean, popular, well-maintained outdoor space with an extensive network of trails for hiking and bicycling, plus horseback riding.

8.5 miles away

All running trails in Catawba, VA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.