Dragon's Tooth Trailhead — Attraction in Salem

Gorgeous trail with optional routes up and back. Scout trail makes a loop option and has an amazing shaded valley overlook worth visiting, recommended on your return not your start. The trail is moderately flat at first with the sound of the stream keeping company. Then you begin to incline with switchbacks so it's not too steep. Once you pass the sign about the trail becoming rocky you'll encounter stone steps and light rock scrambling. There are several places where the trail traverses rock outcroppings with very narrow footing. Nothing an adventurous or avid hiker could not handle. I saw people from children to seniors on the trail so it's plenty doable. If you have fear of heights or vertigo, you might not agree. I do not recommend taking a dog because you will have to carry it up some of these sections unless your dog is actually goat in disguise. I saw some people with dogs and frankly felt bad for the animals which were panting hard. Even if you bring water, you're likely not giving them enough water or enough breaks if they are panting like that. I was worried I would not be able to park if arriving after 9am on a beautiful Saturday but I was pleasantly surprised to find several spaces still available in the lot. Some vehicles had parked on the road by the time I left. McAfee knob is the major trail out here which gets an insane amount of traffic, such that hikers I spoke with on Dragons Tooth said that a bridge was to be built where the trail crosses the road and a shuttle service is currently in place to McAfee. Dragons Tooth is a little shorter and easier in my opinion and I enjoyed the views much more than McAfee, personally. I saw almost no one on the scout trail on my return from the summit which was a treat so that amazing overlook on this trail, I had...

Dragon's Tooth Trail in Roanoke, Virginia, is a hiker's dream come true! I recently tackled this trail, and it was an incredible adventure from start to finish.

The hike is moderately challenging but totally worth it. The trail winds through beautiful forests and offers stunning views along the way. The real highlight, of course, is reaching the Dragon's Tooth itself.

The rock formation is absolutely jaw-dropping, and the panoramic views from the top are simply spectacular. Climbing up to the Tooth was a bit of a workout, but standing at the summit made it all worthwhile.

The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, and there are plenty of spots to stop, catch your breath, and take in the scenery. I also loved the sense of camaraderie among the hikers; everyone was friendly and encouraging.

If you're in the Roanoke area and love hiking, Dragon's Tooth Trail is a must-do. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and be ready for an unforgettable experience. Can't wait to go back and...

Great hike. Easy access to trailhead with lots of parking. Beautiful views. Took 3.0 hours for the out and back, mainly because we caught in torrential downpours on the way down. Otherwise, probably doable in 2.5 hours inclusive of 15 mins or so at the top.

I was initially worried that this hike would be too challenging given some of the online reviews, especially as we were starting midday in July, but it was well shaded for the first 1.5 miles and there were only a few bits of rock scrambling. Dragon's Tooth is nowhere nearly as challenging as Old Rag which requires a lot more scrambling (and also double the distance).

For those who have hiked McAfee Knob (or Billy Goat A in MD), Dragon's Tooth is relatively harder/more strenuous. The rock scrambling bits require more caution but aren't really dangerous. Probably similar level of difficulty as Seneca...