Dragon’s Tooth isn’t just a cool name—it’s an iconic stop along Virginia’s “Triple Crown” of hikes (along with McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs), and it earns that reputation.

Located in southwest Virginia, this hike clocks in at about 5 miles round-trip, and it’s a real workout. From the trailhead, it’s a steady 1.7 to 1.9-mile climb up the mountain with classic Appalachian switchbacks. It’s steep, it’s rocky, and you’ll want trekking poles for this part of the ascent.

But then… the rocks arrive.

The final stretch to the summit is full-on rock scrambling—not just a few boulders here and there, but climbing with hands and feet, pulling yourself up and over stone. It’s one of the few hikes I’ve done where I had to ditch the trekking poles near the top just to keep both hands free.

And honestly? It’s a blast.

If you enjoy a little adventure mixed in with your mountain views, this is the hike for you. At the summit, you're rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains—those classic, soft-rolling ridges blanketed in summer green. There are large rocks to climb up on for an even better vantage point and a small area to sit, rehydrate, and soak in the view.

Pro Tips:

• Bring plenty of water and snacks—it gets hot fast in the summer.

• Good hiking shoes are a must.

• Don’t skip the poles… but don’t be afraid to stash them before the rock scrambles.

• It’s shorter than Old Rag but still strenuous—be ready to work.

Dragon’s Tooth is one of the most fun and challenging hikes in Virginia—and the view from the top? That one sticks with you.

July 15, 2025

With Dragon’s Tooth already under my belt, I checked off the second peak of Virginia’s famous Hiking Triple Crown—McAfee Knob—and let me tell you, this one lives up to the hype.

The hike is a solid 8 miles round-trip, with 4 miles from the parking lot to the iconic rocky overlook. McAfee is known for its dramatic, photo-worthy ledge that juts out into the open air like a stone diving board above the valleys below—and yes, it’s every bit as scenic as the pictures make it look.

The first half mile or so out of the gate has a decent uphill climb, just enough to get your blood pumping. After that, though, the trail levels out for the next couple of miles, hugging the side of the mountain with occasional ups and downs but nothing too technical. It’s a calm, steady cruise with great trail conditions and plenty of shade.

About 1.3 miles before the summit, you’ll cross a fire service road, and that’s when the real uphill begins again. It’s not technical—no rock scrambling like Dragon’s Tooth—but it’s a consistent incline that makes you appreciate whatever elevation you’ve already gained. This is where trekking poles really earn their keep. I was glad I brought mine along.

Once you reach the top, though—wow. That rocky outcropping at McAfee Knob is one of the most recognizable spots on the Appalachian Trail for good reason. It gives you panoramic views of the valleys and ridgelines stretching across southwest Virginia, with Blacksburg and Christiansburg in the distance. It's a perfect place to sit down, snap some photos, grab a drink, and let the beauty of it all settle in.

Final Thoughts

McAfee is less rugged than Dragon’s Tooth, but it’s still a legit workout if you’re doing the full out-and-back in one go. No scrambling, just long-distance effort and some good elevation gain.

One more to go—Tinker Cliffs.