Apr 10 Dragon's Tooth

 

Dragon's tooth shows up in Greek Mythology. There was a rock near Singapore that bore that name until it was destroyed to widen entry to a harbor. There is a Dragon's Tooth cave in Florida. It's a wine, drill bit and who knows what else. If you are an AT hiker, then Dragon's Tooth is part of the Virginia Triple Crown. Granted, MacAfee Knob may get more visitors. It is a much easier hike than the tooth.

Having never hiked here, I didn't know what to expect. I opted for the Dragon Tooth Trail route for the hike up. Combining that with the AT and the Boy Scout Trail, it was a 6 mile loop hike. 

Gay Wings

The trail began as a wide boulevard and quickly entered a nice flat area beside the creek. This was a perfect spot for a homesite. Eventually, I saw a collapsed building. The roof was still intact but laying on the ruins of the rest of the building. 

It was a pleasant climb up to the ridge the AT traveled along. The upper portion of this was loaded with large flowering Bellwort. The trail intersected with the AT in a slight gap, grassy and swept clean by winds. My route took me southbound on the AT for about a mile. Just before attaining the high ridge where the Dragon Tooth resides, the trail climbs almost straight up through a series of vertical rock faces with just enough hand holds and foot steps chipped into the rock. Carrying a backpack through here requires an intrepid effort. I read this was the toughest AT mile south of the Whites.  

A short side trail leads to Dragon Tooth. Impressive rock formations surround the tooth. It can be climbed for a stunning view. Although it does not look safe to climb, there is a route to the very top that most folks can do. This was my lunch spot. Better than any restaurant table. And no reservations for that special seat is needed.

Exploring the area

That is MacAfee and Tinker out there.

My first sighting of 2023 Trailing Arbutus.

Healthy Birdsfoot Violets populate this section of the AT.

My return was on the AT almost all the way to the MacAfee parking area, turning back to Dragon Tooth Trail's head on the Boy Scout Trail. 

One of those vertical trail routes. The white blazes go up in what looks like an inaccessible route. It was easier than it looks here.

Returning on a long AT ridge, I'm seeing this landscape much of the way. The trail is in great shape and the rockwork is quite impressive. 

I'll caulk this hike up as a keeper. It is slow going for a bit while you are quite busy watching where to put each step. It was great to see a couple families make the trek. I hope that last rock climb didn't turn any of them back.