Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Trail conditions were great. There wasn't any ice and it was completely dry. It wasn't very cold (about a high of 50 in Roanoke) and partly cloudy but much higher than the mountains. My 8 and 10 year old children had a lot of fun. They are noticeably tired but not exhausted.
Helena, Montana, United States
As of august 2011 the trail through the canyon is washed out. It is extremely difficult and nearly impassable for horses. We approached from the other side after an all day ride from Hunter's Gulch and had no choice but to try and get through. Would advise against this trail for horses.
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
A great hike but not one I would want to take my dog on. I am a seasoned hiker and always try to check stuff out before taking my Giant Schnauzer who is a good hiker. I wouldn't want to take her to this trail because of the rock climbing that is involved. This is a difficult hike. There is a lot of incline and slippery rocks. I would not suggest going here in wet weather. Be sure to wear a good hiking shoe, a running shoe is not an acceptable shoe for Dragons Tooth.
Salem, Virginia, United States
I hiked this today. It didn't seem like 3.4 miles but I could be mistaken. Also, it didn't seem like an abandoned railbed. While it was a beautiful trail the noise from I-81 really took away from its serenity. It is a very easy hike.
Wallingford, Vermont, United States
This is a relatively quick and easy hike, so take your time. It's pretty much stright up so if your out of shape like me, it'll be challenging. The trail up is your typical Northern New England trail, some areas are clear and others require stepping over and around rocks and roots. Once your near the top it gets a little easier. At the spur junction you are met with hand made stone cairns that others passing by have built. The spur from the AT to the scenic vista is a short hike over rock outcroppings to an awesome view at the top of the cliffs. This is an excellent hike to introduce to your kids.
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
This trail is right by my house and is super fun for trail running. You can also start out at Fern Park to make it even longer. I saw 2 deer and a box turtle in the middle of the path. It was great. :)
Amherst, Virginia, United States
Nice short hike to beautiful views!
North Woodstock, New Hampshire, United States
Simply amazing trail though not for the faint of heart as it is brutal and very challenging. The views were breath taking so the pain was worth it ( wear good boots).
Floyd, Virginia, United States
I would rate this loop as one of the best hikes central Virginia has to offer. I consider it a six hour day hike, with a half hour break included. On my most recent hike last week, trail maintenance was performed on the entire loop! All of the down trees blocking the trial had been removed. Great job to all who participated in this effort! On the down side of this effort, the maintenance crew used a weed eater on the entire trail cutting a swath three feet wide on each side removing any and all of the natural vegetation this loop is famous for. I don’t understand how this destruction was allowed to go on for ten miles and it certainly does not comply with leave no trace policies that are common in the hiking world. I’m hopeful that this oversight will not occur again in the future.
Lincoln, Montana, United States
6/12/11 Lots of timber recently sold along the roads leading up to the trail. Due to all the spring rain, plus the logging trucks, the road is a mess. There are very deep ruts from the big heavy logging trucks. The trail itself appears to not have been maintained in at least a year. LOTS of deadfall for the first mile. Perhaps just because of all the rain this year, there are also several portions where creek water is following the trail and it was about 2 feet wide of flowing water. Someone could make quick work of it with a chainsaw and once there is less water the trail will probably dry up but without some maintenance this trail is NOT appropriate for a nice family outing.
Salem, Virginia, United States
I hiked this trail today. It is quite overgrown in several places and I saw no blaze marks for guidance. I was most disappointed to see graffiti on a main rock face - what a shame!
Montebello, Virginia, United States
A great hike in either direction. Two more geocaches along the way (black rock overlook and camp blue ridge overlook). Remember, only water is top of crabtree falls and montebello fish hatchery so make sure you fill up in between.
Montebello, Virginia, United States
Great hike, follow the blue blaze markers or you can end up off trail. The view is great. There are a few geocaches in the area as well.
Stokesville, Virginia, United States
WHERE IS THE TRAIL MAP? ARE THERE OTHER TRAILS IN THAT AREA AND WHERE ARE THEIR MAPS? I KNOW HOW TO GET TO THE TRAIL HEAD. THIS GOES FOR ALL THE TRAILS ON THIS SITE.
Pearisburg, Virginia, United States
Great trail with some killer switchbacks. The guide is incorrect in saying that the trail can be hiked year round though. The trail normally gets snowed in by mid December and ins't clear until late April. When it is clear though, this trail is awesome and offers excellent views of the New River Valley. I highly recommend it.
Lexington, Virginia, United States
We have attempted this loop three times. We made the loop going to the right along the Maury and up (steep climb). The other two attempts we went to the left, and were never able to follow the short circuit trail. The one time we bushwhacked up to the ridge, don't know which one, but were able to find a trail which led us to the waterfall. Yesterday, we tried it again, and got totally lost. Blazes are hard to see or lacking, most signs were off their post, and the trail was not visible at times. In places the trail was absolutely washed out. This is more of a mountaineering experience in its current condition and not a family outing. On the positive side, the mountain laurel was spectacular and in abundance.
Asheville, North Carolina, United States
Great trail to backpack. The directions given on this website were spot on. As of March 2011, there are still several fallen trees along the trail for Cold Mtn, but the views from the top are breathtaking. The trail is not well defined by markers, but rather the traces of backpackers who have traveled it before. Just be sure to bring some sort of communication, or at least let people know where you are going, because cell phones DO NOT work when you are within the valley.
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Nice Trail and I will return this winter so I can see Carvins Cove..
Rutland, Vermont, United States
Nice trail, beautiful views. I do not agree though that it is "easy" it should be rated at moderate. It is hardly flat and is a split between asending and desending for the entire duration.
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
There is no view of anything but trees when you reach the top. There's no sign indicationg which way to go.