Virginia · Rock climbing · Catawba

Dragon Boulders

Is Dragon Boulders open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It doesn't name Dragon Boulders, so check the source for the area it covers.

As of · Source: NPS · Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Dragon Boulders is a bouldering area in Virginia within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, about a mile from the town of Catawba. The National Park Service manages the land, and there is no fee to visit. The climbing here is a single boulder problem, Dragon's Spine, which is a V0- on the V scale. It sits among several other climbing areas within a short distance, including Middle Dragon, Mayflower Boulder and the Arrow Boulder Area, each about 0.1 mile away. The McAfee's Knob Trail also starts right next to it. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Roanoke put May highs around 76°F and September highs around 79°F, while July peaks near 86°F. That station sits about 900 feet lower than the boulders, so temperatures on the rock run cooler. The Catawba Greenway Trail is about 0.4 mile away, and Straight Branch Iron Mountain Shelter, about 5 miles off, offers a place to stay overnight.

Facts about this crag

Rules & access

Fee
No fee

Source: National Park Service API