ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, October 14, 1996 TAG: 9610150074
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
Under normal circumstances, the last few yards to Dragon's Tooth, a popular color-season hike, are the toughest. This fall, the beginning of the hike is the trouble spot.
The U.S. Forest Service has closed the parking lot at Virginia 311, three miles north of Catawba. A private contractor has moved in to enlarge the parking area and improve the entrance.
Forest officials acknowledge the timing of the expected two-month closure is bad, since the hike is a fall favorite. Finding a place to park will be difficult, they say, and hikers may want to postpone their trips to the area.
It was a matter of not being able to carry over funding that is now available, said Bob Boardwine, the ranger for the New Castle District.
Since nearby McAfee Knob already carries a heavy load of fall hikers, Boardwine suggests would-be Dragon's Tooth visitors may want to hike other trails in the area. Among his suggestions are the Roaring Run Trail and Hoop Hole Trail near Craig Creek.
The new parking lot will accommodate about 45 cars and the road to it won't be as steep, Boardwine said.
``If the weather will cooperate and the contractors gets along well, we hope it can be open in December,'' he said. It will need to be closed a brief period next year for paving, he said.
LENGTH: Short : 33 linesby CNB