McAfee Knob - Catawba, Virginia

Virginia

Mar 23

Written By Chris Shields

“Every storm runs out of rain.” - Maya Angelou

“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create.” - Roy T. Bennett

“the most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” - E.E. Cummings

The Story -

On Saturday morning, Ginger, Sophie, and I hiked eight moderate miles to the iconic McAfee Knob located fifteen miles northwest of Roanoke, Virginia. McAfee Knob is often touted as the most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail and with its incredible views, has deservedly become a bucket list item for hikers from around the world.

McAfee Knob Hike -

The hike to McAfee Knob Trail is an eight-mile out-and-back trek that takes you to the summit of McAfee Knob, which stands at an elevation of 3,197 ft. It's been recognized by USA Today Travel as one of the most spectacular hikes in the United States! There are two hiking options to reach McAfee Knob - a four-mile section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) or a wide fire road simply known as the McAfee Knob Trail. Ginger and I opted to take the AT to the summit, and then utilize the fire road for the trip back to the parking area, making our hike more of a loop, which we both prefer.

I Got Views - LunchMoney Lewis

The highlight of hiking to McAfee Knob is undoubtedly the views. From the windy summit, you'll be treated to unobstructed 270-degree panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys including the Catawba Valley, Roanoke Valley, and the North Mountain. The view from McAfee Knob is considered by many to be one of the best in Virginia, if not the entire East Coast. On a compelling note, the producers of the Robert Redford movie, A Walk To Remember, even chose to feature the view from McAfee Knob on its promotional movie poster! You can stand where Redford and Nick Nolte posed for the poster. Just be careful, a hiker did die after falling from the summit in the summer of 2022.

The Journey -

The destination and the views at the summit are certainly the highlights of the hike. And while the journey is not as impressive, it still provides ample items of special interest along the way. The technical trail winds through dense forests and over very rocky terrain where you encounter several switchbacks, large boulders, and a few steep inclines. We also passed two Appalachian Trail shelters and a freshwater spring. I imagine the Trail is even more beautiful in the late spring and early summer when the AT turns into what some describe as the “green tunnel” due to a large number of vibrant plants, berries, and wildflowers encroaching the trail. The trail can be challenging at times, but it is well worth the effort.

Wrap It Up -

Hiking to McAfee Knob is an unforgettable outdoor adventure that should be on every hiker's bucket list. With its stunning views and challenging but rewarding trail, it's no wonder why this iconic destination has become so popular. Check it out for yourself, perhaps this weekend!

McAfee Knob Shuttle -

McAfee Knob receives approximately 50,000 annual visitors and the trailhead parking lot that provides access to the trail frequently fills up early and stays full throughout the day.

Take the stress out of finding a parking spot for your hike and hop aboard the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle, operated in partnership between Roanoke County & Ride Source.