Well marked trail and saw some minor ice patches ...will call it moderate at max for an average hiker. McAfee Knob. After hitting it in bad weather I hiked it a second time to properly see it. This is a slow and steady climb to the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. This is also a very popular area to watch the sunset on a I may be able to get a section hike of the AT within the next couple years, though. McAfee Knob is part of what is known as Virginia's Triple Crown. The peak at McAfee Knob is 3,171', giving it some of the best views in the state. This trail sees a large number of traffic and has been having problems with rising trash, illegal camping and misuse of the area. Not only is the Appalachian Trail one of the most scenic routes in the US but the McAfee Knob section is arguably one of its most famous sections. Camping is not allowed at McAfee Knob, though there are several campsites nearby that are suitable for campers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from April until November. From the trailhead on top of Catawba Mountain, McAfee Knob is an 8.8-mile out-and-back hike northbound on the AT. Hiked on 11/29 and got started at noon and did it in 3h20m with a slow start due to our legs being right from the 3 hour car ride. The 8.8-mile loop trail takes most hikers around 4 to 5 hours to complete. It sits in between Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs, and the three views make up what’s called the … That's a big YET, because my plans are to thru-hike after retirement. In another setting, in this greedy world, this setup would never work. McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail is a 8.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Catawba, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. A few days later, and here I am; parked in a car park near McAfee’s Knob, which is the most-photographed part of the trail, apparently. We decided to take the Fire Line Trail instead of the AT becuase it is much wider, it made it a lot easier to travel with two dogs - given how crowded the trail was. McAfee Knob is located just outside of Roanoke, Virginia, and can be accessed via the Appalachian Trail. we got there at around 7 and the parking lot was starting to get full. The summer can also slow your travel time on this trail. The top provides some breathtaking views and I'd recommend any hiker take an opportunity to experience this trail. People who visit this area of the US are stunned by the natural beauty on display. Due to this change, the summit is often much cooler than the lower parts of the trail. Many park past the enterance - about 6 miles out and take an Uber for $10. Great hike. Note: The McAfee Knob hike is one of the most popular hikes along the entire Appalachian Trail and sees a tremendous amount of hiker traffic. You could park at the parking area, bring a lunch and eat at McAfee Knob, then return to your vehicle. The Knob has an almost 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East. We recommend bringing more food and water than you anticipate needing, especially if you are visiting during warm weather. Views at Mcafee knob are worth the hike. -Maximum group size, day hikes: 25 For those on day hikes, there are two main shelters you can rest at. We recommend packing your own trail mix as well, as this will allow you to bring densely nutritious foods like nuts, dried fruit, and grains. Here are some things to know before you go. It’s important to note that weather conditions influence how long it takes to hike the Trail. Then, we discuss some common questions that hikers have. The eponymous knob located at the summit of the trail offers such breathtaking views you won’t want to leave. Nearly 600 acres of permanently protected land will be added to the area in an effort to preserve the views from McAfee Knob, improve access to the Appalachian Trail and provide greater conservation of the surrounding area. There is a gravel parking lot located on top of Catawba Mountain on Route 311. Definitely recommend sticking to the AT... it’s prettier with the water running off the mountain. Looking into the distance, you will suddenly realize that nature is infinitely wise and beautiful. Pack out all trash, no trash cans provided on the trail as this trail is simply part of the Appalachian Trail (AT). The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from April until November. The knob is located atop Catawba Mountain with an elevation of 3,197 feet and is one of the highlights of the Appalachian Trail. The hike totals 8.3 miles out and back hike, and it is well worth the view. Park rules and regulations are enforced: A little icy at the top but sooo worth it! The distance from this trailhead to the summit of McAfee Knob is about 4.4 miles. Lastly, we recommend bringing several bags to store your food waste. Once it's full, if you park in the shoulder outside the parking lot you may be towed. If you park on the street, you will be ticketed for good reason ~ it’s a time stamp in the event you don’t return (yes they monitor the vehicles in the event someone gets lost). It’s more strenuous than you think. Please note that the parking lot fills up fast! Prepping You To Make The Hike, McAfee Knob is a surfboard-like rock feature that juts out from. The McAfee Knob hike on the Appalachian Trail turned out to be an awesome break from the norm near Catawba, Virginia. We went prime time fall foliage and bumped into a few along the way. The trail offers a 270-degree panorama view of the Catawba Valley. In addition, visitors can witness the Roanoke Valley as well as North Mountain and Tinker Cliffs. This would be the ideal location for a picnic, as there are plenty of places to sit at the summit. Use trekking poles if you need stability for sharp inclines or descends. McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail is a 13.0 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Catawba, Virginia that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. As a result, the parking lot doesn’t turn over much during the day. Knob, Knob, Knobbing on Heaven’s Door: Weeks 8-10 on the Trail What a section! iStock Mcafee Knob On Appalachian Trail In Virginia Stock Photo - Download Image Now Download this Mcafee Knob On Appalachian Trail In Virginia photo now. The well-known geographical feature rises almost 3,200 ft above the Catawba Valley and is said to be the most photographed spot along the AT, a 2,200 mile-long hiking trail that runs from Georgia to Maine. Took us 4.5 hours round trip of around 8.2 with an hour break at the top. No photograph could possibly capture that truth. Mile 713.6. Gorgeous day out. McAfee Knob Trail is part of a trio of trails that are collectively known as the “Triple Crown.” This is because they represent one of the most stunning stretches of the Appalachian Trails. We took the AT on the way there and fire road on the way back. We went on Friday and arrived at the lot around 0930, it was never busy, when arriving nor departing. Alternatively, some backpackers decide to continue on the Appalachian Trail, as it continues north all the way to Maine. -No alcohol I am from NE Ohio and have done local 1-3 day over-nighters in OH, PA and WV. The Appalachian Trail McAfee Knob trailhead is located off of the VA311 in Salem, VA. The most crowded days are the weekends during which there is very limited parking. 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