McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots along the Appalachian Trail. It has about 50,000 visitors annually! My husband and I have hiked to McAfee Knob twice and could do it a hundred times if we could. It’s just that good!
Experience breathtaking 270-degree views from McAfee Knob and take a picture at the famous ledge. The hike to McAfee Knob is the perfect little adventure for you and your family/friends/pets. Read my Complete Guide to Hiking McAfee Knob in 2024 to learn about the best time to go, day hike gear, trailhead location (plus all about the current trailhead closure), trail directions, and more!
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McAfee Knob: Most Photographed Spot on the Appalachian Trail
McAfee Knob is located in Catawba, Virginia which is about a 20-25 minutes’ drive from Roanoke, Virginia. McAfee Knob sits on top of Catawba Mountain at an elevation of 3,197 feet.
The main trails (either Appalachian Trail or McAfee Knob Trail) are located on National Park Service land between VA Route (Newport Road) and VA Route 652 (Mountain Pass Road).
At the top of McAfee Knob, on a clear day, expect to see 270-degree views of Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Roanoke Valley to the East, and Tinker Cliffs to the North. The views are breathtaking!
Best Time to Go
In my personal opinion, the best time to go would in the fall. Nothing beats seeing the colorful fall leaves from the top of McAfee Knob. Although this trail is very busy during the fall time, it is a little less busy as compared to summertime, so the crowds will not be too crazy. However, I would still get to the trailhead as early as possible!
Need more reasons to go in the fall? Well, the temperatures are perfect for hiking. The bugs (especially the mosquitoes) will not bother you. The smell of fall as you’re walking through the woods is chef’s kiss. And again, the fall foliage and smaller crowds. What other season can beat that!?
But in all seriousness, McAfee Knob is one of those hikes you can hike year-round. It’s on my bucket list to hike McAfee Knob during winter in the snow. Now that would be beautiful! But also riskier, so if you decide to do that just be careful!
About the Trail
McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail
Location: McAfee Knob is located in Catawba, Virginia.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 8 miles with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 4 to 6 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail has dirt, rocks, and wooden/rocky steps.
Pet-friendly? Yes! Your furry friend must be a on leash.
McAfee Knob Day Hike Essentials & Gear
We have listed below all the items and gear that we brought with us on our day hike to McAfee Knob. For most people, hiking to McAfee Knob and back will take 4-6 hours to complete. But no matter the difficulty rating, length of the trail, and your experience with hiking, you always want to make sure you have all the hiking essentials, especially the safety gear!
This is not an exhaustive list! It’s just what we personally carried with us on our hike to McAfee Knob.
Backpack
Like I said, McAfee Knob is not a long, strenuous hike (maybe for some people). Unless you decide to hike to McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs and back for an insane 18-mile hike. But, if you are not that crazy and only hike to McAfee Knob and back, you can get away with using a small backpack. Try to pack light (bring the essentials), so you won’t feel bogged down which can make the hike much harder.
Hiking Shoes or Boots
If you are hiking McAfee Knob via the McAfee Knob Trail (fire road) then I wouldn’t stress too much on finding the perfect pair of hiking shoes/boots. You could get away with hiking the fire road with regular tennis shoes.
But if you are hiking the Appalachian Trail to McAfee Knob then I recommend avoiding any shoes that are open-toe, unstable, and have no traction. That section of the AT is fairly steep and rocky. There are plenty of brands out there that provide excellent hiking shoes or boots. Do your research to find what will work best for you!
WINTER TIP!! During the winter season, be sure to bring microspikes or traction coil devices for your boots. Even when it’s perfectly clear in lower elevations, trails can be icy and snowy in higher elevations. Please be careful and use good judgement!
Hiking/Trekking Poles (optional)
Hiking/trekking poles could be beneficial on the Appalachian Trail section to McAfee Knob since it is steep and rocky. If you have good balance and ankle/knee stability, then you don’t really need them. However, hiking/trekking poles are usually a personal preference for most people. Whatever works for you!
Extra Layers of Clothing
It’s a good idea to bring extra layers of clothing if there is a chance of rain or you are hiking in very cold temperatures. This would include rain gear and insulated clothing (the latter is more so important in the colder months).
Safety Gear
If I were you, I wouldn’t go hiking without any of these safety items listed below. Even if it’s just a simple day hike, you never know what could happen. Always be prepared!
- Paper and offline digital maps & compass
- Satellite messenger/personal locator beacon
- First aid-kit
- Flashlights/headlamps (with extra batteries)
- Knife or multi-tool
- Emergency blanket
- Bear spray
- Whistle
Sun Protection
Don’t skip out on this! You definitely want to wear your sunscreen and apply SPF lip balm every time you go outside in the sun. If you’re feeling a little bit crazy (about protecting yourself from the sun), you may also want to wear a sun hat and wear UPF sun-protective clothing.
Nearly the whole trail up to McAfee Knob is covered by trees. But once you are at the top of McAfee Knob then you will be completely exposed to the sun. Just keep that in mind when thinking about sun protection.
Water & Food
There are several water sources at each of the nearby shelters. On the Appalachian Trail you will pass the John Spring Shelter and the Catawba Mountain Shelter. If you walk a short distance pass McAfee Knob there is another shelter called the Campbell Shelter.
Each shelter has a spring that provides water. During the summer or during a drought, the spring may not provide water. Always bring extra water along with filters (or other methods of treating water) if you are able to get water from the springs at one of the shelters.
On a cool fall or winter day, bring about 2-3 liters of water per person. If it’s a hot summer day, bring about 3-4 liters of water per person. It definitely depends on someone’s fitness levels and experience with hiking. Hydration is important!
How to Get to the Trailhead
The main trailhead (which is currently closed) is located off of Route 311 in Catawba, Virginia. It’s a fairly big gravel parking lot, but due to this trail’s popularity, it fills up quick. Below I listed a few other trailhead options since the main trailhead is closed until late 2024.
Put this address in google maps: McAfee Knob Trailhead, Catawba Valley Dr, Catawba, VA 24070 (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
Trailhead Parking Lot Closure
The parking lot at the McAfee Knob Trailhead temporarily closed on November 30, 2023, and is expected to reopen in late 2024. The reason it is closed is because they are building a pedestrian bridge!
If you have ever hiked McAfee Knob from the Route 311 trailhead, you will understand why they are building a bridge. If you have never hiked McAfee Knob, then the reason they are building a pedestrian bridge is because you have to cross the road (Route 311). It is a busy road with cars going 50-60 miles per hours. Plus, there is a curve!
So, cars are coming FAST around the curve and down the road both ways at high speeds as you (and your family/pets) are trying to cross the road. I always thought it was quite dangerous. I’m personally really glad they are building a pedestrian bridge. It will be much safer for everyone.
But now you are probably wondering where can you park!? Don’t worry, there are three other locations that you can park and hike to McAfee Knob.
- Catawba Sustainability Center
- Address: 5061 Catawba Creek Road, Catawba, VA 24070
- Description: There are 25 day-use only parking spaces available for vehicles, including two handicapped spaces and a wheelchair-accessible porta potty.
- Trail Info: Follow the orange blazes along the Catawba Greenway until you reach the Appalachian Trail (North). Follow the AT until you reach McAfee Knob. The hike will be approximately 5 miles to McAfee Knob then 5 miles back to the parking lot. So, 10 miles round-trip.
- Catawba Community Center
- Address: 4965 Catawba Creek Road, VA 24070
- Description: 15 day-use only parking spaces available for vehicles.
- Trail Info: Again, follow the orange blazes along the Catawba Greenway until you reach the Appalachian Trail (North). Follow the AT until you reach McAfee Knob. The hike will be a little over 5 miles to McAfee Knob then 5 miles back to the parking lot. So, about 10.5 miles round-trip.
- Old Catawba Road Shoulder Parking
- Location: The Old Catawba Road has shoulder parking which is located right off Route 311 near the (temporarily closed) main trailhead.
- Description: Make sure you do not park in any spots with signs that say, “no parking”. Towing will be enforced.
- Trail Info: It’s really simple. Just follow the road until you reach Route 311. Be careful as there are many sharp curves on this road! Take a left onto Route 311 and follow the road a short distance until you reach the McAfee Knob Trailhead. Then follow these trail directions for further trail information.
McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle
Prior to the closure of the main trailhead to McAfee Knob, the parking lot would fill up quick leaving many people to stress about where to park. Sometimes people would park on the side of the road where they are not supposed to. To help relieve the stress of finding a parking spot, the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle was created!
The shuttle runs between the Park & Ride lot off Interstate 81 Exit 140 and the McAfee Knob Trailhead parking lot on Route 311. It departs from the parking lot every 30 minutes and the ride is about 15 minutes to the trailhead.
The shuttle is $5 one way and $10 roundtrip, plus processing fees. All payments are cashless, and it is encouraged that riders book their tickets in advance online.
Shuttle Schedule: Beginning at 7:00 AM, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and any holidays that fall on a Monday from March 1st – December 1st, 2024. The final pickup time varies month-to-month due to Daylight Savings Time.
Trail Directions
McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail
From the trailhead at Route 311 (currently closed), cross the road to get onto the Appalachian Trail (North). Follow the white blazes (trail markers) on the trees. You will pass the Johns Spring Shelter on the right. Then a little bit later you will pass the Catawba Mountain Shelter.
After the Catawba Mountain Shelter, you will meet up with the fire road (to the left). The fire road continues to the right but is chained off, so don’t go that way. Continue straight on the Appalachian Trail up more steps.
A short distance later the trail will split. Take a left to get onto the McAfee Knob Spur Trail and follow the blue blazes. Continue on the Spur Trail until you reach McAfee Knob overlook!
Stop and take a picture at the famous rocky outcrop. You will know which one it is because it protrudes outward more than the other rocky outcrops. Just be careful!
If you want to see more views, follow the rocky path towards the other side of McAfee Knob. This spot is really great for viewing sunrise!
To get back to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps. If you don’t want to hike back down on the Appalachian Trail, then at the intersection where the trail splits, veer to the right to get onto the fire road.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Alternate Route
I have discussed above other trailhead locations to start your hike since the main trailhead to McAfee Knob is temporarily closed. However, once you get onto the Appalachian Trail (whether from the Catawba Greenway or walking along Route 311 from Old Catawba Road), the trail directions will be the exact same as described above. Just retrace your steps back to the parking lot where your vehicle is parked.
However, I have yet to discuss the other trail that runs almost parallel to the Appalachian Trail at the beginning of the hike to McAfee Knob. That trail is called the McAfee Knob Trail which is basically a fire road.
McAfee Knob Trail (Fire Road)
The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a more popular choice as compared to the McAfee Knob Trail despite the latter being much easier and less rocky. If you want to 1) avoid the crowds and 2) hike on an easier trail, then take the McAfee Knob Trail! It’s very simple to get onto the trail if you follow the directions below.
Depending on where you are starting from, once on the AT, there will eventually be an information kiosk. It’s big, so you can’t miss it! Stay left and take the McAfee Knob Trail/fire road (follow the blue blazes).
Hike for about 2.5 miles to reach an intersection with the AT. Turn left (don’t go straight across the chained off fire road) and climb that stone steps. You are now back onto the AT.
Hike for a little over a mile to reach McAfee Knob. Yay, you made it!
On your way back down, at the intersection (where the chained off fire road is located) turn right. Follow the blue blazes on the fire road for about 2.5 miles. Continue to retrace your steps back to the parking lot where your vehicle is parked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you watch sunrise or sunset at the top?
Short answer… YES! My husband and I have personally watched sunrise from McAfee Knob, and it was breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. One of the best sunrises we have ever seen! We haven’t watched sunset from McAfee Knob, but we hear it’s also a great spot. You have 270-degree views so it’s perfect for both sunrise and sunset!
Can you camp at McAfee Knob?
There are “No Camping” restrictions on McAfee Knob to help preserve its ecosystem. Also, campfires are prohibited on McAfee Knob.
However, you are allowed to camp and have campfires near McAfee Knob at the designated sites and shelters along the Appalachian Trail, which are the Johns Spring Shelter, Catawba Mountain Shelter, Pig Farm Campsite and Campbell Shelter.
Is McAfee Knob a family-friendly hike?
Yes! This trail is not technical and rated as moderate difficulty from most sources. It can be hard if you are a beginner hiker with a not-so-great fitness level. But still very doable for most people! Bring your kids along for a fun day hike. Keep them close at the top of McAfee Knob as there are ledges with drop offs.
If you and your family are beginners, then I would recommend taking the McAfee Knob Trail (fire road) as it is a much easier trail to hike on than the Appalachian Trail section.
How can I hike this trail responsibly?
You can hike responsibly by following the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Are there other nearby hikes?
Yes, there are a few other amazing hikes near McAfee Knob! I have listed below a few of our favorite hikes.
Tinker Cliffs – Hike along the Andy Layne Trail to reach beautiful views from Tinker Cliffs. This is a 7.5-mile out-and-back hike with close to 2,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s considered hard in difficulty, but worth it!
Dragon’s Tooth – Dragon’s Tooth is a unique 35-foot rock spire sitting on top of Cove Mountain in Catawba, Virginia. Tackle this challenging yet short hike to Dragon’s Tooth for amazing panoramic views!
Sharp Top Mountain – Take on this challenging, short hike (1.5 miles one-way) to Sharp Top Mountain. Check out the spectacular views from the viewing platforms at the summit! Don’t forget to take a short detour to see Buzzard’s Roost which offers more amazing views.
Flat Top Mountain – Hike to the tallest peak of the Peaks of Otter, sitting at 4,001 feet! It’s another challenging hike consisting of a 2-mile hike one-way with 1,600 feet of elevation. The views are beautiful at the top!
Harkening Hill – This 4-mile loop hike is full of fun things to see, including an old farm! Harkening Hill and Johnson Farm Loop Trail is the perfect family-friendly (and pet-friendly) hike to do year-round!
Read my Complete Guide to Visiting Peaks of Otter to help plan your trip! Learn more about the best time to visit, where to stay, places to eat and drink, and the top things to do at Peaks of Otter and the surrounding area. Hiking to each of the three Peaks of Otter is the best part, in our opinion!
Safety Tips
For the most part, McAfee Knob is very safe to hike. However, the top at McAfee Knob does have many ledges with high drop offs. Several accidents have happened where people have fallen over and the outcomes are never good. Please don’t be that person! Follow this list of simple safety tips to ensure you and your hiking partners have a fun, safe hike.
- Check the weather forecast! It can be very dangerous to hike this trail when rocks are slippery from rain or snow/ice.
- Bring PLENTY of water!
- Hike in a pair or group!
- If hiking solo, make sure family and/or friends know your plans!
- Stay on the designated trail!
- Wear comfortable, grippy hiking shoes/boots!
- Be in good physical health – this trail can be tough for some people. Make sure you are fairly active prior to this hike. It will help a lot!
- Finally, don’t get too close to the edge. My husband is quite guilty of this, and I get on him every time! Some people like the thrill of being that close and others want that awesome Insta picture. Just know your limits and be safe.
How to Avoid the Crowds
If you’re like me and my husband, you want to avoid crowded places at all cost! Here’s a few tips to (hopefully) help avoid all the people.
Get there early! You can start hiking to McAfee Knob at any time you please. Most people start coming into the main trailhead parking lot around 8-10 AM. McAfee Knob is also an incredible spot to watch sunrise so expect to see a decent amount of people on the weekends, but still should not be that crowded during sunrise time.
Go on a weekday! The most popular days people hike McAfee Knob is on the weekends. Most people don’t have work and the kids don’t have school. Therefore, the weekdays are the best days to go to avoid crowds. I understand that everyone cannot do this, and the weekends are the only free time you have off from work. But if you’re able to use some paid time off (PTO) from work just for one day to hike McAfee Knob without the crowds, I’d recommend it!
Go in the offseason! This is the time of year when fewer people are traveling. Usually around late fall through the winter to early spring when the weather is not very ideal for outdoor activities. But BE CAREFUL! The top at McAfee Knob can be dangerous if there is any snow or ice. That would be your sign NOT to get close to the edge.
Get a late start! If you are the type of person who enjoys watching sunset, then maybe you can start hiking later than everybody else. We’ve never hiked McAfee Knob later in the day for sunset so we’re not entirely sure, but I would assume most people would be hiking down by the time you start hiking up.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
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