McAfee Knob

Considered to be among the most iconic points along the Appalachian Trail, the vista offers panoramic views of the Catawba Valley, 1,600 feet (490 m) below.

[8] McAfee Knob hiking trail ends on rocky mountain terrain that sticks out like a diving platform into the air.

[9] As the altitude changes during the uphill part of the 4.4-mile (7.1 km) hike, it is advised to bring an additional layer of clothing, as it is colder at the summit.

[10] The average time it takes to get up and down the mountain is from 4 to 4.5 hours, so it is important to bring plenty of fluids and snacks.

Among other things to encounter are the spikes of frost from the icy moisture that form on objects such as rocks, leaves and frozen soil.

Rime ice is formed when wind-driven droplets of water collide and freeze on an object like a tree branch on the trail.

[2] Effective November 30, 2023, the parking lot at the McAfee Knob Trailhead on VA-311 will temporarily close during the construction of a new pedestrian bridge.

[12] From the right side of the Appalachian Trail, cross over to VA-311 parking area and walk 0.3 miles (0.48 km) north, where there will be an information kiosk on the left.

Continue walking on the Appalachian Trail crossing and there will be four wooden walkways before reaching the Johns Spring Shelter in 1.4 miles (2.3 km).

Continue for 0.1 miles (0.16 km) and there will be a shelter on the left and a spring with a white pipe projecting from rocks with a stream of water.

Turn left and in less than 30 yards (27 m) will be the top of the Knob with the 270-degree panoramic view of the entire Roanoke Valley, North Mountain and Tinker Cliffs.