My husband and I like to hike so on our recent visit to Roanoke we started exploring options. We learned that McAfees Knob is the most photographed spot on Appalachian trail. We were a bit nervous about an 8 mile hike, but decided we were going to take it on. That hike was no joke, it kicked my butt. However, I did it and I am not someone in amazing shape by any means. There were some very steep/uphill parts and some stretches that were mostly flat. Trail was well marked. I was happy for the variation and we stopped as needed. It is doable, its just long. They say it takes you about 4 hours, which was accurate for us as we arrived around 10am, finished about 2pm. We did the AT trial up and decided to go for the fire road (runs basically parallel but isn't as strenuous) back as we were already tried. I highly recommend this if you not a serious hiker. Most everything I read kept saying you need to get their early as it gets so busy. That wasn't our experience, but it was an unseasonably colder, windy day so that probably deterred people. We also went on a Thursday to help reduce crowd as recommended. Note there are no bathrooms near parking. We found an outhouse near one of the camping sites about 2/3 way up, which we were grateful for. I am not sure it is being maintained regularly, so bring your own TP and hand sanitizer. Now, the view once you get to the top is absolutely beautiful. You can see out so far while you sit/stand on the rocky overlook. I even slowly inched my way out to the very tip of the rock to get the full 360 view. Breathtaking! We brought some snacks to eat up there to replenish (do this) and enjoy the views. We didn't stay up there as long as I would have liked as it was quite cold with the wind when we no longer had the tree cover. Dress appropriately! After we finished the hike, we took a long nap at our Airb&B. I am not sure I would choose to do it again, but I feel very accomplished that we completed this trail and enjoyed the views and our picutres very much. read more

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What an awesome hike. Our new Thanksgiving tradition has been to go on a hike and this was our pick this year. We got there around 10am since it's a 3 hour drive from Charlotte. I thought it would be empty on Thanksgiving, but it was pretty crowded. We got a parking spot just fine, but the lot was fairly full. The hike is rated as strenuous, but I thought it was moderate. It's about 4 miles to Mcafee Knob from the parking lot making it 8 miles round trip. We took the Appalachian Trail on the way there and the fire road on the way back. The fire road is flatter and wider--an easier hike overall. Parts of the AT were covered in leaves making it a bit hard to hike. Everyone says the last mile is hard. It's uphill but I didn't find it to be too steep. The views at the end are gorgeous. Luckily it wasn't too crowded and we didn't have to wait to get our picture. We didn't stay at the top long because it was incredibly windy which made it pretty cold even though the rest of the hike was comfortable. The whole hike with stops took us just under 4 hours. With views and difficulty combined, we thought it was a great hike! read more

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Great hike mostly in the shade Would recommend if you going in summer go early around 6 am read more

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We loved this hike. It is challenging for the distance, but we never thought the elevation gain was so strenuous. We happened to go on a cold, slightly rainy day in the fall so we only happened to see maybe 10 other people (equally as crazy as we were) on the entire trail. The view even on a cloudy day was amazing! read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - Parks Near Me

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Known as one of the iconic trails on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, this is a must-do day hike for the views of the Blue Ridge. Hard to get close to the experience, unless you are standing up on the rocks at Dragon's Tooth. Number one tip: head up there early to avoid the crowds at the top, especially in the summer. Tip two: offer to take someone else's photo on the point, and they will do the same for you. There are two ways to get to the top: one uses the AT all the way and one uses the fire road for the first 2/3 of the way. Tip three: go all the way on the AT for the more interesting (but more strenuous) hike. It's worth it, as long as you are up for it. Tip four: if you have not been hiking for a while and are not in the greatest shape, use the fire road. Most important tips of all: take a camera, take plenty of water, leave plenty of time to enjoy the hike, and leave early in the morning to avoid the heat in the summer. read more

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Wish we had left sooner and made it there before sunrise but with kids that's hard. I would love it if they put a restroom at the parking lot but still give it 5 stars because the view and photo op are fantastic. Agree with the others to take the AT trail up and the fire road back. It wasn't as crowded as I expected for Labor Day. Tip: if you take the trail there is a "red roof inn" marked on AllTrails app but bring your own TP. read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - Virginia valley. Look for the tadpoles in the water holes where I'm standing - Parks Near Me

Great hike! Worth the walk for the view.Hike is a 5 difficulty but the view is a 10.worth doing all four seasons!

For me, this is 2/3 of the Virginia Triple Crown. We came here on a cloudy Spring day. I find it easier and safer to hike in colder months, no sweat and bugs to deal with. I found this hike super easy. This is definitely a longer hike than Dragon's Tooth. I mentioned it was cloudy when we hiked, so we were in awe of the clouds when we reached the top. My spouse and I were experienced hikers and intermittent fasters, so we really didn't need any food and water, but I would have brought a picnic with me just because I would have stayed to enjoy the view. We saw folks installing hammocks and I think that was a great idea. read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - Cloudy hike - Parks Near Me

Awesome trail for hiking. Go prepared and at least bring something to hydrate with. Plan on a few hours at least if you want to get to the views! read more

McAfee Knob Appalachian Trail is located near Catawba and Salem, VA. It's about 1/2 hour drive from Roanoke. This is my FAVE and probably many others' as well hike on the Appalachian Trail.. It's moderately difficult with 1100 - 1200 feet of altitude gain and is a 7.7 mile round trip from the parking lot. This is a well travelled trail and at the top I met many who were doing the multi-day AT hikes. There are 2 trails to the summit. One that is rocky and root bound that most people use and another that is wider and softer for those who may enjoy less challenging route. I went up one and came down the other which many people do as well. The vista of the Blueridge at the top is the BEST! It's the photos where you see people on top of overhanging boulders. Be sure to walk along the summit trail and enjoy the view / picnic. There are 2 port a potties at the parking lot but none on the trail. You many want to go early as it was pretty full at 10am. There are about 30 - 40 spots. A group of boy scouts started at the same time and were going on a camping trip. But they were hiking very slowly....they were about 2/3 way up when I was on my way back. This is NOT meant for small kids unless you want to carry them. It took me about 4 hours for the hike so carry plenty of water, protein bars and maybe second skin or blister band aids. read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - View from the McAfee Knob summit - Parks Near Me

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Great trail. Be prepared. Take lots of water and bug spray. Plan to hike for 3-1/2 to 4 hours. About 8 miles round trip but so worth the views. Only bad part was that the bugs were awful at the outlook. read more

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Incredible views, worth the hike, take a buddy if you want cool pictures, but you might be able to convince a stranger to take them for you, as you won't find a ton of solitude here. read more

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Alright you hiking lovers out there, this trail is definitely for the pros. As there are two different trails, one for more advanced hikers and one for beginners to moderate hikers.... however I felt on the easier trail it was still for more advanced hikers. Don't do what I did the day before and toss out your older sneaker insoles and purchase new ones. I did own a nice pie of hiking shoes, however my dog decided to chew up one of the shoes and completely destroy it a week before our vacation up here. So here I was, stuck with a pair of sneakers and new insoles that weren't broken in. Lesson learned! I must say, for an almost 8 mile hike all around I'm so happy I didn't give up. I tried to give up twice on the way up because my ankles were swollen and my heals were blistered. But I sucked it up and kept on trekking. It's peaceful and just beautiful being surrounded by nature and listening to birds chirp. The hike was so worth the view at the outlook. The valley below was incredible! If I could do this all over again I'd 1. Have a pair of broken in hiking boots, and 2. Stretch properly before the hike. My husband was so excited that he started to send the trail before I even could attempt my stretches. Take into consideration the time you begin your hike too. It took us longer (because of me) it was about 5 hrs for us. We started at 2 something and finished around 7p. My walking speed is 1.5mph, yeah I'm slow. Pack nutritious snacks, plenty of water and sport drink with electrolytes. No bathrooms at the parking lot or on the trail. So if you're one of the lucky people who can wee in nature, I salute you. Be mindful when you're hiking, to stay with the group that you're with, don't let anybody fall behind. Be on the lookout for bears, if you see one make a loud noise. Sadly, my husband went way ahead of me and didn't wait for me. I couldn't help it that I was slower and in pain. He would stop so I could catch up, but by the time I caught up to him he would start at the trail before I could even sit down and relax for a bit. Hopefully the next time I do go hiking on any trail I'll be a little bit more fit and weight just a bit less. Overall, this trail was pretty amazing and very challenging for me but I didn't give up and I kept on going and I'm pretty proud of myself! read more

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Amazing hike. Have done it multiple times and always in awe when I get to the peak. Recently did a sunrise hike and it was truly breathtaking. A must do hike if in the area! read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - Sunrise hike at MacAfees! - Parks Near Me

It's a bit challenging but it's very much worth it. The views on the way to the overlook are really beautiful so it makes the eight mile hike easier, decently need lots of water. read more

The most photographed part of the Appalachian trail, and for good reason. Great picture of the peak at the top. We did the strenuous part of the trail on the way up and the fire road on the way down. Next time, going to challenge myself and do the strenuous section up and down. The hike was definitely a challenging workout, but I am so glad I did it. We met people doing through, section and day hikes. This all contributed to a great spirit on the trail. read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - Parks Near Me

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Beautiful hike!! Many say that it's a beautiful sunrise hike (must definitely try next time) Random points-- 1) park at the McAfee Knob parking area (you can literally type that on google maps) 2) the entrance is across the street from the parking area so walk safe! 3) 3.9 miles each way. Make sure you stay hydrated 4) beautiful overlook once you reach your final destination!! 5) it's pretty rocky and I felt as if my ankle would roll while wearing running shoes. Make sure you wear appropriate hiking gear. read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - Beautiful overlook!! - Parks Near Me

Wonderful place to hike to. Did our after wedding pics there at sunrise. Gorgeous views and not too strenuous for just about anyone if you take your time. Also a nice challenge if you're up for a brisk walk. Dog Friendly. read more

Fun hike, fairly easy for most, about 8 miles round trip. There's a fire access road that you can opt to take for a portion of the hike if you want an easier terrain, but the trail has better views. read more

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THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HIKE!!! If you go at dark just watch out for bears!! The best view is at sunrise. It blew our minds!

Seemed like such a long 3.9 miles to get to the overlook. We took the AT trail on way up and fire lane on return. The panoramic view at the top was spectacular where we ate lunch before returning. Wish there had been more wildflowers or water on the trail. Glad we did it but it was a lot of effort. read more

Hiked the trail today was nice and well maintained some rough spots but wouldn't say that it is hard, hardest part is distance terrain is very doable did this trail with hubby and two kids 17 and 11so imagine with younger one it may take a little longer there and out took us a total of 3 1/2 hours and that includes eating lunch at the top. Was foggy so view wasn't as great as I was hoping for but will for sure be back! Looking forward to dragons tooth next!! read more

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Fantastic place to hike. It was easy, since we took the fire trail by accident! Lol. But that was better for my family. PACK WATER AND FOOD. Pee before you go and then pee again. The pics were amazing, the views iconic, we saw a baby rattler! Great afternoon activity, but we were starving and exhausted afterwards. Underprepared for sure. The portapotty at the parking lot is grooooosssss so just be warned. But the drive there and the walk involved and the exhaustion afterwards were worth it. read more

When you start out from the parking lot it is a really steep incline to get to the actual trail. We were really worried because that first little bit had us winded but it was a really nice hike for the next few miles. The last mile and a half before the knob was also pretty tough. It is probably moderate if I'm speaking objectively, but when you tack that onto it being a pretty long hike it adds up. It was a great workout. By the time we got to the top I actually had a sit down for a minute before I could really take in and enjoy the view. I'm not in terrible shape but I come from a really flat area, so give yourself a pep talk when it starts to get tough because getting up to the Knob was completely worth it. The views are breathtaking. I would absolutely do this again. What's nice is there is an easier fire road running close to the actual trail for most of the way, so if you get the top and feel like it was a bit much you can always take the fire back if you need it. This is a must do you hike if you are in Roanoke! read more

Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail - A long and moderately tough trail is completely worth it for these views. - Parks Near Me

First off its Appalachian not Appatian lol. Really nice hike. I would rate it as moderate. The hike itself is mostly a steady incline and it'll take you 4-6 hours. The hike is about 8 miles. I would recommend going when the weather is warmer as being at the top in 30 degree weather with 30 mph wind gusts is not pleasant. But hiking in snowy weather was pleasant. There's a fire road you can hike most of the way in lieu of the trail that is relatively easy and is probably better for pets, small children, and those who don't normally hike. read more

If you want to have a workout this is the place. You will come across Appalachia hickers. Those guys are so focused and strong.

Arguably the BEST view throughout the whole Appalachian Trail. This hike is a great workout. If you're more of a walker than a hiker, you can always take the fire trail up and/or down for a bit of an easier time (the entrance to the fire trail is further to the left of the usual entrance if standing at the parking lot). The best view is at sunrise, but there's no time of day that doesn't take your breath away at the summit. read more