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    Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail

    4.9 (27 reviews)

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    Tiffany Y.

    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!

    Stuart L.

    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.

    Virginia valley.  Look for the tadpoles in the water holes where I'm standing
    Karen Y.

    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.

    Cloudy hike
    Jin T.

    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.

    View from the McAfee Knob summit
    Georgia B.

    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.

    Sheila D.

    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.

    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.

    One trail is for pros the other is more for beginners
    Kat M.

    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!

    Sunrise hike at MacAfees!
    Claire T.

    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!

    Rachel S.

    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.

    Beautiful overlook!!
    Cristel Y.

    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.

    Gary D.

    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.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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

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    5 years ago

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

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    6 years ago

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

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    8 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Mcafee Knob Appalachian Trail

    We did the strenuous part of the trail on the way up and the fire road on the way down.

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