McAfee Knob

Great day! We set out early (0630) to hike up to McAfee Knob on the Appalachian Trail near Roanoke VA.

We had read the reviews about the trail head parking and yes it was challenging. The lot as about 85% full when we arrived. When we returned (1240) it was a mad house, cars everywhere! Terrible parking by many people! Cars were so close I had to pull out of our spot before my wife could get in the truck. A really nice hiker helped me navigate through the lot because I did not think I would fit through. There is a bus that you could schedule a ride with or if the lot is full you can park off the road on Old Catawba Rd. This did not put a damper on our visit, I just wanted future hikers to be in the know.

The hike took us just over 4.5 hours which was about 8.5 miles round trip. The knob is breathtakingly beautiful and quite spacious. Plenty of room for you to sit and look at the view without being on top of one another. There are two routes, the fire/access road and the Appalachian trail. The road is pretty easy and will take you to a cross point that leaves 1.3 miles to the knob. The Appalachian trial was moderately challenging, narrow, up and down, with trip hazards. The fall colors were beautiful and the temperature was perfect this time of year. Be sure to bring some water, you will want it. We had a great adventure in nature. Highly recommend enjoying the hike, the gorgeous views, and the adventure at the Knob.

Moderate to Difficult, beautiful hike, bring some extra water and food. Took us abt 5 hrs up and back.

The trail is 3.9 miles divided into 3 sections, the first is from 311 parking lot across the street climbing up hill for about 0.4 miles, then you can choose to go with Fire Road for 2.2 miles which is quite easy and mostly flat or trail (marked white) last segment is climbing hill for 1.3 miles which is quite strenuous. It took us about 1:45 to climb to the top. It was very windy and chilly but the view is absolutely gorgeous. It’s definitely worth the effort.

Roughly 2 hours +/- depending on pace to the summit. Great view at sunrise and sunset. Roughly an 8 mile hike with moderate terrain. Very little traffic for sunrise hikes. Slightly more busy during mid day.

This weekend, actually it was on Independence Day, July 4th, I went hiking to 'conquer' the McAfee Knob, that I heard a lot good of from some of my work mates here in the US.🇺🇸👍 So together with a friend of mine, my countryman 🇵🇱😎👍, we took a ride to Catawba, VA,, left our car at the parking lot located on VA-311 at the feet of this famous mountain and... we took off to climb it up.😉 It's not that high, with an elevation of 974 m (3197 feet). It's named after Scotch 18th century settler. It is said to be one of the most iconic spots along the Appalachian Trail. And yeah, indeed it is worth taking those efforts and do the hiking. The panoramic views over the Catawba Valley are simply astonishing! Really wonderful.👍⛰🏞☀ I took us exactly 2 hours to reach the top while hiking the easier path, called a Fire Road. While taking the way back downwards we did the Appalachian Trail. Even though the way downhills should have been easier and faster, it was not that much easier. It took us 1 h 45 minutes to get to the parking. Really exhausted and tired after having walked around 8 miles within total of roughly 4 hours. But definitely it was worth it!!😎💪

This hike is 8 miles round trip. You can hike the Appalachian Trail or a fire access road most of the way. The ledge at McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots in Virginia. It is definitely worth the hike to get the view. It is good year round. The spring, summer and fall give great changing vistas. The hike is near Roanoke, Virginia.

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.

Amazing experience! Nice brisk hike mostly on flat trails. Gains in elevation is only about 750 ft so it is not a bad hike. Recommend going anytime of year because you will not be disappointed regardless.

This was well worth the nearly 8 mile round trip hike. If you only ever hike the AT once in your life, this should be it. The views were way more than I expected, would love to go back on a sunny day. The hike there was also nice. If you take the fire road at the sign at the top pf the hill, its a bit easier. Also be careful where you park, expecially with a truck or SUV, almost didn't get out as the parking area was jammed packed when we got back.

Hike time from parking lot to summit: 2.5 hours fast paced/high experienced hiker, 4.5 hours moderate paced moderate experienced hiker. Photographers should plan for 5+.

Trail: Trail was typical Appalachian Trail style. No pavements, no guard rails, just a dirt path that ranges from 1 foot wide with bushes protruding to 4 feet wide in the more open areas.

Bathrooms: There is a bathroom at the parking lot, and that is it. The rest is nature.

Rest stops/comfortable places to stop (given the environment): There are picnic tables located at the shelters that you will pass. There is two main shelters on the voyage up. One is about a mile in, the other is around 2 miles. Closer to mile 3 you will be around large boulders to rest on.

View from the top was completely worth it. DON'T GIVE UP!

A great trail with a beautiful view as a reward for hiking such a long way! Be sure to plan on spending at least half a day here as it’s 4 miles up and 4 miles down. But it’s totally worth it. Pack some sandwiches and granola bars and you’re in for a pretty good day hike!

Fire Trail was just the right difficulty, well maintained and wide. Shorter than the AT trail if you can keep a good pace up. View at the top, absolutely amazing. Would definitely love to hike this one again.

As amazing as I had hoped. Beautiful hike, breathtaking views from the top. I'd say this is a moderate hike. Not easy, but I didn't need breaks.

Great time! With lovely trail to follow, having access to the easier fire road to this is great!! Come to profile and check out fbook for more trail goodness

Wonderful views!! Sunrise hike on a Saturday, parking was busy. There were a lot of people. Trail is kept up well.

Great hiking. Beautiful views. It doesn't matter if it's busy. You'll be able to get a parking spot because people are always coming and going. When we got there three cars were pulling out.

Easy hike with one of the best views in the entire state. Perfect of your visiting Roanoke or passing though that area. We did encounter a ton of bugs at the peak as you got closer to the edge which made our time at the top a little unpleasant.

Don’t skip this hike if you are in the area and so inclined. We took the fire road back to the trailhead. A bit less up and down and a different view of the woods.

Beautiful views. Went on a sunny day. Very crowded however. Either arrive very early, though parking spots seemed to open around noon talking to others as the early day hikers came off

Very beautiful hike. Just under 4 miles from the parking lot at the crest of Catawba Mtn. Come early, limited parking space. A good gradual uphill hike. There is a fire road or dirt road that parallels the walking trail., to the left of the trail as you're walking to the ledge. This is a must on your to-do list! A great view from 3,192 feet!