You’ve probably seen the picture even if you’ve never heard the name: a hiker sitting on the end of a flat slab of rock that juts out into thin air, with nothing below but a green valley and ridge after blue ridge rolling away to the horizon. That rock is McAfee Knob, and it’s often called the most photographed spot on the entire 2,000-plus-mile Appalachian Trail.
The hike there is a proper day out: about 8 miles round trip through the forests of Catawba Mountain, near Roanoke, with a steady 1,700-foot climb. It isn’t technical, but it’s long enough that you’ll want a plan, especially for parking, which is the part that trips most people up.
This guide covers the McAfee Knob Trail in Virginia from start to finish: the route mile by mile, the new pedestrian bridge, where to park legally, the 2026 shuttle, the fire road shortcut, camping rules, the best time to go, and how to get that famous photo without taking risks.
November 2026 note: The trail and the Route 311 trailhead lot are open. The shuttle runs its final weekends of the season through November 29, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. With clocks now back on standard time, the sun sets around 5:15 p.m. in Roanoke. Start by about 10 a.m. at the latest, and carry a headlamp. Fall color is mostly past its peak, but the bare trees open up wide, clear views.
McAfee Knob: The Short Answer
McAfee Knob is a rock overlook at 3,197 feet on Catawba Mountain, about 20 to 30 minutes northwest of Roanoke and Salem, Virginia. From the Route 311 trailhead, it’s about 4 miles each way (7.5 to 8 miles round trip) on the white-blazed Appalachian Trail, with about 1,700 feet of climbing. Allow 4 to 6 hours. There’s no fee or permit for a day hike. The trailhead lot is small and fills early on weekends, parking along Route 311 is banned, and a seasonal shuttle runs on weekends from March to late November.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Catawba Mountain, Roanoke County, Virginia |
| Trail | Appalachian Trail (white blazes) |
| Trailhead | Route 311 (Catawba Valley Drive), top of Catawba Mountain |
| Distance | About 4 miles one way; 7.5 to 8 miles round trip |
| Elevation gain | About 1,700 ft |
| Summit elevation | 3,197 ft |
| Time | 4 to 6 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging (long, steady climb) |
| View | About 270 degrees, over the Catawba Valley |
| Fee or permit | None for a day hike |
| Parking | Small trailhead lot; two alternate day-use lots; no parking on Route 311 |
| Shuttle | March 6 to November 29, 2026, on weekends; $6 one way, $11 round trip |
| Dogs | Allowed on a leash |
| Camping | Only at designated shelters and campsites; never on the Knob |
Where Is McAfee Knob?
McAfee Knob sits on top of Catawba Mountain in southwest Virginia, just northwest of Salem and Roanoke. It’s named after James McAfee, a Scots-Irish settler who made his home in the Catawba Valley in the late 1730s.
From the ledge, the Catawba Valley drops about 1,600 feet below you. You can see North Mountain to the west, the long line of Tinker Cliffs to the north, and the city of Roanoke spread out to the east. It’s so iconic that it appeared in the 2015 film A Walk in the Woods with Robert Redford.
| Driving from | Approximate time to the trailhead |
|---|---|
| Salem | About 15 to 20 minutes |
| Downtown Roanoke | About 25 to 30 minutes |
| Blacksburg | About 45 minutes |
| Lynchburg | About 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Charlottesville | About 2.5 hours |
| Richmond | About 3.5 hours |
| Washington, D.C. | About 4 hours |
Directions to the Trailhead
- From I-81, take Exit 141 (Salem) and follow Route 419 north for a short distance.
- Turn left onto Route 311 north (Catawba Valley Drive).
- Drive about 5.5 miles as the road winds up Catawba Mountain.
- At the top of the mountain, the trailhead parking lot is on the left.
In Google Maps, search for “McAfee Knob Trailhead Parking.” Be careful with directions that send you to Route 779 or “McAfee Knob” itself. Some apps route people onto private land on the far side of the mountain.
The New Pedestrian Bridge
For years, hikers had to dash across busy Route 311 on a blind curve to reach the trail. Not anymore. A pedestrian bridge opened on March 27, 2025: a 90-foot concrete and steel span, 8 feet wide and 17.5 feet above the road, with a stone-look finish so it blends in. A ramp leads up from the parking area. The lot, which was closed during construction, has reopened.
If you read a guide that says the lot is closed, or tells you to cross the highway on foot, it’s out of date.
McAfee Knob Parking: Where to Park Legally
Parking is the single biggest headache here. The Route 311 lot is small and fills early on nice weekends, sometimes by 8 a.m. in October. Do not park along Route 311. Roanoke County tickets and tows cars on the shoulders.
| Where to park | Spaces | Total hike | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route 311 trailhead lot | Small; fills early | 7.5 to 8 miles | The classic start. Arrive early or go on a weekday. |
| Virginia Tech Catawba Sustainability Center, 5061 Catawba Creek Rd | About 25 | About 10 miles | Day use only. A connector trail links to the AT. |
| Catawba Community Center, 4965 Catawba Creek Rd | About 15 | About 10.5 miles | Day use only. |
| Old Catawba Road | Limited roadside | Varies | Follow posted signs; at least two tires on the shoulder; keep the road clear for emergency vehicles. |
| Shuttle park-and-rides (see below) | Larger lots | 7.5 to 8 miles | Ride up to the trailhead on weekends in season. |
The alternate lots don’t allow overnight parking. If your car gets towed, call (540) 562-3265.
Easiest fix: Hike on a weekday, or arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends. Otherwise, take the shuttle.
McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle (2026)
Roanoke County runs a hiker shuttle from park-and-ride lots to the trailheads, so you don’t have to fight for a spot.
- Season: March 6 to November 29, 2026
- Days: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus Memorial Day and Labor Day
- Fares: $6 one way or $11 round trip, plus processing fees
- Book at: McAfeeShuttle.com (walk-ups are accepted if seats are left; each run holds 20 people)
- Important: The shuttle only stops where someone has a booking, so reserve your pickup and your return.
| Month | Shuttle hours |
|---|---|
| March | 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| April to September | 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. |
| October | 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| November | 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Shuttle stops: I-81 Exit 140 Park-and-Ride (Salem), Route 311 Orange Market Park-and-Ride, downtown Salem (101 South Broad Street), Longwood Park (611 East Main Street, Salem), the Dragon’s Tooth trailhead and the McAfee Knob trailhead.
Missing the last shuttle means a long, dark walk down a highway with no shoulder, so plan to be back with an hour to spare. Schedules can change from year to year (the county looked at trimming Friday service), so always confirm on the booking site.
Trail Map: The Route at a Glance
The hike follows the Appalachian Trail northbound from Route 311 to the Knob. Look for white rectangle blazes painted on trees and rocks. Two blazes stacked on top of each other mean a turn or junction is coming. Blue blazes mark side trails to shelters, water and viewpoints.
| Landmark | Approx. miles from trailhead | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|
| Route 311 trailhead and bridge | 0 | Cross the bridge to the white-blazed AT |
| Fire road crossings | About 0.3 to 1 | The trail crosses the old fire road early on |
| Boardwalks | About 0.5 to 1.5 | Wooden walkways over wet, rocky areas |
| Johns Spring Shelter | About 1.1 | Three-sided AT shelter; designated camping |
| Catawba Mountain Shelter | About 2.3 | Second shelter and spring area |
| Last fire road junction | About 3.5 to 3.7 | Final, steeper climb begins |
| McAfee Knob spur | About 3.9 to 4 | A short side path out to the ledge |
Roanoke County offers a free McAfee Knob Overview Map and a Triple Crown Map as PDFs on its McAfee Knob page. Download one, or save an offline map on your phone. Cell service is patchy on the mountain.
Hiking McAfee Knob: Step by Step
1. Over the Bridge and Into the Woods (Miles 0 to 1)
Walk up the ramp from the parking lot, cross the new bridge high above Route 311, and drop onto the Appalachian Trail heading north. Within a few minutes, the road noise fades and you’re in a quiet hardwood forest of oaks and maples. The first stretch climbs gently, and you’ll cross the old fire road. Remember that spot; it’s your optional shortcut home.
2. Boardwalks and Johns Spring Shelter (Miles 1 to 2)
The trail rolls along the mountain, sometimes crossing wooden boardwalks over wet, rocky ground. Around mile 1.1 you’ll pass Johns Spring Shelter, a three-sided wooden shelter used by backpackers. It’s a handy landmark and a good spot for a quick drink. Please give people camped there their space.
3. The Long Middle Climb (Miles 2 to 3.5)
This is the heart of the hike: a steady uphill grind through the forest, passing Catawba Mountain Shelter around mile 2.3. It’s never really steep, just long. In spring, look for wildflowers along the path; in fall, the leaves crunch underfoot. Find a comfortable rhythm and take breaks when you need them.
4. The Final Push (Miles 3.5 to 4)
Near the top, you’ll meet the fire road again. Stay on the white blazes. The last half mile is the steepest and rockiest part, with some big steps up through boulders. Then the trees thin out, the sky gets bigger, and a short spur trail leads you out onto the rock.
5. McAfee Knob
You step out of the woods and the world opens up. The Knob is a wide, flat shelf of sandstone that sticks out over the Catawba Valley, with farms and fields far below and ridges fading into blue on every side. Turn slowly and take in about 270 degrees of view: North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs and the Roanoke Valley.
There’s plenty of flat rock to spread out, eat lunch and stay a while. Many people say the photos don’t do it justice.
6. Heading Back: Two Choices
- Same way back on the AT: The simplest option. About 4 miles, mostly downhill, with rocky footing in places.
- The fire road: About 1.4 miles back down the AT from the Knob, you can turn onto the old fire road and follow it a little over 2.6 miles to the trail near the Route 311 bridge. It’s wider, smoother and more gradual, which tired knees appreciate, though it has fewer views. Know where the junction is before you start, and stay on marked paths.
How Hard Is McAfee Knob?
It’s a moderate to challenging day hike. There’s no scrambling or rope work, but 8 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing is a full day for most people.
- Beginners: Fit beginners can do it if they start early, pace themselves and carry enough water. If you’ve never hiked more than 3 or 4 miles, build up first. Our hiking for beginners guide covers the basics.
- Kids: Active older kids often love it. Younger children may struggle with the distance, and you’ll need to watch them closely at the cliff edge.
- Older hikers: Many complete it at a steady pace. Trekking poles help a lot on the way down.
- Wheelchairs and strollers: Not suitable. The trail is rocky and rooty.
Staying Safe on the Cliff Edge
The famous photo makes it look like you’re dangling over nothing, and the drop below the end of the rock really is big. People have been seriously hurt in falls on the cliffs here.
- The classic photo is safer than it looks when taken from the side: the ledge slopes gently, and you can sit well back from the edge while your friend shoots from the left. You don’t need to stand at the tip.
- Never jump, run or do handstands on the rock for a picture.
- Stay back when it’s wet, icy or windy. Sandstone gets slick, and gusts here can be strong.
- Get off the rock in a thunderstorm. It’s the highest, most exposed spot around.
- Keep children and dogs close the whole time you’re on the ledge.
Best Time to Hike McAfee Knob
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Cool hiking, wildflowers, fresh green leaves. Can be muddy after rain. |
| Summer (June to August) | Long days but hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms. Hazy views. Start very early. |
| Fall (September to November) | The favorite season. Crisp air and red, orange and gold leaves, usually peaking mid- to late October. Also the busiest, so go on a weekday. |
| Winter (December to February) | Quiet, with the clearest long-distance views. Ice and snow possible, short days, and no shuttle. |
Sunrise and Sunset Hikes
McAfee Knob faces west and north, so it’s a famous sunset spot, and the light on the valley can be stunning. Sunrise works too, with color spreading over the Roanoke Valley to the east. Either way, you’ll hike about 4 miles in the dark, so bring a good headlamp and spare batteries (see our budget headlamp picks), know the route, and never go alone in the dark if you’re new to night hiking. Check the shuttle times first. It won’t wait.
Weather on Catawba Mountain
- It’s cooler on top. Expect it to be several degrees colder and windier on the Knob than in Roanoke.
- Summer storms build fast in the afternoon. Be off the rock before they arrive.
- Fog can hide the view completely on some mornings. It often burns off by midday.
- Winter ice can coat rocks and boardwalks. Traction devices help.
What to Pack
- Hiking shoes with good grip for rocks and roots
- At least 2 to 3 liters of water (more in summer). The springs near the shelters can run low and must be treated.
- Lunch and snacks to enjoy on top
- A light rain jacket and warm layer for the windy summit (see our waterproof hiking jacket guide)
- A headlamp, even on a day hike
- Trekking poles for the 4-mile descent (try our budget trekking poles picks)
- An offline map and a charged phone
- Sunscreen and bug spray in warm months
- A trash bag. There are no bins on the trail.
Rules: Camping, Fires, Dogs and Groups
McAfee Knob gets so many visitors that it has its own volunteer group, the McAfee Knob Task Force, which helps hikers and cleans up after them. A few special rules apply in this stretch of the AT:
- No camping on McAfee Knob or the nearby cliffs and rocks.
- Camp only at designated sites, such as Johns Spring Shelter, Catawba Mountain Shelter, Pig Farm Campsite and Campbell Shelter.
- No campfires on the Knob. Fires are allowed only at designated camping areas, and only when no burn ban is in place.
- Group size limits: 10 people for backpacking groups and 25 for day hikers.
- No alcohol on this section of trail.
- Dogs must be on a leash. Bring water for them, and keep them away from the edge.
- Pack out everything, including food scraps and toilet paper.
No permit is needed for a day hike or for camping at the designated sites, but check Roanoke County’s Triple Crown map for current camping zones before an overnight trip.
Wildlife
Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, chipmunks, and hawks and vultures riding the wind off the cliffs. Black bears live on Catawba Mountain too. Sightings are uncommon on this busy trail, but never leave food out. If you see one, stay calm, give it space and make noise. Ticks are common in warm months, so check yourself after the hike.
Virginia’s Triple Crown: McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs
McAfee Knob is one jewel of Virginia’s Triple Crown, three famous Appalachian Trail viewpoints in the Roanoke area. Many hikers tick them off one at a time; others link all three on a multi-day backpacking loop of roughly 33 to 35 miles.
| Hike | Highlight | Round trip (common route) | Challenge |
|---|---|---|---|
| McAfee Knob | The iconic jutting ledge and 270° view | About 8 miles | Long, steady climb |
| Dragon’s Tooth | A 35-foot rock spire on Cove Mountain | About 4.5 to 5 miles | Steep, rocky scrambling with metal rungs near the top |
| Tinker Cliffs | A half-mile line of cliffs overlooking McAfee Knob | About 7.5 miles via Andy Layne Trail | Long climb, quieter trail |
The same shuttle serves the Dragon’s Tooth trailhead, so you can do McAfee Knob one day and Dragon’s Tooth the next without moving your car.
A Sample Day
- 7:30 a.m.: Park at the Route 311 lot (or catch the first shuttle from Salem).
- 7:45 a.m.: Cross the bridge and start up the AT.
- 8:15 a.m.: Pass Johns Spring Shelter.
- 9:00 a.m.: Pass Catawba Mountain Shelter.
- 10:00 a.m.: Reach McAfee Knob. Photos, snacks and a long look around.
- 11:00 a.m.: Head down, by the AT or the fire road.
- 1:00 p.m.: Back at the car, ready for lunch in Salem or Roanoke.
Where to Stay
- Salem: The closest town, with hotels near I-81 and the shuttle stops.
- Roanoke: The most choice of hotels, restaurants and breweries, about 30 minutes away.
- Catawba Valley: A few cabins and rentals for a quiet, rural stay right at the foot of the mountain.
- Backpackers: The designated AT shelters and campsites along the trail.
McAfee Knob Gift Ideas
Looking for something for a friend who just hiked it, or who has it on their bucket list? A few ideas that hikers actually use and love:
- A framed print of McAfee Knob from a local Roanoke photographer
- The Triple Crown trail map or a Virginia AT guidebook (see our best Appalachian Trail books)
- A hiking journal to log each Triple Crown summit
- Practical gear like a headlamp, trekking poles or good hiking socks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Parking on Route 311. You’ll likely be ticketed or towed.
- Arriving at 10 a.m. on an October Saturday and expecting a parking spot.
- Thinking it’s a short walk. It’s about 8 miles round trip.
- Missing the last shuttle, which ends at 5 p.m. in November.
- Not carrying a headlamp on a sunset hike or a late start.
- Getting too close to the edge for a photo.
- Trusting old guides that say the lot is closed or that you must cross the highway on foot.
McAfee Knob FAQs
How long is the McAfee Knob hike?
About 4 miles each way, or 7.5 to 8 miles round trip from the Route 311 trailhead. From the alternate Catawba lots, it’s about 10 to 10.5 miles.
How long does it take?
Most hikers take 4 to 6 hours, including time on top.
Is McAfee Knob hard?
Moderate to challenging. It’s not technical, but it’s long, with about 1,700 feet of steady climbing.
Is the McAfee Knob parking lot open?
Yes. It reopened after the pedestrian bridge was built. The bridge opened on March 27, 2025. The lot is small, so arrive early or use the shuttle.
How much is the McAfee Knob shuttle?
$6 one way or $11 round trip, plus processing fees. It runs on weekends from March 6 to November 29, 2026.
Do you need a permit to hike McAfee Knob?
No. Day hiking is free and no permit is required.
Can you camp on McAfee Knob?
No. Camping is only allowed at designated shelters and campsites, such as Johns Spring and Catawba Mountain shelters.
Are dogs allowed on the McAfee Knob Trail?
Yes, on a leash. Keep them well back from the cliff edge.
How high is McAfee Knob?
3,197 feet above sea level, about 1,600 feet above the Catawba Valley below.
Is there a shorter way back?
The old fire road isn’t much shorter, but it’s smoother and more gradual. Join it about 1.4 miles back down the AT from the Knob.
Is there a McAfee Knob map PDF?
Yes. Roanoke County’s McAfee Knob page has a free overview map and a Triple Crown map.
What is Virginia’s Triple Crown?
Three famous AT viewpoints near Roanoke: McAfee Knob, Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs.
Is McAfee Knob Worth It?
Without a doubt. There’s a reason thru-hikers walking from Georgia to Maine name it as a highlight, and why day hikers come from all over the East Coast to stand on that ledge. The forest walk is peaceful, the climb is honest without being brutal, and the view at the top is one you’ll remember for years.
Sort your parking first, start early, bring plenty of water and a headlamp, and keep a respectful distance from the edge. Then sit back on the warm rock and enjoy one of the finest views in Virginia.