Summit GoatTrek smarter. Climb higher.
VT Students on McAfee's Knob during winter - panoramio

Treks / USA (Virginia)

McAfee Knob

USA (Virginia) · Nearest city: Roanoke (also Washington, D.C.)

TypeDay hike
Days1
Distance≈ 13 km
Climbing≈ 520 m
Highest point960 m

The most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail, a rock ledge jutting out over the Catawba Valley.

Fitness Moderate
Best seasonAll year

Watch out: The parking lot fills early at weekends. Go at sunrise.

Why people choose it

It's the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail, a rock ledge over the Catawba Valley.

What makes it different

  • Iconic rock ledge photo
  • Part of the Appalachian Trail
  • Great at sunrise

Route options

There is rarely just one way to walk McAfee Knob. These are the main choices people make.

Similar treks to consider

Old Rag USA (Virginia) · 1 day · 15 km A granite rock scramble in Shenandoah National Park, a favourite day out from Washington, D.C. The Narrows (Zion) USA (Utah) · 1 day · 15 km A walk up the Virgin River through a slot canyon hundreds of metres deep, wading much of the way. Harding Icefield Trail USA (Alaska) · 1 day · 13 km A steep climb beside Exit Glacier to a viewpoint over a vast icefield in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Before you go

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.

Phone and data

Roaming in USA is expensive on most phone plans. A data eSIM bought before you fly gets you online as soon as you land.

USA eSIM on Airalo

Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.

Insurance that covers this trek

Most travel insurance includes hiking at this height. Check that hiking is listed and that medical evacuation is covered.

Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.

World NomadsHeymondoSafetyWingTrue Traveller

True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.

Camping and where to sleep

In national parks, overnight stays need a wilderness permit and camping is often limited to designated sites. On most national forest and BLM land, dispersed camping is allowed.

Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.

Route map

Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.

Straight lines between stops Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city

Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.

Stops: McAfee Knob

Simple overview map
McAfee KnobRoanoke20 kmN

Step by step

  1. Months before

    Plan and book

    • No bookings are needed for most people. Choose a day with a good forecast.
    • Best time to go: All year.
  2. 6–12 weeks before

    Train and test your gear

    • Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
    • Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
    • Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.

    Readiness quiz · Packing list

  3. Getting there

    Travel to the start

    • Most people start from Roanoke.
  4. On the trail

    Walk it

    • Start early and set a turnaround time. Be back down before the weather turns or daylight fades.
    • Carry water, food, a warm layer and a rain jacket even on a sunny day.
  5. The finish

    Get home

    • It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.

How the season changes things

Best time: All year

April to June

Spring

Mud season in the north, blackflies in May and June, and fresh green forests.

Bring

  • Waterproof boots
  • Insect repellent
  • Warm layer for summits

July to August

Summer

Warm and humid in the forests, with thunderstorms and cool, windy summits.

Bring

  • Rain jacket
  • Plenty of water
  • Warm layer above the treeline

September to October

Autumn

Famous fall colours and crowds, with early snow and ice on higher summits.

Bring

  • Warm layers, hat and gloves
  • Microspikes late in the season
  • Headlamp

What you'll see

2 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.

VT Students on McAfee's Knob during winter - panoramio
Near McAfee KnobCatawba, VA, USA - panoramio

Gear for the McAfee Knob

Hiking boots Top pick: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX Trekking poles Top pick: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Rain jackets Top pick: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Photo credits: VT Students on McAfee's Knob during winter - panoramio by Idawriter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Catawba, VA, USA - panoramio by Idawriter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.