McAfee Knob - Appalachian Trail

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McAfee Knob is the most photographed site along the Appalachian Trail. The Knob has an almost 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the west, Tinker Cliffs to the north and the Roanoke Valley to the east.

Directions to Trailhead

From Roanoke - take I-81 south to exit 141.
Turn left at the traffic light onto route 419 (Electric Rd.) and follow 0.4 miles to next traffic light (Rt. 311)
Turn right onto route 311N and follow 5.6 miles to the top of the mountain
The trailhead parking lot is at the very top on the left. Be careful turning into the parking lot as it is a semi-blind turn

Trail Description

Trail begins on the opposite side of Rt. 311 from the parking lot. Cross Rt.311 with caution
You will travel north on the Appalachian Trail (AT) on to McAfee Knob
Follow the white blazes - which are 6” rectangular paint marks placed periodically on trees at eye level
After ~0.3 miles you will come to an informational kiosk
You will cross four wooden walkways prior to reaching the Johns Spring shelter
You will then cross five more wooden walkways before reaching the Catawba Mountain shelter
Next you will cross an old fire road and a power line clearing
Continue 0.5 miles further and turn left onto the McAfee Knob spur trail to arrive at the lookout in ~30 yards
Retrace your steps or turn right once you reach the alternate fire road for your return trip

Add On

Finish your day with a great meal at the Home Place - a restaurant famous among thru hikers. To reach the Home Place, continue north on Rt. 311 for ~1 mile to a large white farmhouse on left
Go see a baseball game! Click here for Salem Red Sox schedule