Catawba (VA 311) → Daleville (US 220)
Triple Crown: Catawba to Daleville
35 mi · 2-3 days · Difficult
The most-hiked stretch of AT in Virginia. Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and Tinker Cliffs come one after another, linked by ridge tread with big drops into the Catawba Valley between them.
Day hikers, weekend backpackers, and thru-hikers all share this section, so plan around parking pressure at the Route 311 lot and expect company at the shelters.
Daleville at the northern end has motels, restaurants, and a supermarket right at the trail crossing, making it one of the easiest resupplies on the trail.
Waypoints
| Name | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| McAfee Knob | View | The trail's most photographed overlook, on the ridge above the Catawba Valley.Camping is restricted nearby and fires are prohibited in the area. |
| VA 311 Trailhead Parking | Parking | Main access for McAfee Knob; a footbridge carries the trail over the highway.Fills before dawn on clear weekends. Shoulder parking is prohibited. |
| Tinker Cliffs | View | Roughly half a mile of open clifftop with views back to McAfee Knob. |
| Daleville, VA | Resupply | Supermarket, restaurants, motels, and an outfitter directly at the US 220 trail crossing.One of the easiest resupplies on the AT, but confirm business hours in the off season. |
Highlights
- McAfee Knob
- Tinker Cliffs
- Dragon's Tooth
- Easy Daleville resupply
Road crossings
- VA 311
- VA 779
- US 220 at Daleville
Resupply
- Daleville — supermarket, outfitter, motels
- Troutville — limited
Nearby towns
- Catawba
- Daleville
- Troutville
- Roanoke
Planning details
- Elevation gain
- Not yet verified
- Parking and access
- VA 311 McAfee Knob lot (fills before dawn on weekends), Andy Layne Trail lot on VA 779, Daleville park-and-ride.
- Shuttles
- Roanoke-area shuttles serve this corridor and a seasonal public shuttle to McAfee Knob has operated in past years. Verify current service.
- Terrain
- Rocky ridge tread, scrambling at Dragon's Tooth, and exposed clifftop walking at Tinker.
- Wildlife
- Habituated black bears near shelters. Hang or box food every night.
- Seasons
- Extremely busy on clear weekends year-round. Ice makes the rock sections hazardous in winter.
- Regulations
- Camping is restricted near McAfee Knob and campfires are prohibited in parts of this area.
- Emergency
- Roanoke hospitals are close; this is among the most accessible sections for rescue.