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Virginia Trailfinder

Roanoke & the New River Valley · Catawba · Hiking · Out and back

McAfee Knob

The most photographed overlook on the Appalachian Trail, reached by a steady climb from Route 311.

Trailhead viewOfficial page
Distance
8mi
Climb (measured)
1,415ft
Time (agency)
4h–6h
Difficulty
Hard
Terrain
RockyShadedRidgeline

The route

Map and elevation, linked

1,415 ft up, 1,418 ft down · 1,945–3,182 ft

2,0002,2502,5002,7503,0003,2500 mi246+919 ft · 10%+247 ft · 3.9%+158 ft · 9%Start
7.71 miles measured, 1,415 ft of climbing and 1,418 ft of descent, between 1,945 and 3,182 ft. The hardest part is a 1.7-mile climb of 919 ft starting at mile 2.09, averaging 10%. A second climb of 247 ft begins at mile 0.69. After the high point the route drops 919 ft over 1.8 miles. The steepest sustained quarter mile averages 13.7%.7.71 miles measured, 1,415 ft of climbing and 1,418 ft of descent, between 1,945 and 3,182 ft. The hardest part is a 1.7-mile climb of 919 ft starting at mile 2.09, averaging 10%. A second climb of 247 ft begins at mile 0.69. After the high point the route drops 919 ft over 1.8 miles. The steepest sustained quarter mile averages 13.7%.Trailfinder reading Measured from an OpenStreetMap line and the USGS 10 m elevation model, fetched 2026-09-05. Sampled terrain, not a GPS track.

What it feels like

What it feels like

One steady 1.7-mile climb of 919 ft, then the same ground back down: the return is easier on the lungs and harder on the knees. Rocky tread that slows every step, mostly under tree cover.

Trailfinder readingFrom: main climb 1.7 mi at 10% average, from mile 2.09 to 3.83; 1,418 ft of descent retraces the climb; surfaces on file: rocky, dirt; shade listed among amenities.

Before you drive

What to know first

Official · roanokecountyva.gov

Closures and conditions change. Check the agency's alerts page before leaving.

Start here

Route 311 Trailhead

37.37980, -80.08980

Open the trailhead in a map app

Lot fills before sunrise on clear weekends. Shoulder parking is prohibited.

Parking
Route 311 trailhead lot fills extremely early on weekends. Parking along the highway shoulder is prohibited and ticketed.
Fees
Free.
Permits
Not on file
Hours
Not on file
Restrooms
Vault toilet at the trailhead.
Water
No reliable treated water. Carry all you need; shelter springs are seasonal.
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash
Cell service
Not yet verified.
Emergency
Call 911. Access for rescue is from the Route 311 trailhead.
Source: roanokecountyva.govLast checked August 29, 2026Report a change

How hard it will feel

Difficulty, explained

Official · roanokecountyva.gov

Hard

Roanoke County rates the trail moderately challenging at 4-6 hours round trip; the official Appalachian Trail map rates this stretch moderate to strenuous. The work is a sustained, steady climb rather than any technical section.

Trailfinder readingHard

8 miles is a real half-day. 1,415 ft of climbing, about 177 ft per mile.

Distance
+2
8 miles is a real half-day.
Climb
+2
1,415 ft of climbing, about 177 ft per mile.
Footing
+2
Rocky tread slows every step and needs attention on the descent.
Technicality
+0
Nothing technical recorded; walking the whole way.
Exposure
+2
Open to weather: the record warns of exposed sections.

Commitment

How long it takes

Official · roanokecountyva.gov4h–6h
Trailfinder reading
Hiking
3h42–5h
2.2 mph moving on rocky tread, no stops. 1,415 ft of climbing adds 42 min at a hiking pace.
Running
1h45–2h22
4.5 mph moving on rocky tread, no stops. 1,415 ft of climbing adds 42 min at a hiking pace.

Terrain

Underfoot

Surface
Rocky, Dirt
Technicality
Rocky tread; no scrambling recorded
Crossings
None recorded
Exposure
Exposed ledge and ridgeline at the top.
Grade
Steepest quarter mile 13.7% · 27% of the route climbing at 5%+ · 23% near level Trailfinder reading

Recorded hazards

  • Unprotected cliff edge at the overlook
  • Lightning on the ridge
  • Ice in winter
  • Full parking lots

What you'll see

On the record

  • The AT's signature overlook
  • Part of Virginia's Triple Crown
  • Well-graded trail the whole way

Setting on file: Mountain, Ridgeline, Forest.

When to go

Seasonal character

The northbound thru-hiker bubble passes in spring. Winter offers the clearest air and thinnest crowds but the ledge can be icy.

Roanoke & the New River ValleyRidge hikes are exposed to wind and lightning. Summer weekends fill Triple Crown parking before sunrise; winter offers the clearest long views.

General seasonal character, not a live condition report. Check the agency's alerts page for closures.

Who it fits

Is this for you?

Runners
Yes, running is supported
Families
Not recommended for young children
Strollers
Not stroller friendly
Dogs
Dogs allowed on leash
Accessibility
No notes on file
Experience
Experienced hikers; fitness and footing matter

The long version

About this route

McAfee Knob's cantilevered rock ledge is the image most people picture when they think of the Appalachian Trail. The hike follows the AT north from the Route 311 parking area, climbing steadily on well-graded tread with a few rocky stretches.

It is busy — genuinely busy — on clear weekends, and the parking lot overflows before dawn. A shuttle has operated seasonally from Roanoke in past years; verify current service before relying on it.

Camping is restricted near the summit and campfires are prohibited in the area. Sunrise and sunset visits are popular; if you go at either end of the day, carry a headlamp and warm layers.

WildlifeActive black bear country. Never leave food unattended at the overlook. Wildlife guide

If not this one

Related, and why

Roanoke & the New River Valley

Dragon's Tooth

Distance
4.5mi
Elevation gain
1,336ft
Time (agency)
~4h
Hard
  • Scramble
  • Shaded
  • Ridgeline

Shorter version · 4.5 mi if time is short.

Roanoke & the New River Valley

Tinker Cliffs

Distance
7.6mi
Elevation gain
2,000ft
Time (agency)
~5h
HardNo line on file
  • Rocky
  • Shaded
  • Ridgeline

Similar commitment · 7.6 mi, about the same day out.

Appalachian Trail Corridor

Appalachian Trail — Virginia Sections

Distance
557.5mi
Elevation gain
Gain not on file
Hiking time (estimate)
Your call
HardNo line on file
  • Rocky
  • Ridgeline

Nearby · 33 mi from this trailhead.

Provenance

Facts:
verified against the managing agency · last checked August 29, 2026.
Route line:
6 OpenStreetMap ways (ODbL), fetched 2026-09-05; elevation from USGS 3DEP 10 m, 2026-09-05. Assembled as out-and-back (mirrored).
Readings:
anything marked Trailfinder reading is derived by Trailfinder from those sources, not published by the agency.

Before you go: Trail conditions, access rules, weather, water availability, and closures can change. Check the linked official source before leaving and choose a route appropriate for your experience and current conditions.