Hiking · Daleville, Virginia
Tinker Cliffs
Half a mile of open clifftop walking above the Catawba Valley, quieter than its famous neighbor.
- Distance
- 7.6 mi
- Elevation gain
- 2,000 ft
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Typical time
- 4 hr – 6 hr
About this route
Tinker Cliffs delivers a long stretch of open cliff edge with views back toward McAfee Knob. The usual approach is the Andy Layne Trail, which climbs steeply out of the valley before joining the Appalachian Trail.
It sees a fraction of McAfee's traffic and is the strongest choice of the Triple Crown for anyone who wants a big view without the crowds.
Why this difficulty rating: Sustained climbing from the valley floor with rocky ridge walking at the top.
Highlights
- Half a mile of open cliff
- Views toward McAfee Knob
- Fewer crowds
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Out and back
- Surfaces
- Rocky, Dirt
- Setting
- Mountain, Ridgeline, Forest
- Amenities
- Parking, Shade
- Parking
- Andy Layne Trail parking on Route 779.
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Seasonal springs only; carry your own.
- Fees
- Not yet verified
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Not yet verified
- Stroller friendly
- No
- Good with kids
- No
- Seasonal notes
- Not yet verified
- Weather exposure
- Not yet verified
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Unprotected cliff edge
- Lightning
- Steep climbing in heat
Related routes
Hiking
McAfee Knob
Catawba · Roanoke & the New River Valley
The most photographed overlook on the Appalachian Trail, reached by a steady climb from Route 311.
- Distance
- 8.8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,740 ft
- Route type
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Difficult
Surface: Rocky, Dirt
- The AT's signature overlook
- Part of Virginia's Triple Crown
Hiking
Dragon's Tooth
Catawba · Roanoke & the New River Valley
A rugged scramble to a spire of Tuscarora quartzite — the most technical of the Triple Crown.
- Distance
- 4.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,500 ft
- Route type
- Out and back
- Difficulty
- Difficult
Surface: Rocky, Dirt
- Quartzite spire summit
- Rebar-assisted scramble