McAfee Knob
The most photographed cliff ledge on the Appalachian Trail, with a panoramic view over the Catawba Valley.
About 25 km northwest of Roanoke, this is the most famous photo spot on the Appalachian Trail. The ledge juts out over the void, offering views of the Catawba Valley and the distant mountains. The round trip from the Route 311 parking lot is about 14 km, with a climb of about 500 m, and takes 5–6 hours. The parking lot fills quickly on weekends, so consider the weekend shuttle bus. The ledge has no railings, so take care.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tinker Cliffs
- Carvins Cove Natural Reserve
- Grandin Village
- Dragon's Tooth
- Virginia Museum of Transportation
- Roanoke River Greenway
- Hotel Roanoke
- O. Winston Link Museum