McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail - 8-10-2024 - with special guest hiker

McAfee Knob is at an elevation of 3,197 feet (974 m) above sea level, located on Catawba Mountain in Catawba, Virginia, roughly 15 miles northwest of Downtown Roanoke. It is named for a Scottish-Irish 18th-century settler. Considered to be among the most iconic points along the Appalachian Trail, the vista offers panoramic views of the Catawba Valley, 1,600 feet (490 m) below.

The hike is moderately difficult with a gradual incline. McAfee Knob hiking trail ends on rocky mountain terrain that sticks out like a diving platform into the air. The trail offers a 270-degree panorama view of the Catawba Valley. North Mountain is also viewable to the west, the Tinker Cliffs to the north and the Roanoke Valley to the east. The hike is a climb of around 1,700 feet (520 m) and about 4.7 miles (7.6 km) to the top of the Knob from the VA-311 parking area.