McAfee Knob

About this spectacle

McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the entire Appalachian Trail, a rocky outcrop perched on Catawba Mountain in Virginia that rewards hikers with a sweeping panoramic view across the Roanoke Valley. From the broad sandstone ledge, visitors can peer out over rolling green ridgelines that fade into hazy blue distance, with nothing but open sky ahead. The exposure is dramatic — the ledge juts out beyond the treeline, creating the sensation of floating above the valley below. In autumn, the hillsides ignite in amber, orange, and red, amplifying an already striking vista. Spring brings soft greens and wildflowers along the trail. The hike itself winds through mixed hardwood forest, quieter lower on the mountain, before opening onto the exposed summit rocks where wind and birdsong dominate. Sunrises and sunsets cast long golden light across the ridgelines, making early-morning and late-afternoon visits especially rewarding.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Oct — Apr

Getting there

Nearest airport: ROA. Nearest city: Roanoke.

Booking options

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