Most famous overlook of the AT in Virginia, McAfee knob is a mountaintop that is scattered with boulders. The bouldering is concentrated on the top of the mountain, a one and a half hour walk from the parking area. There are some lower quality problems dotted along the walk up, the closest of which is roadside. The rock is sandstone and ranges from fantastic to sub-par. The problems that stay clean, though, are generally great quality rock.
Getting There
From I-81 take exit for Rt. 311 just south of Roanoke. Follow 311 S and park at the top of Catawba mountain, where the AT crosses the road. There is a large gravel lot on the left.
For roadside and approach boulders cross 311 at the southern most corner of the gravel lot and walk up fire road until it joins with the AT at approx 2.5 miles. You will see the roadside boulders immediately on the right as you start up the fire road. You can also walk the AT from the northermost corner of the gravel lot to the summit boulders. Please refer to guidebook on Dr. Topo for more details concerning the problems.
McAfee Knob
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