Mcafee's Knob is one of Virginia's premiere bouldering areas. The knob is also one of the most breathtaking hiking destinations in Virginia and holds the the reputation as having the most photographed point on the Appalachian Trail (which you use to get to the bouldering). The climbing at M-Knob is comprised of free standing and channeled sandstone blocks and labyrinths. Hold types vary from crimps to slopers, and from kind to aggressive. The developed bouldering at M-Knob is all on quality stone and you likely wont find choss unless you go looking for it.

The hike to the top can be lengthy, being 3.5 miles long and taking an hour and a half, but the pay off is substantial. the best time to climb at The Knob is in the cooler months (especially the late fall). The summer can be quite hot and buggy, but still enjoyable if you time it right.

-check this cool video/photo compilation out to get you stoked on some Knob bouldering: facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3…;h=6a88fHe5FHWwmDthYU6m6s_b9wQ

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.