McAfee Knob Trailhead — Attraction in Salem

I've spotted photos of the iconic scenery atop this knob. The fire trail to the top isn't that challenging and we didn't realize we took that path until we came back down. When you're finished with the views at the top, be sure to visit the Devil's Kitchen (which may be on the actual Appalachian Trail side of the hike).

Be sure to take water and maybe a snack for when you reach the top. It's a steady incline that definitely wears on you. It took us two hours from the parking lot to the top and less coming down. There's a spring on the trail that we've heard people drink from. It's definitely crystal clear but I'd definitely use a Life Straw to keep myself from microbes the next time I hike and possibly forget water.

We spotted all ages and shapes and sizes on this trail. Kids ca and dogs too! Just keep your furry friends on a leash. At the top, there were plenty of people taking photos. It was a light crowd at the top because we went on a Thursday but I've heard that the weekends get pretty heavy traffic. Be sure to check the whole ridge once you're up on the knob, the view seems to go on forever. Another spot you can see from the view is Tinker Cliffs. I've heard the trails connect.

Parking gets slammed by what we could see. We made it there from Virginia Beach, a 4-5 hour drive with a detour by Ravens Roost Overlook on the way. There looks to be some overflow for parking but we get there at 11:00 and scored the last spot.

I'll definitely do this again, and probably spend the night close so we can hit Parkway Brewing Company and hike Dragons Tooth (which is challenging if you're down for that) the next...

Hiked this trail on Saturday Aug 3. Weather was in the 70s and got up to the 80s in the afternoon. Not too hot overall. It’s probably just a little cooler than Roanoke due to elevation.

I parked on Old Catawba Rd due the closure of the trailhead parking lot with no issue finding a spot. There was probably 8 cars parked when I started at 8:50a. I took the Appalachian trail up and reached McAfee Knob at 11:05a (about 2:15). The trail was well shaded overall with mix of rock and dirt trail. No mosquitos out but there were some flies at the overlook. I would classify myself as an amateur hiker and thought the trail was moderate intensity with a just a few hard spots. My heart rate was up for a lot of the hike but not at max exertion.

Of note, there are two overlook spots separated by a few minutes of hiking. When you are almost at the overlook there will be a large open rocky section: go straight for the iconic McAfee Knob photo. There is also a trail to the right that leads to another overlook where you can get a slightly different view. Spent about 30 min at the top and returned via the fire road, which is a much wider trail with a gentle decline and easier on the knees. Not as shady as the Appalachian trail but not too bad. I heard from some other hikers that bears had been sighted near the overlook but I did not see any bears. I brought 2 L of water but only ended up drinking about 1 L of it. I returned to my car at about 1p, so it took about 1.5 hours to descend and 4 hours for...

Great hike! Read the recommendations on the board in the parking lot before setting out. I wish I had brought more survival gear, even though the hike was uneventful. I hiked alone and felt safe. I passed several hikers going both directions and about 10 or 12 at the knob. It took me about 95 minutes to get to the top. I jogged some of the flat parts and hiked the rest, only stopping briefly. The hike was 3 hours round trip for me, not counting the 30 minutes or so I spent on the knob taking in the amazing view. I'm in my 50s and hike a lot. I kept a pretty good pace. 4-6 was the time estimate on the board so keep that in mind, especially if you start later in the day. The trail was pretty well marked, but I did have to stop at a few places where it was harder to pick up. Look for the white marks on the trees. There were 2 shelters and some nice campsites along the trail. It was a pretty good workout, but I would label it as moderate. There's also a fire road that intersects the trail early on, which is supposed to be an easier route option. I will definitely go back and do this...