View Full Version : McAfee Knob
JLorenzo77
06-10-2016, 10:00
Hey gang - I live about 3.5 hours north of the knob and I am interested in doing an overnight hiking trip down there. I have researched what amounts to a 7.5 mile loop which is ideal since I'll only have one car. Has anyone done this loop? Admittedly, it's low mileage hiking for such a long drive but it might work out logistically.
What is the loop that you have in mind? I'd suggest going in at 311 and coming out on the Andy Layne trail, but that would be a bit longer (maybe 10 miles?).
Heather1027
06-10-2016, 14:16
I haven't been yet but I am planning to next month sometime (I'm from Raleigh so I can relate to the drive!) Don't go on the weekend's, its extremely crowded so go during the week. Also, bring alot of water, it's a pretty steep climb.
Hikingjim
06-10-2016, 14:20
keep in mind that lambert meadows shelter was (and I think still may be) closed for frequent bear activity. A lot of habituated bear activity.
The campbell shelter nearby has had similar issues. So depending on where you go, there could be more issues of crowding and potentially a few bear visitors!
JLorenzo77
06-10-2016, 15:12
Thanks everyone. Caleb - Not sure of the name of the loop but it's only 7.5 round trip and I'd like something a little longer. Thanks.
Heather - Yeah, definitely would go on a Thursday/Friday. The darn drive!!!
HikingJim - Good info. I wonder if they have a Marriott nearby. :)
How long would you like the loop to be?
JLorenzo77
06-10-2016, 15:49
How long would you like the loop to be?
I'm open to anything honestly. I'd even go the non-loop route and may ten miles out and then back the ten the next day.
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2381254
Berserker
06-10-2016, 18:12
If you are going to go that far why not just set up a shuttle and do the piece from 311 to 220. Only issue here is the mid point is Lamberts Meadow, which as others have said has a bear problem right now. South of there is Dragons Tooth, which in my opinion is a little bit of neater spot. You could stay in Roanoke overnight and do McAfee Knob one day and Dragons Tooth the other...don't know if you are dead set on camping out or not.
JLorenzo77
06-11-2016, 07:43
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2381254
Caleb - That is exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks so much!
JLorenzo77
06-11-2016, 07:44
If you are going to go that far why not just set up a shuttle and do the piece from 311 to 220. Only issue here is the mid point is Lamberts Meadow, which as others have said has a bear problem right now. South of there is Dragons Tooth, which in my opinion is a little bit of neater spot. You could stay in Roanoke overnight and do McAfee Knob one day and Dragons Tooth the other...don't know if you are dead set on camping out or not.
Not a bad idea, Berserker. I'd like to camp but I'm happy to find a Marriott too :)
Odd Man Out
06-11-2016, 08:33
You could hike out to MK and the camp at one of the shelters between on your way back to 311. Then the next day drive over to DT.
Another option is to go to 4 Pines Hostel. They can drop you off at 311 or Andy Lane trail head, hike to MK and then hike back to 4 Pines. The Hostel is at the trail head for DT.
Hikingjim
06-11-2016, 10:13
If you need any shuttles, I used homer in that area:
Homer and Therese Witcher. Will shuttle anywhere, when available. Live 2 miles from intersection of I-81 and US 220.
[email protected] (H)(540)992-3932
(C)(540)266-4849
He lives in daleville. very cheap, nice family