About this Location

Facility Overview

The McAfee Knob Trailhead Parking lot is the primary staging area for one of the most iconic and frequently photographed destinations along the entire Appalachian Trail. Situated atop Catawba Mountain along Virginia State Route 311 (Catawba Valley Drive) just north of Salem and Roanoke, this open-air, gravel-and-paved surface lot provides direct access to the McAfee Knob trail. Because it is an open outdoor trailhead lot, there are no overhead clearance restrictions, making it suitable for standard passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, SUVs, and high-roof conversion vans. However, turning radiuses can be tight during peak hours, and oversized recreational vehicles or towed trailers are strongly discouraged due to limited stall lengths and heavy vehicular turnover.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This parking area is the definitive launchpad for outdoor enthusiasts tackling the Virginia Triple Crown, featuring spectacular panoramic views of the Catawba Valley and Roanoke Valley.

McAfee Knob: Direct trailhead access for the approximately 8-mile round-trip trek to the iconic rock ledge hanging over the valley.
Appalachian Trail (AT): The national scenic trail traverses directly through the parking facility and pedestrian bridge, serving both day hikers and long-distance thru-hikers.
Tinker Cliffs: Accessible further north along the Appalachian Trail ridgeline for avid backpackers.
Dragon\'s Tooth: Located roughly 5 miles northwest along VA-311, another premier segment of Virginia\'s Triple Crown.
Downtown Salem & Roanoke: A short 10- to 15-minute drive (approx. 7 miles) south, offering craft breweries, historic dining, and lodging.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Vehicle access is directly off Route 311 (Catawba Valley Drive). Following significant infrastructure improvements, including a dedicated pedestrian bridge spanning Route 311, foot traffic is safely separated from high-speed roadway traffic. For drivers arriving from Interstate 81, take Exit 141 (or Exit 140) in Salem and follow Route 311 North up Catawba Mountain. During peak hiking seasons (spring through autumn), Roanoke County and Ride Roanoke operate the seasonal McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle originating from the Park and Ride lot at I-81 Exit 140, offering a stress-free alternative when the trailhead lot reaches capacity.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-air surface parking directly adjacent to the Appalachian Trail.
New pedestrian bridge crossing Route 311 for secure hiker access.
Informational kiosks, trail maps, and Leave No Trace regulatory boards.
Designated ADA accessible parking bays near the main trail crossing.
Vault privies / rustic composting toilet facilities located on-site.
No electrical vehicle (EV) charging stations or running potable water; visitors must pack sufficient hydration.
Free public parking managed cooperatively by the US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and VDOT.

Ideal For

Day hikers embarking on the scenic 8-mile trek to McAfee Knob.
Multi-day backpackers and section hikers traversing the Virginia Triple Crown.
Nature photographers and sunrise or sunset view seekers.
Outdoor adventurers visiting Roanoke\'s Blue Ridge recreation corridor.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Because McAfee Knob is among the most visited landmarks on the Appalachian Trail, the parking lot regularly reaches 100% capacity before 7:30 AM on pleasant spring, summer, and fall weekends. Parking along the shoulders of Route 311 is strictly illegal, heavily enforced, and subject to ticketing or immediate towing. Arrive before dawn or plan an afternoon hike to snag a turnover spot. Alternatively, reserve a seat on the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle from the I-81 Exit 140 Park and Ride lot in Salem. Ensure all food, scented items, and valuables are stored out of sight to deter break-ins and local wildlife.