The Virginia section of the Appalachian Trail spans approximately 550 miles — more than any other single state — running from the West Virginia border in the north to the Tennessee border near Damascus in the southwest. Virginia's segment is regarded by long-distance hikers as one of the most varied and scenically rewarding stretches of the entire 2,198-mile trail, passing through Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, and the New River Valley. McAfee Knob, near Catawba in Roanoke County, is the single most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail — a quartzite outcrop extending dramatically over the valley with a 270-degree view of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding ridgelines. Dragon's Tooth, Tinker Cliffs, and the grassy summit balds of the Mount Rogers area are other iconic destinations along the route. The trail's summit at Mount Rogers reaches 5,729 feet, Virginia's highest point, accessible as a 16-mile round-trip day hike through spruce-fir forest and open balds where a feral pony herd roams freely. The Virginia section is frequently divided into day hikes or section hikes accessible from trailheads off secondary state roads. Shenandoah National Park's portion of the trail is the most heavily used, particularly during fall foliage season. The trail town of Damascus hosts Trail Days each May, one of the largest gatherings of hikers in the country, drawing thousands of thru-hikers and enthusiasts.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open year-round
- Best time
- April–May and September–October
Location
McAfee Knob Trailhead, 3744 Catawba Valley Dr, Catawba, VA 24070 (popular access point)
37.3941, -80.1523 View on map
Highlights
- McAfee Knob — the most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail, with 270-degree views
- 550 miles of trail through Shenandoah NP, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Mount Rogers NRA
- Mount Rogers (5,729 ft) — Virginia's highest peak, with free-roaming feral ponies on the summit balds
- Dragon's Tooth — a dramatic quartzite rock spire above the Catawba Valley near Roanoke
- Trail town Damascus hosts Trail Days each May — the largest hiker gathering on the AT
Tips for visiting
- The McAfee Knob trailhead on Route 311 fills completely by 9 AM on spring and fall weekends
- A Shenandoah National Park entry pass is required for the trail's 100-mile section through the park
- Water sources along the trail must be treated — carry a filter or chemical purification tablets
- Trailhead shuttles are available through outfitters in Damascus and Waynesboro for section hikes
- Wear blaze-orange during Virginia's fall deer hunting season (mid-September through January)
When to visit
April through May offers blooming wildflowers and moderate temperatures for hiking. September and October bring fall foliage with excellent ridge-top visibility. Summer weekends on popular sections like McAfee Knob are heavily crowded — weekday starts are strongly advisable.
Accessibility
The majority of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia involves significant elevation changes and rocky terrain that is not accessible for wheelchairs. Some visitor centers at Shenandoah National Park and along the Blue Ridge Parkway offer accessible overlooks with mountain views for those unable to hike the trail.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the McAfee Knob hike take?
The standard McAfee Knob route is approximately 8.8 miles round trip with 1,700 feet of elevation gain, taking 4–5 hours for most hikers at a moderate pace.
What is the best section of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia for beginners?
Shenandoah National Park offers well-maintained trails with facilities at Big Meadows; shorter day hikes like Stony Man (1.6 miles) and Bearfence Mountain (1.2 miles) are well-suited to beginners.
Is camping allowed along the Appalachian Trail in Virginia?
Backcountry camping is allowed at designated shelters and campsites throughout most of Virginia's AT corridor. Within Shenandoah National Park, a backcountry permit is required and available online or at visitor centers.