McAfee Knob via Appalachian Trail
One of the most photographed spots on the entire 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob features a rocky outcropping that juts dramatically over the Catawba Valley in Virginia. The 8.8-mile round trip hike follows white-blazed AT trail markers through hardwood forest before reaching the iconic overlook at 3,197 feet. The panoramic vista spans the Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs, and the Roanoke Valley. The trail is relatively moderate except for its length, with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. Start early to avoid crowds at the popular summit area.