Hike McAfee Knob Loop Jefferson National Forest, VA

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Route Map

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From the quite large parking lot, cross the street and head into the forest where I soon met with the Appalachian Trail, following it rather than the fire road that parallels it. The trail leads through the forest, passing Johns Spring Shelter, and then bends north, passing the fire road and up to McAfee Knob. Rather than turn back here, I continued east along the ridgeline, dropping down to a campground with a shelter called Campbell Shelter. I would say this short descent from McAfee Knob was my favorite part of the hike and I'd recommend adding this small extension rather than just turning back. From the campground, I rejoined the the fire road and took it back west.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

McAfee Knob

3197 ft

1217 rise

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Cross the street from the parking lot and head up this obvious trail.

Soon, the trail gets to an information kiosk (not pictured) and splits off from the wide trail (which ends up being a fire road), and becomes the Appalachian Trail.

Along the AT.

Passing a Johns Spring shelter.

Passing a power line clearing.

Last bit of uphill to reach McAfee Knob.

Approaching McAfee Knob.

View at McAfee Knob.

The ridgeline in the distance goes all the way over to Tinker Cliffs.

In order to make this a loop, I continued along the Appalachian Trail farther east. Shortly, I passed through a bunch of big boulders.

I would say the trail becomes more interesting, and more narrow, compared to the first bit of the hike.

Back past the power lines clearing.

After descending for a while, you get to an Appalachian Trail shelter, Campbell Shelter. A small trail (pictured) takes you to the fire road mentioned earlier. This fire road leads back to complete the loop.

The boring fire road.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!