Need clear driving direction to the McAfee Knob (Roanoke, New Castle: appointed, restaurant)

[Justme2010]

Hi,

I'm new to Roanoke. Heard McAfee Knob is a good hiking sport. Looked it up, however, direction like "
From Roanoke: Take 81 South to the 311 exit. Follow 311 to the little town of Catawba. The AT signs should be present on the left side of the road and a designated park lot" seems helpful to long time locals but would not suffice for newcomers like me.
Questions that I have, like 311 exit, probably implys that only one 311 exit, no 311S nor 311N; roughly how many miles between the 311 exit and the AT signs. Another one is, I'm close to the Panera Bread at the Tanglewood Mall, what's a good way to get to 81S from there or a better driving direction to the McAfee Knob?

Thank you.

[Erin1264]

Hi there,

McAfee's Knob is wonderful!! It's about a 7 mile round trip hike. There is a fire road that you can take part of the way to make the going easier if you want to.

From the Tanglewood Mall area, you can either take Electric Rd. all the way up to 311 or you can get on 581 and then 81 S. The exit is 311 North/New Castle.

Have you been to The Homeplace Restaurant yet? If so, the McAfee's Knob trail head is very close to there. If not, you must try it!

Here's how you find it. Once you get on 311, it will be fairly flat and then you'll start going up Catawba Mountain. At the top, you'll see a large parking lot on the left. The brown hiking sign will be before the lot, so you'll know where to slow down and turn. You'll park on the left side of 311, but you'll need to cross the road to get on the trail. The trail entrance is not very obvious, but it is there. If you want to go up the fire road, the entrance is to the left of the trail head as you are standing in the parking lot, facing 311. There is a gate there, blocking the entrance to the fire road from vehicles entering. You'll see it if you are looking for it. Once you get on the trail, the signage is pretty good.

McAfee Knob brings peace amid the clouds - Roanoke.com


Have a great hike and good luck!! You will not be disappointed by the view.

By the way, if you continue on up 311, you'll see The Homeplace on the left. I also believe that Dragon's Tooth is further up 311, which is another great trail that I am anxious to try!

Erin

[Justme2010]

Thank you, Erin. As for stopping by Homeplace, not too sure, the conumdrum would be smeating/smelly after hiking and one may not want to have a very full stomach before hiking...

[Erin1264]

Eh, tons of hikers stop there. Lots of AT bloggers mention it on their sites.

Let me know how the hike goes!

Erin

[Justme2010]

Beautiful and interesting. And maybe I'll explain the interesting part another day
One hiker had her baby on her back, I wouldn't want my wife to do that if I'm in that situation. Thanks a million.

[Erin1264]

Glad you enjoyed it!

Now I'm curious, please send me a direct message with the interesting part!