Author: RATC Webmaster

By Posted on Posted in McAfee Knob/Triple Crown Tagged with ,

Just in time for peak leaf season! Roanoke County is excited to partner with Ride Source to launch the new McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service. Starting on September 2, 2022 transportation will be provided from the Interstate 81 Exit 140 Park and Ride. The shuttle will take hikers to the National Park Service’s McAfee Knob Trailhead parking lot along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

The shuttle service is available starting September 2, 2022, through November 27, 2022, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Shuttle hours will vary with Daylight Savings Time. The last shuttle will depart from the trailhead 15 minutes prior to service ending.

September: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
October: 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
November: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tickets are available to purchase online at www.McAfeeShuttle.com.

Download the Waze Navigation App and click on the logo to route your trip!

McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Logo with GPS link to get driving directions

Visit the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club’s description of McAfee Knob to plan your trip.

By Posted on Posted in McAfee Knob/Triple Crown, RATC News
FireRd-Spotters-“Rose&4Thorns”-TerryShipley PeteIrvine DeeLamb BillNeilan MarkFarrell.

(Roanoke, VA). The Catawba Mountain Fire Road has been reopened to hikers following major work to improve the road for both emergency vehicles and the hiking public. The gated Fire Road runs parallel to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (A.T.) on National Park Service (NPS) lands northerly from the A.T. Trailhead Parking Area on VA-311, approximately 10 miles north of Salem, VA. It serves as emergency vehicle access for incidents in the McAfee Knob area, a popular panoramic viewpoint and hiking destination, as well as forming a loop hike opportunity with the A.T. The road has been closed to all public use since January 11 for this project.

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By Posted on Posted in Closures, RATC News Tagged with ,

Roadwork to Temporarily Close Catawba Mountain Fire Road to Hikers

Update: Due to weather delays, work did not begin on January 17 as planned. Work began February 7, and will continue until March 4.

(Roanoke, VA). Roadwork to improve the Catawba Mountain Fire Road for emergency vehicle use will require the road to be temporarily closed to hikers and all public use beginning Monday, January 17 through February 11. During this road closure, hikers will continue to be able to use the Appalachian National Scenic Trail to access McAfee Knob and beyond. This roadwork is weather-dependent and is being performed during the winter season to minimize disruption to hikers.

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By Posted on Posted in Appalachian Trail Tagged with

The Appalachian Trail is again open between Pine Swamp Shelter to Clendenin Road effective 4/15/2021.

The power line tower structure has been repaired, but MANY trees remain down in the area. Work continues to remove and clear debris.

Map showing affected area of the Trail
Affected area between Pine Swamp Shelter (North) and Clendenin Rd (South)