
If you’re looking for an epic engagement session location in Virginia, McAfee’s Knob will not disappoint. Home to the most photographed rocky ledge on the Appalachian Trail, this iconic summit offers sweeping views, dramatic cliffs, and a true adventure experience for couples who want something unforgettable.
This guide is written to help couples searching for McAfee’s Knob engagement photos and McAfee’s Knob proposals understand what’s possible here — and what you need to know before you plan.
👉 Planning something special at McAfee’s Knob? Reach out here to check availability.
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McAfee’s Knob is the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail — and for good reason.
The summit features a dramatic rocky ledge with approximately 270-degree views overlooking the Catawba Valley. It’s equally stunning at sunrise and sunset, with soft mountain layers stretching endlessly into the distance.
That popularity does come with a tradeoff: people.
There is almost always someone else at the summit — which is why timing and expectations matter so much here.
If you take nothing else from this guide, take this:
A Tuesday morning at 6am will feel wildly different than a Saturday evening at 6pm.
Sunset sessions can be beautiful, but they are much busier, especially in spring, summer, and fall.
👉 If privacy matters to you, I strongly recommend weekday sunrise for engagements and proposals at McAfee’s Knob.
While this guide largely focuses on engagements and proposals, I also get elopement inquiries for this location. As far as I can tell, you can’t have your actual elopement ceremony at the summit. At least if you want to be legal about it.
The summit area is collaboratively managed by multiple agencies, which is why couples often struggle to figure out who to contact for permitting (which is almost certainlyrequired).
In most cases, you’ll need to work with the US Forest Service (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) to determine permit requirements.
If you are interested in eloping here, we CAN do this though:
This approach allows you to:
👉 If you’re considering a McAfee’s Knob elopement, reach out here and I’ll walk you through realistic options.
I’ve photographed multiple proposals and engagement sessions at McAfee’s Knob, and it never disappoints.
That said, this location is a commitment.
Because of the distance, all McAfee’s Knob engagements and proposals require my half-day portrait package.
This ensures:
👉 Interested in proposing at McAfee’s Knob? Inquire here.

Roanoke is the best home base for a McAfee’s Knob session.
The trail begins across Route 311 from the parking area, which can be confusing in the dark. Just follow the new bridge.
From there:
Camping is allowed only at designated shelters — camping at the summit itself is prohibited.
I’m Kara, an adventure elopement and portrait photographer with nearly a decade of experience photographing couples throughout Virginia and the Appalachian Mountains.
I don’t just show up with a camera.
I help couples:
I’ve photographed proposals, engagements, and elopements at McAfee’s Knob — and I know what actually works here.
👉 If McAfee’s Knob is calling your name, reach out here
Follow me on Instagram for inspiration and real adventure sessions.





















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