McAfee’s Knob Engagement & Proposal Guide

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.

Why McAfee’s Knob Is So Popular

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.

Best Time for McAfee’s Knob Engagements & Proposals

If you take nothing else from this guide, take this:

⭐ Weekday sunrise is best.

A Tuesday morning at 6am will feel wildly different than a Saturday evening at 6pm.

• Fewer hikers
• Quieter trails
• Softer, more dramatic light
• A calmer, more intimate experience

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.

Permits for McAfee’s Knob Elopements (Important)

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:

• Hold your ceremony in the woods or along the trail in a quieter area
• Then hike to the summit for portraits only

This approach allows you to:

• Avoid crowds during your ceremony
• Minimize permit complications
• Still get iconic photos at the ledge

👉 If you’re considering a McAfee’s Knob elopement, reach out here and I’ll walk you through realistic options.

McAfee’s Knob Proposals & Engagement Sessions

I’ve photographed multiple proposals and engagement sessions at McAfee’s Knob, and it never disappoints.

That said, this location is a commitment.

The Hike

• 8 miles round trip
• ~1,700 feet of elevation gain
• Moderately difficult

Because of the distance, all McAfee’s Knob engagements and proposals require my half-day portrait package.

This ensures:

• A relaxed pace
• Time to enjoy the summit
• Flexibility for weather and light
• A true experience — not a rushed hike-and-shoot

👉 Interested in proposing at McAfee’s Knob? Inquire here.

Trailhead & Logistics

Roanoke is the best home base for a McAfee’s Knob session.

• ~20 minutes from downtown Roanoke
• ~35 minutes from Blacksburg
• ~1 hour 20 minutes from Lynchburg

Parking Tips

• Weekend parking lots can fill quickly
• Do not park along Route 311 — vehicles are regularly towed
• Arrive early, especially during peak season

The trail begins across Route 311 from the parking area, which can be confusing in the dark. Just follow the new bridge.

From there:

• Follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail to the summit, or
• Take the fire road, which is slightly more gradual and often my preference

Camping is allowed only at designated shelters — camping at the summit itself is prohibited.

Why Work With Me

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:

• Choose locations that align with privacy and logistics
• Plan timelines around light, crowds, and effort
• Navigate permits and regulations
• Feel confident, prepared, and present

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.

McAfee’s Knob Engagement Tips

• Weather at this location is notoriously unpredictable. Bring layers and rain jackets! For Jamie and Josh’s March engagement session there was still snow at the top!
• Choose sunrise over sunset, weekdays over weekends. The parking lot will be crowded on a weekend afternoon!
• If you end up unable to find parking on an afternoon, you can pivot and go to Hanging Rock Overlook Trail instead. The trailhead for that hike is 40 minutes away and the hike in is only 20 minutes. That overlook is not nearly as “epic” as McAfee’s Knob, but it’s beautiful and there will be a WHOLE lot fewer people
• If it’s been raining the trail will be quite muddy — make sure you wear solid hiking shoes!
• Bring lots of water — there was once a spring on this hike, but it has mostly dried up and there is no water access.
• Bring headlamps for the approach or descent — you’ll either be hiking up in the dark or hiking down in it!
• Pack a picnic — this is a long hike that can take 4-6 hours to complete.