McAfee’s Knob Engagement Session

If you’re looking for an epic engagement session location, McAfee’s Knob will not disappoint. The summit boasts an iconic rocky ledge that is the most photographed place on the Appalachian Trail.

With 270 degree views, McAfee’s Knob is stunning for both sunrise and sunset. But I highly recommend a weekday sunrise engagement session or elopement here due to the popularity. There’s almost always going to be other people at this particular summit, but there will be a whole lot fewer people on at Tuesday at 6am than there will be on Saturday at 6pm.

Everything You Need to Know About McAfee’s Knob

Roanoke is the best home base for a McAfee’s Knob engagement session. The trailhead is only 20 minutes from downtown! It’s also 35 minutes from Blacksburg and an hour 20 from Lynchburg.

On the weekends — especially during the school year — the parking lot has been known to fill up so get there early if possible. Note if the parking area is full when you get there, do not park along the road! You will be towed.

The trail begins across route 311 from the parking area. (This can be confusing in the wee hours of the morning.) But the hike itself is simple. Simply follow the white blazed Appalachian Trail up to the summit. Alternatively you can take the fire road, which I find is a slightly more moderate hike.

The trail climbs about 1700 feet over the course of four miles and is considered moderately difficult. After you enjoy the summit simply turn around and retrace your steps back for an eight-mile round trip.

If you want to go for sunrise, but don’t want to hike up in the middle of the night, you can camp on this trail. However, camping is prohibited at the summit itself and is restricted to specific shelters on the Appalachian Trail.

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.

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