Tag: Appalachian Trail

A hiker’s guide to climbing up Virginia’s McAfee Knob

Hike to the top.

Countless wonders decorate the Appalachian Trail. Along the 2,190 miles of path, incredible spots like Clingmans Dome and The Pinnacle invite hikers to marvel at nature’s beauty. Visitors might even see some adorable animals roaming the trail. While all of these Appalachian attractions are worth seeing, not everyone can dedicate the time needed to tackle an over 2,000-mile hike. Some people are simply looking for a quality day hike. If you’re one of those people, you’ll want to make a trip to Virginia’s McAfee Knob.

According to Roanoke Outside, McAfee Knob is the Appalachian Trail’s “most photographed site.” Hikers who want to snap their own photo of this glorious destination will need to prepare for a roughly four-hour adventure. Before you make the trip, check out these tips for completing the McAfee Knob hike.

How much do you know about the Appalachian Trail?

Explore the AT.

The Appalachian Trail has quite a reputation. Its challenging terrain and magnificent views can be life-changing for a hiker. At 2,190 miles long, it’s also the world’s longest hiking-only footpath. As you might imagine, maintaining such a massive and popular trail is no small feat.

That’s where the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) comes in. The ATC protects the trail with help from the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and hundreds of thousands of supporters from various states and countries. The group’s work helps make the Appalachian Trail safe for hikers and local wildlife.

Learn more about this beloved hiking destination with Outdoors Wire’s list of five fascinating facts about the Appalachian Trail.

Cute, strange, and slimy animals you can spot on the Appalachian Trail

Meet the critters you’ll see while hiking.

The Appalachian Trail may be the most well-known hiking trail in the United States. This famous footpath stretches from Georgia up to Maine, making it over 2,000 miles long. Hikers who successfully traverse the entire Appalachian Trail earn a place in the 2,000-milers club, but this is no easy undertaking. According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, out of the thousands who attempt the thru-hike “only about one in four make it all the way.”

Not ready to take on this challenge but still want to enjoy this scenic wonder? Hikers who prefer short, serene nature walks can find plenty of paths along the trail for day- or weekend-long adventures. Many parts of the Appalachian Trail are also great for wildlife photography. Whether you’re packing a camera or simply want to birdwatch while hiking, check out this list of Appalachian Trail animals to learn about the region’s wildlife.

Hiker tackles Parkinson’s and Appalachian Trail

After Dan Schoenthal was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he decided now is the time to finally accomplish a lifelong goal of hiking the Appalachian trail.

After Dan Schoenthal was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he decided now is the time to finally accomplish a lifelong goal of hiking the Appalachian trail.