Hiking (Backpacking)
Echols Dorm: Brick Wall By Side Door
McAfee Knob
McAfee Knob, near Roanoke, is considered by many to have the best view in Virginia. The cliff, a few hundred feet wide is the most photographed place on all the Appalachian Trail. “Giant rock fingers jut out from it to form overhangs that extend more than 20 ft. beyond the supporting rock below.”~http://gorp.away.com Add in Tinker Cliffs, a half mile cliff-walk with views back to McAfee Knob, for a strenuous and rewarding hike.
Here’s the plan:
On Friday we will hike 2.3 miles to camp, probably by aid of headlamps.
On Saturday we will climb up to Tinker cliffs, continue on to McAfee’s Knob and hope to catch the sunset. We will cover about 7 or 8 miles.
On Sunday we enjoy all of the previous day’s uphill’s as we retrace our steps back to the car.
The hiking in some areas will be rocky and strenuous so you should have some backpacking experience and know what it’s like to carry a loaded pack to come along. For some photos and the profile map go to http://www.guanotronic.com/~gshim/mcafee If significant rain is forecasted, the trip may be cancelled as the cliff-walks become slippery and dangerous. I’ve set the trip size to “1” so you will automatically be added to the wait list. I will remove you from the wait list as space in cars becomes available.
The club provides:
gas if you can drive
a seat in a car
backpacking gear (tent, sleeping bag / pad, headlamp, backpack)
Saturday’s meals, Sunday breakfast and lunch
You bring:
backpacking gear (if you have it)
warm clothes (avoid cotton)
extra socks (again, avoid cotton)
rain gear
well fitting shoes
water bottles (about 2 liters worth)
bowl and spoon/fork/spork!
personal toiletries
snacks
money for dinner on friday and sunday