By Jordan A. Bowman
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
October 23, 2019
Of all the views on the Trail, few are more iconic than the one from McAfee Knob, which offers panoramic views of the Virginia countryside. McAfee is one of — if not the — most photographed locations on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.), attracting visitors from all over Virginia and beyond.
Unfortunately, the view from McAfee is at risk due to the threat of development in the Catawba Valley below. In some places, the Trail is within 500 feet of private property, and real estate in this pastoral valley is becoming increasingly valuable due to its proximity to Roanoke and Blacksburg.
“There are numerous areas like McAfee Knob along the Appalachian Trail that have popular viewpoints overlooking amazing scenery, much of which is unprotected,” said Laura Belleville, Vice President of Conservation and Trail Programs at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). “The land in these views is also ecologically important. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is working with our partners to increase the pace of land conservation along the Trail so that future hikers can continue to enjoy great views, and wildlife has healthy habitats.”