Hiking the 8.8-mile out and back trail to McAfee Knob is long, but fairly straightforward and totally doable for beginners looking to challenge themselves. It’s a great way to ease into hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and the parking lot to the trail can be found on Rt 311. Along the way, hikers will follow the well-marked trail and its white blazers to encounter shelters and a water source to top off their bottles. Most of the trail is wooded, but the summit of McAfee Knob, at 4.4 miles through the hike, is incredible scenic, with a rock overlook and great views of the Shenandoah Valley. There are plenty of spots to camp along the trail, and in fact this is recommended for those who want to grab some amazing photos during sunrise or sunset.
McAfee's Knob Trailhead, Troutville, Virginia