Seems as though every time we do this “wrong-way” stretch from 311 where nearly every parked car’s passengers have headed the other direction to McAfee Knob, we come across a little party of hikers wondering how far they are from it. And indeed on this day, a set of six or so young people lamented they’d spent more than two hours “going back and forth” looking for the signature formation.
They took their “wasted” afternoon relatively philosophically and headed on back toward 311 without enough time to head where they’d wanted to go.
On the way back, we crossed a neighbor couple who’d decided on the “wrong way” for their day hike as well.
There’s not a lot to recommend this section except that it’s relatively flat and easy and good for a short hike (unless you decide to walk the full 8.4 one-way to Dragons Tooth).
Appalachian Trail from Va. 311 south to end of Catawba Mountain ridge line and back; About 6 miles.
How to get there: Va. 311 west from Salem to the parking lot at the top of the mountain.
