McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs via AT

Type of Outing: Hike
When: SAT 9/26/2026 9:15 AM
Signup Deadline: 9/25/2026 5:00 pm
Leader: Peter Warren
Distance: 13 miles
Difficulty: R-41, Strenuous
Intended Pace: Medium
Elevation Gain: 3500 ft.
Description: This Virginia hike features two outstanding, expansive viewpoints that are among the best I've seen since moving to North Carolina 1.5 years ago. The full route is approximately 13 miles. AllTrails lists the elevation gain at 2,857 feet, while my Garmin post-hike record recorded just over 4,000 feet. I thought it was closer to 4,000 than 2,857. Either way, this is a strenuous hike with sustained climbing from start to finish. The trail surface is primarily dirt with a few short rocky sections, all of which are easy to navigate. You can find the route on AllTrails: McAfee Knob and Tinker Trail via the Appalachian Trail. This is a strenuous hike. Please sign up only if you've previously completed hikes of at least 10 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is easy to follow, with only one turn along the route. Please feel free to travel at your own pace. We'll regroup at McAfee Knob (about 4 miles in) to check on everyone. This is a good turnaround point if you're finding the hike more challenging than expected. We'll regroup again at the Tinker Cliffs viewpoint (around miles 8–9), and then at the one turn of the hike. I'll remain at the trailhead until everyone has finished the hike. I've been on several group hikes where dogs created delays because of frequent water breaks and other issues. For that reason, this will be a no-dogs hike. This is a point-to-point hike. We'll meet at the Tinker Creek's Andy Layne Trailhead and shuttle to the McAfee Knob trailhead. I'm based in Chapel Hill and will be driving from there. About a week before the hike, I'll help coordinate carpools for anyone traveling from Greensboro (Carolina's Diner) or Winston-Salem (Tractor Supply). If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Required Gear: Snacks, lunch, water, poles optional, AllTrails Hike downloaded to phone.
Max Participants: 15