:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-mcafee-knob-virginia-VAHIKE4FALL0924-148c045a107745c5bc9ceb019bf71351.jpg "This Virginia Hiking Trail Has Epic Fall Foliage Views")
- The Virginia Triple Crown, located in the Blue Ridge region of Virginia, is a popular hiking trail that spans nearly 35 miles and links three key points of interest.
- Most hikers head to McAfee Knob, a rock outcrop that is a favorite photo stop along the Appalachian Trail, so it’s often crowded.
- Hikers can complete the entire trail over the course of three days, spend nights camping in the wilderness, or take day hikes to different viewpoints.
Fall destinations like Vermont and New Hampshire are very famous, but Virginia Blue Ridge, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has its fair share of fall bragging rights. Most visitors are content to drive the tree-lined Blue Ridge Parkway, aptly nicknamed “America’s Favorite Road,” but if you really want to soak in the fall colors, lace up your hiking boots and head for the mountains.
Virginia’s Triple Crown is a hiking trail that takes hikers to three of the state’s most impressive natural sites. It is particularly beautiful in the fall when the leaves begin to turn shades of yellow, orange and red. The Triple Crown can be done in one go, over the course of a multi-day backpacking trip, or you can hike all three segments separately.
The Complete Virginia Triple Crown Circuit
He Complete Triple Crown hike It’s a 34.8-mile loop that takes most hikers three days to complete, with two nights of camping. It is best done counterclockwise and begins and ends at VA Route 311, also known as the McAfee Knob Trailhead.
The first big spot for hikers is McAfee Knob, which juts out over the valley (much like Pride Rock in “The Lion King”) and is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail for its expansive views of the valley. The next big stop is the Tinker Cliffs, which overlook the Catawba Valley. The third and final major sight is the Dragon’s Tooth, a jutting tooth-shaped rock formation that is impossible to miss. The best part? You can partially climb the 35-foot spire.
If you want to complete the Virginia Triple Crown, bring enough food and water for at least three full days in the woods, plus safety and hiking gear. There are water sources, but depending on the season they can be dry. There are some shelters available along the route, but come prepared for wilderness camping. Camping is only allowed in designated campsites or shelters, so plan the day’s destination in advance.
Walk a segment of the circuit
If backpacking for three days and two nights is too much, you can get your fall foliage fix by hiking just one of the three segments.
McAfee Knob is one of the most recognizable points on the Appalachian Trail. Reaching the iconic rock outcrop requires a 7.5 mile walk. You can expect the route to be busy with both backpackers and Appalachian Trail day hikers.
The Tinker Cliffs are the most overlooked sites of the three, meaning this segment of the loop is usually a little quieter than the other two hikes. To hike to Tinker Cliffs, follow the Andy Layne Trail on Catawba Road. The round trip route is 7.6 miles total with significant unevenness. The cliffs themselves are impressive: they are made of Tuscarora quartzite and offer views of Catawba Mountain and McAfee Knob.
The Dragon’s Tooth is the most difficult of the three segments. it’s just 4.6 miles in total (2.3 miles each way), but includes a steep climb to “the Tooth” via rock steps and some bouldering. Iron bars are drilled into the rock walls to aid in climbing.
Parking
Parking is available at all three trailheads, but McAfee Knob can get busy, especially in the fall. Parking along the road and outside of designated parking areas can result in being towed, so don’t take any chances. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from March to November, the McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle Service offers service from different pickup points in the Salem area to McAfee Knob Trailhead and Dragon’s Tooth Trailhead. The fare is $11 round trip or $6 one way.
